"If I were French, I'd keep Nantes a secret too", says my husband on the last day of our trip. I know exactly what he means. As major European cities get busier, overcrowded and more expensive, and with complaints from residents about 'over-tourism', smaller cities like Nantes are still a pleasure to explore, and you'll receive a warm welcome wherever you go.

It's our first evening on Île de Ré. We're perched on a wall on the promenade and everything is still and peaceful. Boats are bobbing gently and there's barely a ripple on the water but in contrast, the sky is dramatic and awash with colour, moving from bursts of orange, pink and purple to the most calming shades of blue before darkness set in. It's heart-stoppingly beautiful.

La Rochelle has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday: a seaside location, a picturesque old town and port, and any number of fantastic bars and restaurants to while away the hours. It's neat and compact, with all key sights of interest within walking distance. It's a dream of a city, an absurdly beautiful maze of narrow streets lined in pristine white limestone buildings with tasteful pastel shutters. There's a good reason why they call it the Ville Blanche.

The Wild Atlantic Way at its ruggedly beautiful best: totally unspoiled with epic scenery with crystal-clear water, soft white sand beaches & a haven of biodiversity.

It's fair to describe Farmleigh House and Gardens as one of Dublin's best kept secrets with acres of parkland and beautiful gardens. You'll also find a fabulous art gallery, a sculpture trail, a lakeside walk and a restaurant, not to mention fields of horses, donkeys, cows and the occasional alpaca.

The Côte Bleue or Blue Coast, so named after the iridescent colour of the water, is dotted with small ports, beaches and secluded inlets, and the coastline is rugged, craggy and wildly beautiful.