Top 20 must-see places to visit in Europe2026 ranking

The Abruzzo National Park is famous for housing a variety of wildlife in the heart of untouched landscapes. I loved hiking on the tracks of bears and wolves! I have to admit that they are well hidden, and to maximize your chances of spotting them, it is always better to be accompanied by a local guide. Among my favorite discoveries, I was really blown away by the hikes to Lake Vivo and Val di Rose.

This protected area is worth the trip, especially if you love nature and animals. In that case, head toward the beautiful Val Facina trail. I loved getting lost on the wilder routes where I was lucky enough to see chamois and marmots in abundance! Even in the middle of summer, you can find spots away from the crowds...

Lake Como is a must-see among the Italian lakes! Among all the beauties that catch the eye, I especially appreciated the variety of landscapes between the walls plunging into the lake, the semi-tropical vegetation, and the unreal blue-green of the water. Here, the charming villages seem to be placed as if by magic in this movie-like setting. It is a traveler's dream not far from France!

I visited the memorial twice, once as a child and again as an adult. It is very informative, packed with details and historical testimonials, and you learn a lot about the history of the Berlin Wall. I especially appreciated the museum's invitation to reflect on the nature of democracy, the concept of freedom, and the necessity of popular revolt. And I must say that what really struck me were the stories of the escapes, and the people who made it out: hidden in suitcases, under a car hood, inside a surfboard. A small downside though: the rooms have a lot of text to read, with lighting and typography that is not necessarily very comfortable for everyone. Perhaps the visit could be adapted fo…

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It is impossible to miss the Louvre when you visit Paris. This museum is huge, and one of the most visited in the world, and the collections it presents speak for themselves. It is impossible to see it all in one go! For any fan of art, history, or Egyptian antiquities, its halls are an endless source of wonder, discoveries, and walks that feel out of time and out of this world. You will come for the Mona Lisa, and you will come back for a thousand more discoveries!

As a local from Rennes, I can only recommend Place des Lices. You have to check it out on Saturday morning for the food market, which is not only the biggest in Rennes, but also one of the largest in France. You can spend a great time there, wandering between the stands of fruits, vegetables, produce, international food, and all kinds of small-scale farmers. It is also a must-do in the evening, not far from the famous rue de la Soif and its (very) many bars that promise a good time!

Fontenay Abbey is the oldest French monument listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site! I understood why when I learned the construction date: 1118! It is quite something to still be able to admire this monastery nestled in the middle of nature. That is what I liked best here, the forest right at the edge of the site, you can head directly out onto the hiking trails from the abbey...

While passing through the area, we took an afternoon to explore the region, and more specifically the Carnac Stones. Upon arriving at the site, we quickly realized that a guided tour was a must. Without one, it is impossible to get close to the stones, feel the atmosphere of the place, or realize the massive task it took to create this site. There was plenty of space since we were not there in high season, but I recommend booking in advance during peak season and bringing a small bottle of water when it is hot out.

Built on a hill, the Saint-Pierre Cathedral of Vannes dominates the city. Like many cathedrals, it has suffered in the past. Sometimes destroyed, sometimes left to its own devices, numerous restorations have allowed it to weather the tests of time one after another. And you can see that during your visit. We were able to observe a mix of architectural and decorative styles, a sign of a long evolution over time. Do not miss the Saint-Sacrement rotunda chapel, a side chapel in the shape of a rotunda in the Italian Renaissance style, which is apparently very rare in Brittany. After the visit, the cathedral is a perfect starting point for discovering the old town of Vannes.

This Cevennes summit is a must in the region! Come hiking, biking, or by car, but take the time to stop there, especially in good weather. Then you will benefit (as I was lucky enough to do) from an immense view over the south of the country. They say you can see the sea, but I didn't have that luck... But what a grandiose setting: a perfect destination for athletes, nature lovers, or families out for a walk.