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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.

Genoa is a beautiful surprise, rugged and rebellious. This port city is passed through way too quickly! I was charmed by its old town, so well hidden behind its barrier of highways. You have to take the time to explore its narrow streets lined with dilapidated palaces (some are being restored). I totally fell in love with Via Garibaldi and its majestic palaces.

Florence is a draw, but it suffers from that popularity. It is basically a real museum city (though a little less so than Venice). That said, it is true that the Tuscan city has undeniable assets. The timeless beauty of the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo speaks for itself. The richness of the museums and the romantic Boboli Gardens also contribute to the appeal of this city that leaves no one indifferent. Get out of the busy neighborhoods to find the soul of this great city.

A beautiful little town set on the edge of its lake, Como is worth a stop. What I liked best was its beautiful cathedral. I took some time to admire its remarkable facade and its unique dome. Another must-see is the funicular, which offers a great experience and an original way to travel, with a stunning view of the lake as a bonus.

Bologna is a great city full of charm, and I really enjoyed its rich cultural side. For lovers of historical architecture, head to the monumental center, which is famous for its remarkable Neptune Fountain. Plus, the Red City is a foodie's dream! Between the great restaurants, the markets, and the specialty shops, you won't know where to look first!

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 really liked this city of art and history that is off the beaten path! Ferrara offers a historic city center where you can bike around, which is a must! I especially loved the Castello Estense, a real fortress with its towers and red brick arches. A major plus for the city is that the absence of cars allows for a peaceful visit, and on top of that, the city has some great places to eat, as is often the case in Italy!

For me, Milan is an economic and international metropolis. This might appeal to fans of shopping and urban vibes. I am going to pass, even though you have to give it credit for its assets like its fashion boutiques, the remarkable architecture of the Duomo, and the beautiful Vittorio Emanuele gallery. Furthermore, culture is definitely present between its museums and the famous La Scala theater. I find that there are much more endearing cities in Italy.

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...

Rome is a city of superlatives, where everything is just "more." Its incredibly rich history, remarkable food, and generous sun. You really need to set aside enough time to appreciate its incredible depth. Honestly, the must-see sights are way too crowded for my taste. My advice is to prioritize the morning or the evening if you want to visit the Trevi Fountain or Piazza Navona. Finally, avoid the summer, as it is just too hot and exhausting with all the crowds.

This little typical village with its medieval charm is the perfect base for a nature getaway in the heart of the Cévennes. I really like that you can find all the services you need to organize your stay here. It has a real village vibe with its bars, terraces, and small shops. Plus, you can head out on foot directly onto the hiking trails! After that, you just have to choose between the Causses or deep forests.

Montpellier is clearly the "big" city I prefer in the south of France. I understand why it is so dynamic. In addition to enjoying a sunny climate, Montpellier is beautiful, cultural, modern, and offers quick access to the sea (direct bike paths). Special mention for the old town, the historic heart located at the center of the largest pedestrian area in Europe!

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.

I love this beautiful, wild region, which is thankfully protected by its national park status (the largest in metropolitan France)! The variety of the vegetation, the terrain, and the climate makes it a real playground for adventures! As a fan of hiking and photography, I am a huge fan. My favorite part is the Causse Méjean, with its cliffs and many vultures soaring overhead!

Vézelay is a small village famous for its remarkable religious heritage. The site perched on a hill, the old houses, and the ramparts add extra charm. But it is the imposing Sainte-Marie Madeleine Basilica that catches everyone's eye. Plus, there are a few spots to grab a good meal, so it is definitely a recommended stop!

I love this mountain range, which deserves multiple visits to get the chance to admire it in the sun. The atmosphere of its vast, deep forests is perfect for stressed-out city dwellers. Whether hiking or biking, I discovered the wild environment of the Morvan, a rugged and endearing land. I really like the setting of Lac des Settons, surrounded by larches and fir trees, it is a perfect spot for a welcome moment of rest.

If you are visiting Dijon like I am, do not miss the chance to discover this museum. It was renovated not long ago, and it really highlights an inestimable collection. The variety of works on display is remarkable, spanning everything from Antiquity to the 20th century. You will be blown away by such a concentration of art, so plan for some time! As a bonus, this museum (like all the other museums in Dijon) is free. You only pay to access the temporary exhibitions.

Dijon offers a compact city center that makes for an easy urban hike, and the sights are everywhere. For my part, I fell in love with the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne. It is a true testament to the grandeur of the city and an absolute must-see. You can discover the superb Museum of Fine Arts there. All around, the shopping streets invite you to stroll and make some culinary discoveries!

Located in the heart of the famous Burgundy vineyards, Beaune is a town dedicated to epicureans! I loved the shops and the market, which are perfect for tasting (and bringing back) great local products. To make things even better, this city of Art is home to the famous Hospices, an architectural jewel with a remarkable history. As a bonus, the Route du vignoble de la Côte starts right from Beaune...