Forget Paris. Forget Rome. The most romantic cities in Europe are neither big cities nor particularly well-known. Here are 5 hot tips for a long weekend in the sign of love!
1. Annecy, France
Annecy offers the ultimate romantic weekend trip, just an hour's drive from Geneva and Chamonix. Snow-capped mountains are reflected in the lake and along the canals there are plenty of cafes and restaurants. Take the opportunity to go here during October, when the autumn colors and the Alps are at their most beautiful.
2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is conveniently located along the famous "Romantische strasse" road, which is lined with beautiful little pastel-colored villages. The easiest way to get here is by car from Frankfurt or Munich. Avoid July and August – during the summer months busloads of German and Asian tourists pour in and fill up hotels and restaurants.
3. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a charming Paris in miniature, perched on a cliff between Belgium, Germany and France. Here in this clean and well-maintained city there are a plethora of Michelin restaurants and several 5-star hotels. If you haven't discovered this gem yet, now is the time! Fly Luxair directly from Arlanda, or fly to Frankfurt/Paris/Brussels and hire a car for the 20-30 miles.
4. Colmar, France
One of France's absolute most popular destinations is sugar-sweet Colmar. Colorful half-timbered houses meet you along the canals and there are several Michelin restaurants - which are also reasonably priced! Enjoy the fantastic white wines of the Alsace region and stay at one of the small bed & breakfast hotels in the center. The cheapest/easiest way to get here is by flight to Zurich and then 1,5 hours by car.
5. Hallstatt, Austria
This beautiful little car-free town, surrounded by mountains and a beautiful lake, is filled with small alleys and cozy restaurants. Everything is here for an active weekend - hike in the mountains, go boating on the lake (or pedal around in a white swan boat) or explore the area's salt mines. A real little gem, also at a day's distance by train from Salzburg! Can it get any better than this?
Which is your most romantic city in Europe?
Glad you like Luxembourg :) We have lived here for almost two years now and are enjoying ourselves as much as possible!
Luxembourg is a really beautiful little gem and with so many nice restaurants! I understand that you enjoy yourself, really being in the middle of Europe!