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18/04/2016 Picturesque Towns in Europe: Your Favorite? | Europe Forum | Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

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Picturesque Towns in Europe: Your Favorite?Posted by: Katie_H (http://www.fodors.com/community/prof ile/katie_h/)

on Aug 7, 09 at 6:44am

Posted in: Europe (http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)

Jump to last reply (#last-comment)

I was in the process of sending a good friend a copy of our Essential Europe guide (she'll be living in Spain for a

year but plans to travel around a good deal) when I stumbled upon a section early in the guide that lists some of our

editors' favorite "picturesque" towns. We have nominated the following:

Brugge, Belgium

Èze, France

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, German y

Bath, Great Britain

Mykonos Town, Greece

Lucca, Italy

Delft, Netherlands

Sintra, Portugal

Mürren, Switzerland

Just curious--

1. How many of these have you been to?

2. Would you agree that they're particularly "picturesque"?

3. What is woefully missing from this list do you think?

Of these, I've only been to Bath. From my own experience, I know I'd add either Calvi or Ajaccio i n Corsica.

Just a fun question for a Thursday afternoon---

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Pegontheroad (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/pegontheroad/)on Aug 7, 09 at 6:52am(#comment-5855235)

I've been to Rotenburg, Bath, and Sintra. Maybe Mykonos--long time ago.

My favorites are Meersburg and Bamberg, Germany. Also a little town near Freiburg called Staufen. York, England

was nice too.

I'm especially partial to German y. I'm about to go to Quedlinburg, which has been designated a world heritage city.

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yk (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/yk/)on Aug 7, 09 at 6:59am (#comment-5855244)

Hi Katie,

I've been to

Brugge, Belgium

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany

Bath, Great Britain

Delft, Netherlands

I agree with Brugge & Delft. R od T is way too touristy for me; and Bath is too big.

I also like Bamberg, and while I know Nürnberg is a city, its old town center is very pretty and not too touristy.


maitaitom (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/maitaitom/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:01am (#comment-5855254)

One that was missed that comes to mind right away is:

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic


Palenque (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/palenque/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:02am (#comment-5855256)

Been to them all

and except for Eze and Murren agree the rest are very cute

Murren itself is not cute but is in a stunning location - ditto for Eze, which also is terribly overrun with tourists so

its alleged beauty could not be appreciated anyway. Many would argue that whatever makes Murren so picturesque

then Wengen has more of it and to me Grindelwald is just as mesmerizing.

Lucerne, Siena, York, Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Amsterdam would all be on my list

any such list IMO must start with Venice - to me the most beautiful city in the world


StCirq (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/stcirq/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:03am (#comment-5855260)

I've been to all of them except Sintra.

I wouldn't have either Bath or R od T on the list.

I would add Sarlat. In general, though, I'm partial to smaller towns than any on the list.

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traveller1959 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/traveller1959/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:04am(#comment-5855265)

In Germany:

Quedlinburg

Wernigerode

Freudenberg

Hannoversch Münden

Fulda

Alsfeld

Celle

..there are many more.


grandmere (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/grandmere/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:06am (#comment-5855271)

Annecy

Rothenburg--many years ago

Collioure

Lucca

Honfleur

Les Baux de Provence

Moustiers-Ste-Marie


bobthenavigator (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bobthenavigator/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:07am(#comment-5855275)

Good question Katie !

I have been to 6 of your favorites, but much preferred Santorini to Mykonos. Here are ones I would add:

Marvao, Portugal

Ronda, Spain

Hallstatt, Austria

Orta San Guilio, Italy

Portovenere, Italy

Piran, Slovenia

Kotor, Montenegro

Noto, Sicily



Here's a few more of my favorites:

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Hallstatt. Austria

Bernkastel-Kues, Germany

Vernazza, Italy

Riquewihr, France

Honfleur, France

Pitigliano, Italy



Last ones (for now)

Rovinj, Croatia

Ljubljana, Slovenia


kmkrnn (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/kmkrnn/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:12am (#comment-5855292)

Kathie...Bob and I have been to all but Mykonos and Murren. We would add Clovlley England,Praugue and a small

town just to the south of it called Cesky Krumlov. There are so many wounderful towns and NOT enough time to

see them all.Report Abuse (http://www.fodors.com/report.html)

traveller1959 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/traveller1959/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:14am(#comment-5855297)

In France:

Eguisheim

Riquewihr

Sarlat

Carcassonne

Aigues-Mortes

St. Thegonnec

...

In Spain:

Avila

Cadaques

Vejer de la Frontera

Carmona

ElciegoSantillana del Mar

Lierganes

...

In UK:

Chipping Campden

Culross

Clovelly

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Mortehoe

Salisbury

...

Katie, I am afraid, your question is typical "American" and it is senseless. There are hundred of quaint town in

Europe which are EQUALLY picturesque, yet different in style.

Please, please, please do not join the notorious question "Which is the best?" This question is as completely

nonsense as rankings. Which is the best novel ever written? Which is the best piece of music ever composed?

Nobody can answer such questions.

Come to Europe and enjoy. Explore the regions which are ignored by guidebooks. You will be surprised.


TDudette (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/tdudette/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:15am (#comment-

5855303)DH and I have been to Brugge, Eze, Bath, Mykonos and Lucca. All were day trips from a home base in another city.

Don't know if 'picturesque' is a word I'd use though. One thinks of small villages, eh? Some of the canalled areas in

Brugge were. Mykonos so dramatic from the sea.

I'd put Arles, France at the top of those listed above.

Friend of mine said Collioure (spelling?) and Honfleur are picturesque. I found Roussillon and Gordes to be both

dramatic and picturesque.

Excuse me while I go look up that word!


adrienne (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/adrienne/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:16am (#comment-5855306)

Been to Brugge, Eze, and Bath although the latter two were a long time ago. I think they're very touristy now. I love

Brugge.

What's missing? Some places I can think of right away are Orta San Guilio, Italy and Tourettes-sur-Loup, St-Remy,

and Aix-en-Provence, France. Although there are dozens of small towns in Italy and France that are charming and

picturesque.


Byrd (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/byrd/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:16am (#comment-5855308)

I've been ro Brugge, Eze, Lucca, and Delft, and agree with their being on the list.

I'd add Orvieto and Verona.

Byrd



Toledo, Spain would also top my list


USNR (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/usnr/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:46am (#comment-5855369)

I've visited all of them and agree they are very picturesque.

Might add Bad Grund in the Harz, Montecatini Terme in Tuscany, Dinkelbuhl on the Romantic Road. There's a

little place called Conques somewhere in the Dordogne that time forgot.


Katie_H (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/katie_h/)

on Aug 7, 09 at 7:48am (#comment-5855381)

Ooh these are good---traveller1959; I understand what you are saying, but I mean this in a completely fun

"vicarious" way. I don't have a trip planned concretely for Europe right now but I certainly like thinking about all

the places I've yet to have explored (and discovering new ones). I'm intrigued by the mentions of Germany for

instance because I've never been.

Plus, as the saying goes, one man's treasure is another man's junk. I know I've posted about this before but I find

the town of Glastonbury in England to be completely 'picturesque' partly due to its close proximity to the Tor. I had

a friend visit me while I was living there and she described it as "rough around the edges"; I completely didn't see

that! So it's interesting to see what places someone considers beautiful.

This is just one prism...I will share these Spain recommendations with my friend!

Hope others chime in too..


TPAYT (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/tpayt/) on Aug 7, 09 at 8:14am (#comment-5855458)

We,ve been to Eze (several times-great views) and Murren. Loved both.

We also thought these we're picturesque:

Villefranche-sur-mer

Tourettes-sur-Loup

Amboise

Portofino

Bellagio

Varenna

You've got me thinking now!


padams421 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/padams421/)on Aug 7, 09 at 8:25am (#comment-5855479)

Been to Rothenburg and Murren. I agree that Murren should be noted for its beautiful location, not the actual

village itself.

I would add Bergen, Norway to the list.


Aduchamp1 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/aduchamp1/)on Aug 7, 09 at 8:41am(#comment-5855513)

In Spain

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Cuenca

Ronda

Avila used to be on the list until the development outside the walls

In Italy

Cefalu

Siena



Traveller1959

Katie simplu asked for picturesque towns. She did not qualify them as to what constitutes quaint and did not use

the word "best."

Many of the posters, as evidenced by their responses, are experienced travelers who, of course, will have thier own

opinions as what is picturesesque.


bookchick (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bookchick/)on Aug 7, 09 at 8:52am (#comment-5855549)

I've been to Èze and to Lucca. I agree that the former is over-run with tourists and the latter was "okay".

I'd add to Italy's most picturesque Orta and Baveno. The former wasn't bombed during WWII so was not "re-built"

and the latter is on Lago Maggiore but not over-run with tourists the way Stresa is. Bomarzo (south of Florence,

north of Rome) also has its charms.

BC


Bert4545 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bert4545/)on Aug 7, 09 at 8:53am (#comment-5855551)

I agree completely with Palenque that Venice is the most beautiful city in the world. How can we say that when

neither of us has seen every other city in the world? Just go there and you will know.

However, that was not the question. Katie was essentially asking if you think that the places mentioned are

'picturesque' and what other places do you think are 'picturesque'. To my way of thinking, for a place to be

'picturesque', it must be small enough to fit i nto a picture - that much-derided art-form: the chocolate-box. Now

Venice does not fit onto a chocolate-box. There are some very picturesque places in Venice, but there are some parts

that are less than pretty. So I would suggest any of the Pueblos Blancos of Andalusia - Gaucin, Atajate, Benadalid,

Algatocin, etc. similarly, many villages in Italy - San Gimignano for instance, why has no one mentioned that? Siena

is good, too.



Sorry I omitted one in Spain

Santiago de Compsostela during the summer when the streets are filled pilgrims from the Camino.


AJMelheim (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/ajmelheim/)on Aug 7, 09 at 9:11am (#comment-5855584)

When I saw the title of this post, I immediately thought of Lucca, Italy. DH and I loved biking the walls.

Add: Segovia, SpainReport Abuse (http://www.fodors.com/report.html)

BigRuss (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bigruss/)on Aug 7, 09 at 9:14am (#comment-5855590)

Oia, Santorini, Greece.

Amboise, France.


zoecat (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/zoecat/)on Aug 7, 09 at 10:24am (#comment-5855715)

Pitigliano, Italy is very pituresque. It took my breath away the first time I viewed it from a distance. Sorano, Italy

and Todi, Italy, also. I always take tons of pictures when visiting these towns.

I thought Lourmarin, France was also very picturesque.

From your list, I've only been to Lucca. I like it, but feel it is not stunning/charming enough to be on the list.

I saw the movie In Bruges (great, by the way) and thought Bruges looked very picturesque. But, I somehow don't

think that counts. I'll have to plan a trip to Bruges.


blh (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/blh/) on Aug 7, 09 at 11:08am (#comment-5855804)

Have been to the first three - Brugge, Eze, and Rothenburg and agree they are certainly picturesque.

There are so many picturesque villages in France that it's hard to know which to name. They are picturesque in

different ways - some from a distance - others from the center. Here's just a few:

Vezelay - Burgundy

Equisheim - Alsace

St Paul de Vence, Lourmarin, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes - Provence

Dinan- Brittany

Honfleur - Normandy

Sarlat, La Roque-Gageac - Dordogne

St Cirq Lapopie - Lot

I would also add many of Italian hilltowns -

Orvieto, Siena, Spello

also, the Cinque Terre villages.

Because we always go in off season, many of the villages that are overrun with tourists in the summer, are almost

empty in the fall. They are more "picturesque" when you can see the village itself instead of throngs of tourists!


zeppole (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/zeppole/)on Aug 7, 09 at 11:39am (#comment-5855852)

I cannot believe that anyone ever went to Burano in the Venetian lagoon and failed to take a picture.

But what makes for a great picture i s in the eye of the picture-taker for sure. Has anyone every called Genoa

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picturesque, and yet:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14448041@N04/2545231492/in/photostream/

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/14448041@N04/2545231492/in/photostream/)

http://viatraveldesign.com/journal/archives/Staglieno_PorticatoSuperiore_37web.JPG

(http://viatraveldesign.com/journal/archives/Staglieno_PorticatoSuperiore_37web.JPG)

http://blog.cleveland.com/travel/2008/03/genoa_statue.jpg

(http://blog.cleveland.com/travel/2008/03/genoa_statue.jpg)

http://blog.red-bean.com/sussman/images/genova-closed.jpg (http://blog.red-

bean.com/sussman/images/genova-closed.jpg)


Sassafrass (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/sassafrass/)on Aug 7, 09 at 11:43am (#comment-5855862)

I've been to only a few. I think Bruges is picturesque, as is parts of Bath, Delft & Rothenburg.

Some of my favorites:

Toledo & Segovia, Spain;

Positano, Siena, Assisi, Venice & Burano, Italy;

Garmisch & Berteschgarten, Germany


kybourbon (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/kybourbon/)on Aug 7, 09 at 11:45am (#comment-5855863)

1. Several

2. No

3. Delphi, Greece

Pienza, Montalcino, Orvieto and numerous hill towns in Italy

Some on you list would be on my "not to visit" list.


bettyk (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bettyk/)on Aug 7, 09 at 12:31pm (#comment-5855964)

I've only been to Bath, Rothenburg and Mürren. While the Roman Baths were interesting, I don't consider Bath to

be picturesque. Ditto with Murren. It is the location which is breathtaking, not the town.

We're partial to small towns in Germany and have found the following to be especially worthwhile:

Bad Wimpfen

Gengenbach

Dettelbach

Iphofen

Miltenberg

Bernkastel-Kues

Meersburg

Lindau

Hopefully, in September we will be visiting a couple of places that others have mentioned:

Quedlinburg

Wernigerode

Hannoversch Münden

Alsfeld

Austria: Hallstatt

Switzerland: Stein am Rhein

UK: Chipping Campden


latedaytraveler (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/latedaytraveler/)on Aug 7, 09 at 12:38pm(#comment-5855984)

Katie, been to several. Would add:

Gruyere Switzerland

Ronda, Spain


Attnymom (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/attnymom/)on Aug 7, 09 at 1:55pm (#comment-5856104)

Of the places you listed, I've been to Brugge and Rothenburg and agree that they are extremely picturesque. I would

definitely add Honfleur, France to the list. I think Salzburg is also lovely.Report Abuse (http://www.fodors.com/report.html)

Cries_Van_Notebook (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/cries_van_notebook/)on Aug 7, 09 at

2:06pm (#comment-5856128)

I think everyone if Fodorville knows that I love Sintra, Portugal.

I have been to Bath, Sintra, Eze, and Mykonos.

I would add Segovia, Spain and Cesky Krumlov to your list.

Thin


leuk2 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/leuk2/)on Aug 7, 09 at 2:20pm (#comment-5856155)

How about Brantome, just outside the Dordogne


cathies (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/cathies/)on Aug 7, 09 at 6:12pm (#comment-5856313)

Delphi, Greece

Boughton-on-the Water, Cotswolds

Albas, The Lot, FranceBurano, Italy

San Gimignano, Italy

The countryside

All of the Cinque Terra towns


hetismij (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/hetismij/)on Aug 7, 09 at 6:52pm (#comment-5856323)

Naarden, Blokzijl, Giethoorn, Harlingen, Franeker, Muiden, Baambrugge, Heusden, Dokkum, Sneek, Hindelopen,

http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/hetismij/http://www.fodors.com/report.htmlhttp://www.fodors.com/community/profile/cathies/http://www.fodors.com/report.htmlhttp://www.fodors.com/community/profile/leuk2/http://www.fodors.com/report.htmlhttp://www.fodors.com/community/profile/cries_van_notebook/http://www.fodors.com/report.htmlhttp://www.fodors.com/community/profile/attnymom/http://www.fodors.com/report.htmlhttp://www.fodors.com/community/profile/latedaytraveler/http://www.fodors.com/report.htmlhttp://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bettyk/http://www.fodors.com/report.htmlhttp://www.fodors.com/community/profile/kybourbon/http://www.fodors.com/report.htmlhttp://www.fodors.com/community/profile/sassafrass/http://www.fodors.com/report.htmlhttp://blog.red-bean.com/sussman/images/genova-closed.jpghttp://blog.cleveland.com/travel/2008/03/genoa_statue.jpghttp://viatraveldesign.com/journal/archives/Staglieno_PorticatoSuperiore_37web.JPGhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/14448041@N04/2545231492/in/photostream/


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Vlieland village, West Terschelling, Deventer, Zwaartsluis, Spakenburg, Zierikzee, Middelburg, Maastricht, Gulpen,

Elburg, to name but a few in the Netherlands.


TDudette (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/tdudette/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:24pm (#comment-5856341)

Well, I mixed up Mykonos with Santorini-that was the dramatic one. The windmills and the harbor at Mykonos

were very picturesque.

And TPAYT, how could one leave out the lake towns in Italy?! So beautiful.

ps-1959, your "senseless, typically American" comments were unnecessary and unkind IMHO.


mike1728 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/mike1728/)on Aug 7, 09 at 7:48pm (#comment-5856353)

Traveller 1959... Relax..............it's about generating conversation about Europe which is always a good thing. On a

post like this people will hear about different towns throughout Europe and in turn further research the areas via

books and the internet and possibly plan trips around what they have learned...."typically American"??. ..Go

Yanks!!

Mikek


bookchick (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bookchick/)on Aug 7, 09 at 8:30pm (#comment-5856377)

I find San G quite clogged with tourists, too. It's great to find lovely little towns, but when you can barely walk down

the streets due to the congestion, it's kind of off-putting, IMO.

BC


Katie_H (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/katie_h/)

on Aug 8, 09 at 12:20am (#comment-5856689)

Wooh--happy Friday. Nice to come in to see so many responses. I'm finding myself googling half of these to see

what they look like (and where in the world they are). USNR, your comment about Conques, France, "the town that

time forgot" intrigued me. I found the following on Flickr. I would LOVE to spend a few days just taking photos.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22260323@N08/2369007273/

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/22260323@N08/2369007273/)

Zeppole---that first flickr photo you posted with the mannequin is cool looking.

I agree that "picturesque" in my mind usually means "smaller".



Well yes by 'picturesque' i would place about 50 Italian towns above any town in places like Germany, the U.K. and

just about anyplace north of the Alps. Only southern France seems to have widely preserved the medieval look in

many of its smaller towns as well as places like the Greek Islands.

Indeed if looking romantically untouched and old is the criteria then i'd say Clovelly may be the prettiest town in

England.


bettyk (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bettyk/)on Aug 8, 09 at 3:40am (#comment-5857189)

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1354763582011574650JljlPY

(http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1354763582011574650JljlPY)

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1354805786011574650EfkKBF

(http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1354805786011574650EfkKBF)



Brussels anyone?


rowdytxgirl (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/rowdytxgirl/)on Aug 8, 09 at 5:25am(#comment-5857456)

I haven't been to any you have mentioned. All my big trips have been to Germany.

I love Oberammergau (in the fall and winter) and

Mittenwald for the sheer beauty of the mountains.

Both can be pretty touristy but the countryside is very nice!


annabelle2 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/annabelle2/)on Aug 8, 09 at 5:47am (#comment-5857514)

I have been to some of the listed places:

Bath

Delft

R on the T

Sintra (stayed there three times and really love it)

Eze

I like many of the additions, especially Cuenca, Ronda, Vernazza & Corniglia, St Paul de Vence; agree that when I

start thinking of "picturesque" places, numerous Italian hill towns, Swiss villages, & French small towns start

tumbling through my mind!

Other worthy places listed like Venice and Santiago de Compostela are cities, not towns, i n my book, however.

Three more that spring to mind are:

Mutters in the Austrian Tyrol

Obidos in Portugal

Bibury in England


cathies (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/cathies/)on Aug 8, 09 at 7:26am (#comment-5857761)

Hi Katie, we renamed Albas in The Lot "Brigadoon" in honour of the Gene Kelly movie - the town only reappears

once every 250 years or so. Albas is gorgeous, but murder to find! We were verging on the divorce courts by the

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7/21



time we got to our gite!! But it's so pretty it was worth the trouble.

Thanks for starting this thread, it's great fun.


screen_name_taken (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/screen_name_taken/)on Aug 13, 09 at

1:42pm (#comment-5869506)

If one has ever been to Pedraza and/or Consuegra (Spain), they would both be the list.


brando (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/brando/)on Aug 13, 09 at 2:10pm (#comment-5869545)

I agree with op about Sintra and Vernazza as a later poster mentioned.

Anywhere on the trails of CT are great, or a morning sun rise in Florence, walking the st's of rome and catching a

glimpse of the colleseum or the st. peters, a sunset in asissi, etc etc.

Report Abuse (http://www.fodors.com/report.html)littlejane (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/littlejane/)on Aug 13, 09 at 5:41pm (#comment-5869683)

Been to:

Eze (would definitely agree)

Bath (no, wouldn't call it picturesque although I loved it)

Sintra - yes, maybe

Lucca - no, not my idea of Picturesque. Think some of the other tuscan hill towns have better vistas and look better

for photos (another poster mentioned san gimignano, I'd substitute this for Lucca)

Mykonos - didn't understand this one at all, while I enjoyed it I thought in terms of beauty it was nothing special.

Oia or Fira on Santorini would get my vote any time.

The big ommission for me is Dubrovnik - breathtakingly beautiful.


reheatedspaghetti (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/reheatedspaghetti/)on Aug 13, 09 at

11:03pm (#comment-5869930)

I would definitely add Hvar, Croatia to the list!


ediemay (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/ediemay/)on Aug 13, 09 at 11:19pm (#comment-5869972)

I believe this thread would be much shorter if we were naming the ugliest and least quaint of the European towns,

especially in France. Hard to recall very many.


tcreath (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/tcreath/)on Aug 13, 09 at 11:34pm (#comment-5869994)

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Hallstatt, Austria

Spello, Italy


tcreath (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/tcreath/)on Aug 13, 09 at 11:38pm (#comment-5870008)

I would also second Maitaitom's Ljubljana recommendation as well.

Tracy


stefarr (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/stefarr/)on Aug 14, 09 at 12:43am (#comment-5870161)

What about my capital city..Valletta? Its harbour is in a league of its own....

I think in this case i t is a question of beauty being in the eye of the beholder..

My all time breath holders,

Pienza in Italy and all the Val D'Orcia

Positano..when not overrun by tourists

Aeolian islands

Cinque Terre

La Morra in Piemonte....

a bit biased I'm afraid, being so close to Italy ...


LJ (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/lj/)on Aug 14, 09 at 12:53am (#comment-5870193)

Been to Bath, Sintra, Delft and Lucca.

Would add Alberobello (Puglia) Italy.


Luisah (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/luisah/)on Aug 14, 09 at 12:57am (#comment-5870208)

I've been to Eze and Lucca and agree with both choices, but would call Lucca charming rather than picturesque.

I would add Roussillon (sp?) and Les Baux in France; Ronda and Mijas in Spain; Santorini in Greece and Eyeries

and Baltimore in Ireland.

I saw several picturesque villages in Switzerland but don't recall the names.


jcreaturetravel (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/jcreaturetravel/)on Aug 14, 09 at 1:07am(#comment-5870240)

I've been to Brugge, Bath, Mykonos and Sintra.

I would add Cadaques, Pals and Girona in Spain; Dubrovnik, Grozjnan and Motovun in Croatia; Evora in the

Alentejo region of Portugal; and Alghero on the island of Sardinia in Italy.

Jeanine

www.jthetravelauthority.com (http://www.jthetravelauthority.com)


flygirl (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/flygirl/)on Aug 14, 09 at 1:27am (#comment-5870300)Late to the game, I see this went to print today!

I've been to the below:

Èze, France

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany

Bath, Great Britain

Sintra, Portugal

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8/21



I'd have suggested Obidos. I enjoyed my brief visit to Sintra, but it didn't have me exclaiming around every corner

like Obidos. It's a gem. I second the mention of Pienza, and Oriveto! Guarda in Switzerland, a perfect view...


CONVERT94 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/convert94/)on Aug 14, 09 at 1:54am(#comment-5870376)

Been to Lucca and Mykonos (latter is terribly overrated, not quaint or charming, too staged). My choice is Capri

town before 10am and after 5pm when the hoards of day-trippers go back to the mainland and leave the place to the

natives and residing tourist.


SAnParis2 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/sanparis2/)on Aug 14, 09 at 3:35am (#comment-5870662)

I've also been to 3 Brugge, Delft & Rothenburg - The first one that came to my mind is also Cesky Krumlov, others -

Melk, Austria, Maastricht, Netherlands & Namur, Belgium.


Marlin1 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/marlin1/)on Aug 14, 09 at 3:40am (#comment-5870682)

I have been to Eze, Brugge, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Mykonos, Lucca and would add Celle, Quedlinburg,

Germany.

How about doing this survey on the US to help us Europeans to make better choices when going to that country?


saige (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/saige/)on Aug 14, 09 at 3:42am (#comment-5870691)

I've been to Rothenburg, Bath and Sintra.

Of these, Sintra is my pick for most picturesque.

I'd add:

Avila

Santiago de Compestala

Segovia

Prague

York

Edinburgh


clarasong (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/clarasong/)on Aug 14, 09 at 5:15am (#comment-5870972)

I have been to all but two...I would agree with saige above that Sintra is very beautiful. I would also add Northern

Portugal, in particular Viana do Costelo, and Pinhao...incredible. Can post pictures if anyone cares.


bdjtbenson (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bdjtbenson/)on Aug 14, 09 at 5:26am(#comment-5871013)

Salzburg.

Specifically, walking from the town center (opposite side of the river from the fortress) toward the Augustiner

brewery in the evening, crossing one of the bridges and looking back at the lit old center. Absolutely amazing.

Of course you can't have a list without Venice.

Bath, Vernazza, San Gimignano, Cochem and Wurtzburg are also very high on my list.

Of the ones mentioned only Lucca would NOT be on my list. Lucca is okay but not picturesque.


canadian44 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/canadian44/)on Aug 14, 09 at 5:28am(#comment-5871020)

I would add Villefranche-Sur-Mer France and Zermatt in Switzerland.


Hinckley1964 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/hinckley1964/)on Aug 14, 09 at 8:51am(#comment-5871589)

Lucca in Tuscany is the most picturesque place I have ever been, so it definitely belongs on your list. I would add a

town on the Rhine in Germany and a harbor-town unknown to most Americans.

First, Boppard on the Rhine is one of the few Rhine-side towns where the train tracks are inland rather than right

along the Rhine. This allows for a splendid pedestrian promenade on the river. The views are both charming (the

town's architecture) and magnificent [the physical features of the Rhine Valley's topography here, at what many

observers (self included) think of as the Rhineland's most beautiful part].

Second, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, the Channel Islands. [Note to Los Angelenos: I don't mean the Channel Islands off

your coast, I mean the British Crown's dependencies once described by Victor Hugo as "pieces of France that She

carelessly dropped into the ocean, and which were scooped up by Britain."] Guernsey is about 19 miles west of

France's Cotentin Peninsula [WW2 historians are more familiar with the area immediately EAST of the Cotentin

Peninsula, since that's where Omaha, Sword, Juno etc. are located.]. SPP is built on a series of hill-terracessurrounding the most perfectly picturesque harbor that can be imagined. It needs to be on your list. It is almost as

picturesque as Lucca, but in a different way.


Hinckley1964 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/hinckley1964/)on Aug 14, 09 at 8:58am(#comment-5871602)

I need to thank bettyk for reminding me of Lindau, which I visited in 1995. It is VERY picturesque, and for lovers of

lake rather than river scenery is better than Boppard.


hpeabody (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/hpeabody/)on Aug 14, 09 at 9:46am (#comment-5871693)

#1 I have been to 3, Eze, Sintra and Mykonos. #2 Yes, I agree all are picturesque. #3, Burano and the villages of

Cinque Terre were mentioned in responses and I agree those are as well. Perhaps I might add Rousillon or Gourdes,

Cascais/Estoril and the Amalfi Coast


basingstoke2 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/basingstoke2/)on Aug 14, 09 at 10:46am(#comment-5871805)

Echternach in Luxembourg

Horta in the Azores - the painted marina walls and particularly the sidewalks done in stone mosaic are amazing.

Burano - I must have used 1 gig of media taking pictures there

Prague - don't miss the views from the Charles Bridge and Kampa Island


Kitty_Parigi (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/kitty_parigi/)on Aug 14, 09 at 11:55am(#comment-5871978)

Colmar, France; Salamanca, Spain; Taormina, Italy; Galway, Ireland; Regensburg, Germany.

And of course, PRAGUE, the mother of all eyeball candy cities.

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9/21




curlie (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/curlie/)on Aug 14, 09 at 12:13pm (#comment-5872032)

No one has mentioned Interlaken in Switzerland. We rented an apartment here and our balcony looked straight out

at the Jungfrau - this was magnificent when the sun was setting in the evening. This is a central place to stay when

visiting the mountain areas of Murren and Grindlewald (as already mentioned) and wonderful walking. The train

system here is marvellous for visiting all these areas. April/May is a good time to visit - not too many tourists.


Debs (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/debs/)on Aug 14, 09 at 12:28pm (#comment-5872055)

Flamm, Norway; Bled, Slovenia; Marsaxlokk, Malta (actually, just about every city in Malta, including Gozo);

Tallinn, Estonia.

Kitty - 'Prague, the mother of all eyeball candy cities' - LOL!


irishface (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/irishface/)on Aug 15, 09 at 1:43am (#comment-

5873004)I've been to six of Katie's nine. Loved them all. Almost missed Delft. When staying in Haarlem, I took a train there

one Sunday. The train station where I got off was in a part of town that was nondescript modern and there seemed

to be no one around. Bits of paper and fast food containers were blowing around. It was beginning to rain. I almost

got back on the train to return to Haarlem, but in the distance I saw a spire. With that as my "compass" I began

walking and came out on a lovely city square. (It helped that the rain stopped and the sun came out as I approached

the old part of the city.

However, I don't think that I could list which is to me the most picturesque town. I have been in so many

breathtaking places. The wonder of being in a new place always overwhelms me.

Ediemay's comment that this would be a shorter thread were we to list ugly places is so ri ght on target. I can't think

of any truly ugly places I've been. There are a few sort of gritty places, but there was always something of interest to

make it memorable in a good way.

I had to laugh at Cathies' comment about being nearly ready for the divorce court before finding "Brigadoon". One

of the advantages of traveling solo: there is no one to get mad at you when you screw up as driver or navigator. On

the other hand, there is no one with whom to share the joy of finding that perfect place.

Report Abuse (http://www.fodors.com/report.html)Dutch (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/dutch/)on Aug 15, 09 at 2:21am (#comment-5873105)

I didn't see Tallin, Estonia on this thread. I would add that.

Brussels, Pal? HaHaHa.


Kwoo (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/kwoo/)on Aug 15, 09 at 2:42am (#comment-5873148)

I would add Prague, Cesky Krumlov, and Telc!!!


MareW (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/marew/)on Aug 15, 09 at 3:23am (#comment-5873260)

I've only been to four of the ones on your list, Brugge, Delft Rothenburg, and Delft. I loved all of them, but

Mittenwald and Burano would be at the top of my list.


MareW (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/marew/)on Aug 15, 09 at 3:25am (#comment-5873267)

Grrr. Need that edit button. The four I've been to were Brugge, Delft, Rothenburg, and Bath.


dunia123 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/dunia123/)on Aug 15, 09 at 10:40am (#comment-5874456)

Been to Eze (loved it - and it wasn't overrun with tourists in early spring), Mykonos & Bath. All lovely. Loved also

Venasque & Arles. Ahh... Looking forward to adding Oia, Santorini this fall.


giorgioch (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/giorgioch/) on Aug 15, 09 at 6:23pm (#comment-5874902)

I live in Italy and I have been in Lucca, Brugge, Mykonos.

In Tuscany I would replace Lucca (well known as Florence or Pisa) with Volterra and Montepulciano.

In Greece Mykonos is -again- very well known. What about Agia Meteora and Delphi?

As for Brugge, no doubt but if you go there add a trip to Genf. The Castle is simply an enchanted place.


bilboburgler (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bilboburgler/)on Aug 15, 09 at 9:44pm(#comment-5874965)

Brugge, Belgium Yes

Èze, France No

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany Yes

Bath, Great Britain Yes

Mykonos Town, Greece No

Lucca, Italy YesDelft, Netherlands Yes

Sintra, Portugal Yes

Mürren, Switzerland No

Weird list, I wouldn't include Bath, Delft, Sintra.

Where is Auxerre, Bescancon, Oxford, Bilbao, Barcelona, Madrid, Cordoba, Chablis etc


bilboburgler (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/bilboburgler/)on Aug 15, 09 at 9:48pm(#comment-5874970)

You have to also think about time of day

St Gimigiano is great at 10 at night and 8 in the morning but once the buses turn up it is not


Nikki (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/nikki/)on Aug 15, 09 at 10:16pm (#comment-5874988)

Having just returned from the Alentejo region of Portugal, I have to say that there is a very high concentration of

picturesque towns there:

EvoraEstremoz

Evoramonte

Marvao

Castelo de Vide

Monsaraz


lanejohann (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/lanejohann/)on Aug 15, 09 at 10:27pm(#comment-5875001)

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10/21



old town tallinn and cesky krumlov -similar in some regards but very photogenic


SeeDee (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/seedee/)on Aug 17, 09 at 5:20am (#comment-5877165)

Eze deserves its place on the list for the view over Cap Ferrat.

Erice in Sicily runs it close.

Lucca hardly rates as particularly picturesque; would suggest Monteriggioni in its place.

Dubrovnik - because my wife says so.

Mykonos - my wife again.

Bath is special but check out Cheltenham when in the area.

Cambridge is the daddy of university towns.

Venice - no contest


Tdmessick (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/tdmessick/)on Aug 18, 09 at 10:39pm(#comment-5880657)

I've seen them all but Eze, France. Still, the most beautiful sight I have ever experienced is Bled, Slovenia!! A

MUST.


jetsetj (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/jetsetj/)on Aug 18, 09 at 11:09pm (#comment-5880702)

I have been through Eze and Lucca. Both looked nice.

I vote for Venice and CT northern Italy and Nerano in southern Italy.

Aigues Mortes in France


frenchwow (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/frenchwow/)on Aug 19, 09 at 12:07am(#comment-5880806)

Bruges Brussels,Gordes France, everywhere in Tuscany


jessicadebrasouth (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/jessicadebrasouth/)on Aug 19, 09 at

3:53am (#comment-5881460)

Love Èze, France. Would add Innsbruck, Austria; Assisi, Italy and Siena, Italy if you don't mind the steep streets

=0).

Beautiful church to visit if you ever find yourself in Innsbruck: http://www.sacred-

destinations.com/austria/innsbruck-hofkirche.htm (http://www.sacred-

destinations.com/austria/innsbruck-hofkirche.htm)


jessicadebrasouth (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/jessicadebrasouth/)on Aug 19, 09 at

3:58am (#comment-5881483)

Almost forgot Lucerne, Switzerland. The Löwendenkmal is a must see, and the lake is lovely to walk around. Also,

you can take a cablecar ride up Mt. Pilatus for an amazing view.


wrenwood (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/wrenwood/)on Aug 19, 09 at 4:59am (#comment-5881662)

Brugge, Belgium ~ on the "to go to someday list"

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany ~ been there twice, definitely deserves to be "on the list"

Bath, Great Britain ~ headed there in 6 weeks

Mürren, Switzerland ~ great setting, thought Gimmelwald had more charm

I would addLower Slaughter, England

Soglio, Switzerland

Guarda, Switzerland

Oh my! I googled pictures of Bled Slovenia!!!!! It must go onto my "to go to someday list"

I guess most of my favorites are more villages than towns.


Dreamer2 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/dreamer2/)on Aug 20, 09 at 9:38am (#comment-5884763)

Of your list, I've only been to Rothenburg, and do agree with its inclusion. However, I'd definitely have to add

Lindau on Lake Constance, and Stein am Rhine to the list. As for Greece, I'm very surprised not to see Oia on

Santorini included... sunset over the caldera... aaahhh...

I'm so enjoying everyone's replies - More trips to plan!


cobbie (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/cobbie/)on Aug 20, 09 at 10:32am (#comment-

5884865)Sundborn, Sweden

Bergen, Norway

Geiranger, Norway

Trondheim, Norway


taconictraveler (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/taconictraveler/)on Aug 20, 09 at 11:32am(#comment-5884966)

Well, I have been to ALL of them, and many more which have been mentioned.

I tend to think of picturesque as relating to villages, and would like to mention just one that I visited recently, which

I do not think has been posted.

It is BUREN, in the Netherlands. Have a look at it, if you can.

Well, OK just one more "new" one: Lans, near Innsbruck,

Then of course, Thin is so right: Sintra is a romantic dream, or at least it was in 1984, again in 1985, and seemed

just as good in 2005.

Viana do Costelo was my favorite in 1985.

Riquewihr was delightful in 1982.

I'm hoping these beauties can stay as picturesque as they are in memory.


taconictraveler (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/taconictraveler/)on Aug 20, 09 at 11:34am(#comment-5884968)

Forgot to say, for Americans, Martin van Buren's ancestors came from Buren, in the Netherlands, and I'd never

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11/21



even heard of it til our friend took us there for a day's outing in June, 09!


lobo_mau (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/lobo_mau/)on Aug 21, 09 at 3:32am (#comment-5886477)

Szentendre, Hungary


cynthia_booker (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/cynthia_booker/)on Aug 26, 09 at 11:50pm(#comment-5898540)

Very inspiring thread. So many places to see, so little time.


mr_go (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/mr_go/)on Aug 27, 09 at 12:10am (#comment-5898576)

Hard to believe, but I’ve only been to one of those towns. I’ve been “close” to several others.

As far as adding to that list, quite frankly I wouldn’t know where to start or where to stop. So here’s a few

representing the letter “S,” off the top of my head...

San Gimignano

Saumur

Spoleto

Segovia

Sarlat


oliverandharry (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/oliverandharry/)on Aug 27, 09 at 12:45am(#comment-5898655)

In no particular order:

Regensberg, Switzerland (outside Zurich)

Sintra, also Evora, Evoramonte, Estremoz

Wells, England

Chester, England

Robin Hood's Bay, England

Monteriggioni

Cortona (if a little overrun)

Orvieto

Tenby, Wales

Llanrhaeadr, Wales

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland

Tobermory, and the whole Isle of Mull, Scotland


nini (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/nini/)on Aug 27, 09 at 12:56am (#comment-5898685)

Been to five of the towns listed. I would add:

Wengen

Etretat

St Cirq LaPopie

San Quirico

Martel

Vernazza

Laycock

Castle Combe

Cawdor


travel_buzzing (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/travel_buzzing/)on Aug 29, 09 at 2:41am(#comment-5903861)

Noto, Sicily; Città Barocca


travel_buzzing (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/travel_buzzing/)on Aug 29, 09 at 2:44am(#comment-5903872)

Karlovy Vary, czech republic


Delaine (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/delaine/)on Sep 3, 09 at 5:18am (#comment-5914571)

I've been to Rothenburg and Bath.

I would add the following:

Mont St. Michele, France -- It is so unique, being on an island and having, as it were, one street that winds its way

up to the top, turning into stairs.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic -- I visited on a rainy, chilly late October day, and the gloom added to, rather than

detracted from the town's charm. Despite their being a fair number of people about, Cesky Krumlov seemed topossess a somewhat Sleeping Beauty-esque quality, as if it were waiting to be awakened from a lingering dream.

Positano, Italy and/or Vernazza, Italy -- Both of these enchanting towns seem to cascade down from the heights to

the sea and are actually viewed better from the sea. What can you say but "che bellezza!"

San Gimignano, Italy -- Viewed from the top of the Torre Grossa, San Gimignano's Piazza della Cisterna and the

surrounding streets and structures look to be part of a patchwork quilt composed of red tile, golden stone and spots

of green. Simply stunning.


ancestralvoices (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/ancestralvoices/)on Feb 7, 11 at 9:28am(#comment-6918042)

I've been to only three of your listed towns(Brugge, Rothenburg, Delft). I will be visiting Bath this Summer.

I would nominate:

NETHERLANDS:

1. Hindeloopen(Friesland)

2. Sloten(Friesland)3. Thorn(Limburg)

4. Veere(Zeeland)

BELGIUM

1. Lier(Antwerp)

2. Ronse(Flanders)

2. Durbuy(Ardennes)

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12/21



LUXEMBOURG

1. Vianden

2. Esch sur sure

DENMARK

1.Aeroskobing

2. Ebeltoft


ChallengerGrey (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/challengergrey/)on Feb 7, 11 at 12:59pm(#comment-6918361)

We've been to Bath, but don't recall it as a highlight on our 1700 mile driving trip. But it was nice. IMO:

Innsbruck, Austria

Salzburg, Austria

Capri, Italy Deauville, France

Honfluer, France

Murano & Burano, Italy

Planning our trip to Montreaux based on Fodor bloggers immediately followed by a Baltic Cruise, so we'll get to see

Tallinn, Estonia listed in this thread. Also we're still considering driving to Bellagio for 2 days based on this thread.

Happy Travels.

P.S. Someone asked for a US City suggestion and besides the obvious New York City (and most Europeans like

Orlando, Florida) my favorite city is San Francisco followed by Chicago.


JillDavis (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/jilldavis/)on Feb 7, 11 at 1:23pm (#comment-6918396)

I have only been to Eze on your list and it was quite enchanting.


ncounty (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/ncounty/) on Feb 7, 11 at 2:55pm (#comment-6918549)

I have been to Brugges and Sintra. Brugges is particularly picturesque.

I can't believe someone else mentioned Aeroskobing! It wouldn't have leaped to mind but my walk to the beach

there did evoke an impression of old Flemish paintings.

I would add-

-Coullioure

-Carcassonne

-Lucerne

-Positano

-Capri

-Bellagio

-Varenna

-Agios Nikalos (sp?) on the island of Crete.

-Villefranche sur mer


klondiketoo (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/klondiketoo/)on Feb 7, 11 at 6:47pm(#comment-6918706)

Been to 3. I agree with Betty's list. Have to add

France:

Conques

Collioure

Noyers

Fontaines-de-Vaucluse

Nancy (perhaps too large a city for some to be considered)

Wissembourg

Rochefort-en-Terre

Forte La Latte (not actually a town, fort where Kirk Douglas' "The Vikings" was filmed

In Germany

Ladenburg

Speyer

Mainau Island

Bad Wimpfen

Michelstadt

Gengenbach

Neuleiningen


ancestralvoices (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/ancestralvoices/)on Nov 4, 11 at 12:22pm(#comment-7353056)

Having just spent 3 weeks in England this Summer I can add to what I listed above in my previous reply:

Rye

York

Robin Hood's Bay

Staithes

Hawkshead

Almost any town and village in The Cotswolds. Little slices of heaven. Standouts were Upper and Lower Slaughter,

Snowshill, Bourton on the Water, Stanton, Chipping Camden, Broadway. The wonderful appeal about this region of

England(Cotswolds) is that there are dozens upon dozens of beautiful towns and villages in a relatively

concentrated area. Some touristy,but many more untouched and remote. Get lost in the Cotswolds--a bucolic

wonderland.

Bath(we were definitely not prepared for how beautiful this Unesco World Heritage Site truly is. So many car free

sections and nothing negative to spoil the atmosphere. Perfectly Georgian). I place it next to Bruges in it's beauty.


JillDavis (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/jilldavis/)on Nov 23, 11 at 12:15pm (#comment-7379536)

Postitano, Italy

Venice, Italy

Montichiello (Tuscany region)


twilightzone (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/twilightzone/)on Nov 23, 11 at 1:24pm(#comment-7379613)

Oh! this soo good & worth a note!

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13/21




wanttogo (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/wanttogo/)on Nov 23, 11 at 1:37pm (#comment-7379624)

I have been to: Rothenburg au Tauber and Brugge, Belgium

I nominate: Bamberg, Ceske Krumlov. Positano and Ronda

I did not realize how many beautiful towns I have missed over

the years. I will have to keep on Traveling!


wanttogo (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/wanttogo/)on Nov 23, 11 at 1:49pm (#comment-7379639)

Forgive me, I left out Balzano, Italy.


cigalechanta (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/cigalechanta/)on Nov 23, 11 at 2:13pm(#comment-7379675)

In France:

Peruges,

angles-sur-anglin,

Collonges-la-Rouge,

Cordes-sur-Ceil,,

La Couvertoirade,

Gourdon,

Kayserberg,

Uzes,

Riec-sur-Belon,

La Roche-Gyon,

St-Cirq-lapopie,

saint-Guilem-le-Desert,

villefranche-de-Conflent,

Ainhoa,

Le Poet Lavel,

Entrevaux.

Peillon,


dfourh (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/dfourh/)on Nov 23, 11 at 2:46pm (#comment-7379708)

Great lists! Not to be redundant but to add some place I can't stop visiting:

* I always delight in is Utrecht -- the long, long stretch along the grand canal is what people were hoping from

Amsterdam: dappling water and sweeping trees, shifting scenes and aspects from moment to moment - - going on

and on - - while vibrant and alive with cobblestones, cafe's and people vividly living everyday joys. Utrecht along the

grand canal is the best of current human civilization.

* Ferrara: rent a bike and discover avenues of amazing architectural diversity and glory in every direction, but in an

air of amazing quiet and often solitude, amidst the medieval masterpieces that are just everywhere; in the center

things are vibrant (in a bicycle-riding sort of way) but still very calm, civil, and natural - - this town is masterpiece,

but you have to cover some significant but wonderful slow-biking territory to realize it.

* Tavira: this whitewashed eastern-Algarve town, with tiled buildings and tiled squares, has a beautiful situation

along the river, with an enchanting walk up to the church and garden on the hill. Not far from there, across the river

in Spain, is pretty Ayamonte, the impressive fortress of Castro Marim with incredible views over towns and valleys,

and the tiny white burg of Cacela Velha, perched like as a whitewashed jewel overlooking the Atlantic.

* Uzes: Northwest from the Pont Du Gard, the central squares are sycamore-dappled heaven. This is one of the

prettiest places you have ever been. You will never feel more relaxed and nurtured walking the narrow streets till

you rest at a cafe' under these grand, grand trees. Seriously - - pull it up in Google Images.


aussie_10 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/aussie_10/)on Nov 23, 11 at 4:36pm (#comment-7379788)

Bookmarking


Myer (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/myer/)on Jan 4, 12 at 5:25am (#comment-7433028)

Katie,

Of the places you mentioned we've been to Brugge (in our opinion the most beautiful small city), Lucca, Delft and

Murren.

I've never been to a place, large or small, that I thought was a waste of time. Enjoyed every place I've ever visited.


luademochila (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/luademochila/)on Jun 30, 12 at 7:35am(#comment-7724063)

Bump for a great thread


luademochila (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/luademochila/)on Jun 30, 12 at 7:38am(#comment-7724070)

Forgot to add:

San Gimignano, Italy

Amboise, France


annhig (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/annhig/)on Jun 30, 12 at 7:44am (#comment-7724075)

haven't read every suggestion, but in case it's not been mentioned, Wells in Somerset.

about 15 miles from Bath but much smaller and really lovely with a perfect mediaeval cathedral and a bishop's

palace surrounded by gardens and a moat.

Dunster in Somerset too.

Appledore in North Devon, and Clovelley [bet no-one mentioned them].

Mousehole, Boscastle and Polperro in Cornwall.

Tenterden and Sandwich in Kent.


Geonev (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/geonev/)on Jun 30, 12 at 8:34am (#comment-7724152)

OK, not only picturesque and enchanting but also magic in all senses – Matera, with its houses (sassi) built into the

rock. Truly medieval, and most magical at dusk. Stay at the Hotel Italia, and get the owner to tell you about the time

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14/21



Mel Gibson checked in, filming his Passion of the Christ, and brought his own priest.


jamikins (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/jamikins/) on Jun 30, 12 at 8:36am (#comment-7724155)

Was just in Matera today and completely agree!


taconictraveler (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/taconictraveler/)on Jun 30, 12 at 9:02am(#comment-7724183)

Staying with "b" names, just returned this evening to our home base in Cheshire, England, after an overnight in

Burnsall up in Wharfedale, in Yorkshire. Don't miss it if going that way.

Sadly returning to USA on Sunday.


WorminRome (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/worminrome/)on Jun 30, 12 at 9:55am(#comment-7724259)

I have not been to any of those cities yet .. .

But I would nominate Orvieto, Italy. The moment I stepped off the tram I turned to my wife and told her I want to

retire to this city....the subsequent meal only strengthened that thought!


uhoh_busted (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/uhoh_busted/)on Jun 30, 12 at 2:13pm(#comment-7724480)

Spello, Italy

Carrenac, France


worldinabag (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/worldinabag/)on Jun 30, 12 at 2:25pm(#comment-7724491)

Taormina, Sicily

Granada (esp. Albaicin).

Nafplion, Greece

Goreme, Turkey

Firostefani, Santorini

And as for Venice, well I died and went to heaven


HG001London (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/hg001london/)on Jun 30, 12 at 6:15pm(#comment-7724575)

bookmarkin


luademochila (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/luademochila/)on Jul 4, 12 at 12:07pm(#comment-7730238)

More, please


Pegontheroad (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/pegontheroad/)on Jul 4, 12 at 2:07pm(#comment-7730362)

Quedlinburg, Germany. It looks like the setting for a fairy tale.


Attnymom (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/attnymom/)on Jul 8, 12 at 9:43am (#comment-7736446)

Adding to my earlier reply ...

Sarlat, France

A


nytraveler (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/nytraveler/)on Jul 8, 12 at 11:12am (#comment-7736551)

Some smaller places that we have found picturesque/charming:

Switzerland: Thun, Gruyere, Neuchatel

France: Vezelay, Chinon, Colmar (the center),Ribeauville, Riquewihr

Sweden: VisbyGermany: Rothenburg (but too overrun and obvious), Trier, Titisee, Aachen

Italy: Perugia, Assissi (also kind of large and obvious)

Belgium: Spa, Liege, Gand

England: bibury, Rye

I'm sure there are a lot more - but these come to mind first


luademochila (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/luademochila/)on Aug 7, 12 at 6:51am(#comment-7786377)

Bump - keep coming !


ancestralvoices (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/ancestralvoices/)on Mar 29, 13 at 8:41am(#comment-8144362)

We went back yet again in 2012 and so adding to my above:

Monschau--Germany

Oudewater-NetherlandsHaarlem-Netherlands

Cavendish-England

Lavenham-England

Abbotsbury-England

Sherborne-England

The Chilterns, England. -- like the Cotswolds, another area full of many un touristed villages. --Hambleden

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15/21



Turville

The Lee

Ewelme

We were underwhelmed with Cambridge.

In Summer we will be visiting Burgundy, Alsace, and Rhineland so hope to add more to this list.


Danila84 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/danila84/)on Mar 29, 13 at 9:31am (#comment-8144415)

In the Netherlands, my favourite PICTURESQUE was not Rotterdam nor Amsterdam, but Utrecht.


SAnParis2 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/sanparis2/)on Mar 30, 13 at 4:21am (#comment-8145576)

I will stand by original answers circa 8/09


tailsock (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/tailsock/)on Mar 30, 13 at 4:38am (#comment-8145613)

the only one on the OP's list i've been to i s Sintra. I'll say that i found the views from Pena Palace and the Castle of

the Moors pretty mesmerizing but didn't think too much of the small town itself otherwise. You take those two

castles away and it would pale in comparison to other small towns in Portugal IMO.

i would like to add Gent Belgium to the list as i don't think anyone else has included. Standing on the St. Michael

bridge looking towards the "skyline" is like going back in a time machine. It's extremely overlooked in favor of it's

more popular Wallonian neighbor to the north: Brugge. Has a charming canal s ystem as well


HappyTrvlr (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/happytrvlr/)on Mar 30, 13 at 5:03am(#comment-8145673)

Hondarribia, Spain, near San Sebastian, on border with France's Pays Basque.

Leiden, Netherlands

Collioure, France

St. Jean-Cap Ferrat, France


luademochila (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/luademochila/)on Dec 9, 13 at 1:18am(#comment-8513273)

ttt


basingstoke2 (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/basingstoke2/)on Dec 9, 13 at 6:24am(#comment-8513604)

Add Piran in Slovenia to the list. Piran is a lovely, old world town with brightly colored buildings, a fine square and

a view of Trieste across the water.

On our most recent trip we were particularly taken with Gordes, Vence, a lovely walled town and Roussillon with its

ochre buildings all in the south of France.


luademochila (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/luademochila/)on Jan 29, 15 at 12:02pm(#comment-9065582)

up


wrenwood (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/wrenwood/)on Jan 29, 15 at 1:03pm (#comment-9065668)

From this year....Riquewihr, France - in fact many of the villages in the Alsace region are just charming

Gubbio Italy

Ortigia, Sicily


wrenwood (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/wrenwood/)on Jan 30, 15 at 12:00am(#comment-9066042)

Forgot Ravello!


ancestralvoices (http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/ancestralvoices/)on Jun 12, 15 at 2:12am(#comment-9228717)

tailsock - Bruges(Brugge) is not Wallonian --it's Flemish just like Ghent.

Adding to my list:

AUSTRIA:

Hallstatt

FRANCE:

Riquewihr(Alsace)

Eguisheim(Alsace)

Colmar(Alsace)

We were surprisingly underwhelmed with Burgundy. (Vezelay, Noyers, Beaune).

LUXEMBOURG:

Vianden

Clervaux

BELGIUM:

Damme(Flemish)

Lissewegge(Flemish)

La Roche en Ardenne(Walloon)

Bouillon(Walloon)

NETHERLANDS:

Veere

Zierikzee

Edam

Marken

Heusden

ENGLAND:

Rye(Sussex)---4 years in a row---we love this town!

Stamford(Lincolnshire)

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16/21


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