You'll find Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg as it's often called), housed in a striking building covered in pipes and scaffolding. Inside, you'll find temporary exhibitions alongside the permanent collection that includes masterpieces like Duchamp's Fountain, and recognisable works by Frida Kahlo, Robert Delaunay and Wassily Kandinsky.

Wander through Montmartre and make the climb up to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Be sure to linger over the spectacular view at the top; at sunset, you'll get the best light as the sun dips below the city skyline.

Paris has no shortage of tempting shops, from independent clothing boutiques to sprawling department stores. Don't miss the opportunity to browse the bouquinistes, open-air booksellers on the banks of the Seine, or indulge at the Galeries Lafayette, the luxurious French department store.

Visit the Thieves Museum, the 14th-century defensive tower that was once the town prison. It still contains a 5-metre deep underground cell and medieval torture instruments as well as old wine-pressing equipment.

Stroll through the shade of the willow trees at NaturOparC, the local nature park dedicated to preserving the region's biodiversity and wildlife. Look out for white storks, European otters and even giant European hamsters!

Walk up the hill to visit the impressive trio of castles that sit on the hill above Ribeauvillé. Château de Saint-Ulrich, once the residence of the lords of Ribeaupierre, is the largest and best preserved (it's also the closest!).

This 13th-century Dominican convent now displays the art and artefacts of Rhineland’s late Gothic and Renaissance eras, known as Upper Rhine's Golden Age. You'll find paintings like the magnificent Isenheim Altarpiece along with archaeological finds exemplifying quite how 'golden' the era was.

Visit Domaine Josmeyer in nearby Wintzenheim, a pioneering biodynamic vineyard, to learn more about sustainable wine production.

Spend your day wandering through the cosy Christmas market to admire locally made handicrafts and savour the regional culinary treats. Delicious smells of mulled wine and roasting chesnuts waft through the streets, tempting your tastebuds.

The Palais Rohan was built in the 18th century for the Prince-Bishop of Strasbourg and designed to emulate the style of a grand Parisian residence. Today it's where you'll find the best insights into Alsatian history with three museums dedicated to Archaelogy, the Decorative Arts and the Fine Arts.

Strasbourg's Christmas markets, set against the backdrop of the illuminated cathedral, are the oldest and most enchanting in France. They've certainly helped garner the city's reputation as the 'Capital of Christmas'. Amid the bustling Christkindelsmärik, some 300 wooden stalls strung together by twinkly lights create a sensory wonderland of sizzling chestnuts, spicy vin chaud, and all manner of artisan gifts.

Explore the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the historic centre of Strasbourg, and marvel at the huge, asymmetrical Gothic cathedral. You'll also find the intricately carved Kammerzell House and the grand Palais Rohan nearby, as well as Place Kléber, Strasbourg’s largest square.