Romance is the lifeblood of Annecy, a town in the Rhone-Alpes region of southeast France that’s replete with castles and cathedrals and softly curving architecture. Stroll hand in hand with your paramour across Pont des Amours (the lover’s bridge) before taking in the Imperial Palace and the baroque Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. A walk down the Rue Royale will be rewarded with prime shopping, dining and people-watching, especially at the fountain of Saint Jean.

With its towering Gothic cathedral and the Monts Dômes volcanoes looming on its horizon, Clermont-Ferrand paints a striking picture. The Auvergne capital is more than just a pretty place though—it’s also a cultural hub, full of cafe-lined plazas, gourmet restaurants, and live music venues.

Rebuilt from the ground up after World War II, Le Havre is Normandy’s architectural showcase. Unlike its medieval neighbours, a modern grid-like layout makes it easy to navigate the centre of this UNESCO-listed port city at the mouth of the Seine.

Bordered by the Black Sea, the port city of Batumi is Georgia’s premier holiday destination. A mix of modern and Belle Époque-era hotels spill out from the city’s waterfront promenade, while old town spires and contemporary towers dot the skyline.

From the heights of the Bay of Fundy tides to the sandy beaches and warm waters of the Acadian coast, New Brunswick is home to spectacular natural wonders and first-class attractions. The Canadian province is also renowned for its outdoor adventures, natural and recreational parks, pristine rivers, lively cities, picturesque towns and vibrant culture. Add a dash of Acadian joie de vivre and its people’s legendary friendliness and you have the makings of a truly unique Maritime experience.

With NASCAR at the Speedway, harness racing at Dover Downs, 10 nationally recognised museums, plus historical attractions galore, it's easy to see why the capital of Delaware is a great weekend destination. Check out the world's largest cargo plane, stationed at Dover Air Force Base, or explore the beginnings of recorded sound at the Johnson Victrola Museum. It's the perfect time to visit the Biggs Museum of Art, which is running a special exhibition to celebrate its 10th anniversary. "Artful Living: the Legacy of Sewell C. Biggs" features fine and decorative art gems from the private collection of the local patron and museum namesake. Also worth a visit: the Delaware Agricultural Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation, where staff, dressed in period costume, explain and reenact life in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Round out the day with a meander around Green and Loockerman Streets downtown. Lined with historic Colonial and Victorian buildings, plus speciality book, candle and jewellery stores, it's a great place to shop or sample the local fare at a neighbourhood cafe or restaurant.