The UK is still in winter grips, but the weather is beginning to warm up and the taste of the sun may make you crave more.
However, on European holidays, overtourism issues can arise – no one wants to be attacked by quaint cobblestones along with hundreds of other tourists.
Luckily, Riviera trips reveal a stunning place with all the charm and beauty of Venice, but there are not many visits.
“We are pleased to announce that Europe's product manager Joan Lynn is the first to come up with a wide range of products,” said: “Outside of popular travel destinations across Europe, there are plenty of hidden gems to plead to discover.”
Her recommendation is Colmer, a city in northeastern France.
She said: “It is an attractive place known for its combination of traditional architecture, picturesque canals and stunning vineyards. With its narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings, the city retains much of its medieval charm. It creates a background for educational cultural trips. In my opinion, Colmer is a must-see for this shoulder season.”
Famous for its traditional homes painted in soft pastels that line the canals, Colmer offers a taste of Venice without crowds. In fact, it is often referred to as “little Venice” because of its charming canals and colorful half-chinball homes.
Colmer, with a population of 67,000, maintains the echoing rural town atmosphere by preserving medieval buildings throughout the city. Colmer was the inspiration behind Bell's fictional homeland in the famous beauty and beast film.
Wandering along the narrow streets of the old town, you will be exhibited with gorgeous German-style buildings and vibrant flower arrangements surrounding the windows.
Colmer's old town also has a wide range of independent shops and cafes. This makes the ideal place to buy some souvenirs and sample local pastries and wine.
If you want to explore this quaint city yourself, Colmer is located equally distances from both Strasbourg Airport and Euro Airport Basel Marhaus Freiburg (BSL).
Once you have chosen which airport to fly to, you can hire a car or take a train from the airport. The train from BSL takes you to Colmer in just under an hour, and from Strasbourg it takes about 30 minutes.
