Strasbourg

Paris might win over the hearts of people, but a French city close to the German border has a winter that can charm much more than the country's capital. Strasbourg borrows from its neighbor to offer traditional Christmas markets, gigantic Christmas trees, and a dusting of snow as you walk through the stalls with a cup of hot chocolate. Plus, Strasbourg is an enchanting medieval town famous for its half-timbered houses and picturesque canals that are stunning in any season.

The Franco-German influences can be seen everywhere in Strasbourg, including in its cuisine. No visit to the city is complete without sitting at a café near the water to taste an apple and cinnamon tartes flambées – which literally translates to "pie baked in the flames." And don't let the winter weather scare you from taking a walk around the cobblestone streets of La Petite France, the oldest section of the city and the most photogenic, where millers and fishermen once sold their fare in the medieval houses that still stand. The Strasbourg Cathedral, the 17th-century Barrage Vauban, and the Baroque Palais des Rohan are great places to visit in winter. They're particularly stunning in December when decorated in Christmas lights, but they're also a great indoor escape all winter long.

• Location: Grand Est, France
• Where to Stay: Hotel Les Haras; Hotel Cathedrale; City Residence Strasbourg Centre; Arok Hotel
• Things to Do: Barrage Vauban, Baroque Palais des Rohan, Strasbourg Cathedral
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5