Elegantly perched on the border between France and Switzerland, Evian’s internationally renowned healing waters lure health-conscious visitors from around the world. It is France’s most celebrated spa resort, famed for its hydrotherapy treatments that benefit digestive and metabolic conditions.

As host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix will always have a place in the history books. Its main attractions are Mont-Blanc (Western Europe's tallest mountain) and the many ski areas that face the Chamonix Valley. Steep slopes and extreme weather conditions suit advanced skiers best, but there are also runs for beginners. Just make sure everyone in your party knows a green circle from a black diamond. Oh, and another note for the history books—Pierce Brosnan was here (filming a James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough).

Located in the southwestern part of Switzerland, in its French-speaking part between Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, the Canton of Vaud is a holiday destination where life is good. Easily accessible thanks to the proximity of Geneva international airport and an exceptionally dense public transport network, the region offers all the necessary infrastructures, from five-star palaces to charming guest rooms. The diversity of its landscapes, from the peaks of the Alps, to the lakeside towns of Lausanne and Montreux, to the wide open spaces of the Jura and the authentic charm of the countryside, concentrates all the facets of Switzerland in one territory. The beautiful towns and villages, such as Lausanne, Montreux, Nyon, Morges and Yverdon-les-Bains, are steeped in centuries of history and rich in captivating culture. This region has influenced and inspired artists over the years, from Lord Byron and Audrey Hepburn to Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury. But the region is best known for its art of living. Local or internationally renowned events, outdoor sports activities, regional know-how, typical and high level gastronomy, excellent wines, living traditions, cultural offer... are all elements that seduce visitors.

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.

One of the world’s most exclusive and celebrity-packed ski resorts, Gstaad consists of five independent areas, including Glacier 3000, the only glacial area in the Berner Oberland region. For families and children, Heiti-Gsteig and Lauenen are favourites. La Braye is great for freestylers and snowboarders.

In the centre of the French Alps, Courchevel has well more than 100 ski runs for visitors to choose from. Some courses are dotted with moguls, so snowboarding and snowmobiling are popular here, and skiers of all levels of experience will find a slope that's just right.

Roman legions marched into what is now the Rhineland's largest city in 38 B.C. These two thousand years have produced a wealth of sites to visit, from Roman towers to Gothic churches to modern architecture. With a reputation as a fine art center, Cologne has museums running the gamut from the Museum of Applied Art to Museum Ludwig, home to works by Warhol and Picasso, to the Chocolate Museum. The city has an excellent bus, tram and train system, on which Kolner Tageskarte, Day Tickets, are valid.

Lourdes, nestled in the majestic Pyrenees mountains, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place to recharge your batteries. The famous shrine of Notre-Dame de Lourdes attracts millions of pilgrims every year, offering hope and inspiration. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling and skiing in winter, thanks to the exceptional opportunities offered by the surrounding nature. Lourdes also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with unique architecture, captivating history and delicious local cuisine to sample. Located in Occitanie, the south-west region of France, Lourdes offers easy access to top sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cirque de Gavarnie, the Pic du Midi and the diverse flora and fauna of the Pyrenees National Park.

Plan on giving your feet a workout in York, a historic walled city about two hours north of London by rail. The compact riverside locale is packed with attractions, including the biggest Gothic medieval cathedral north of the Alps, the Jorvik Viking Centre and the Yorkshire Museum, which brims over with sculpture, jewelry and fossils from the area. Visit Clifford's Tower, built by William the Conqueror in 1069, for the one-two punch of history and great city views.

Natural beauty abounds in the state of Uttaranchal's Lake District. Boaters flock to hill-ringed Naini Lake, which according to mythology is one of the emerald eyes of Shiva's wife. A hike or horseback ride to the top of Naina Peak (aka China Peak), the highest point, provides stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas. To share a prime vantage point with family members of all ages, take the aerial lift up to Snow View; there's also a small marble temple at the top dedicated to Dev Mundi.