2Carcassonne, France

Carcassonne is a fortified city in southern France that looks like it leapt out of a medieval fantasy. Its double walls and 52 towers create an unforgettable silhouette. Inside, visitors find a maze of cobblestone lanes, quaint squares, and the majestic Château Comtal.

The city’s strategic importance in medieval times made it heavily fortified, and today it’s one of Europe’s most extraordinary old towns. While it attracts many tourists, Carcassonne’s fairytale setting is worth the journey.