Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat's nedina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere. Cobbled streets lead to the El Atiqa Mosque, the oldest in the city, and on to the old semaphore platform. The view from here, or the terrace of the neighbouring Café Maure, is splendid: Rabat, nearby Salé and Bouregreg river meeting the ocean. The Oudayas Palace, further on up, which now houses the National Museum, has conserved its markedly simple and balanced original decor. The Andalusian Gardens below are a heaven of peace full of fruit trees, rose-laurels and cascades of bougainvilleas.

Nantes is a cyclist’s paradise, sitting at the crossroads of two major bike routes—La Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) and La Loire à Vélo (EuroVelo 6). With over 794 km of bike paths, more than 4,500 bike parking spots, and 21,000 racks scattered around the city, getting around on two wheels is both easy and enjoyable here.

Fort National, built in the late 17th century to protect St Malo, is a landmark of the city. If you decide to visit the museum do not forget to take the long spiral staircase to the top of the building, from an astonishing view of the city and the coastline unfolds.