This Country Just Dethroned France as Europe's Most Romantic Destination
Looking to plan an unforgettable romantic getaway for you and the love of your life? Then, it's time to head to Europe. And no, we're not talking about France.
In February, European Waterways released the findings of its study ranking the most romantic destinations across Europe. To come to its conclusion, the team evaluated destinations based on their number of romantic and fine dining restaurants, number of restaurants with Michelin stars, number of wine bars rated four stars or above, the number of tours and wine tastings available, and the number of vineyards.
The company noted in its findings, which it shared with Travel + Leisure via email, "For years, France has been considered the pinnacle of romance, home to enchanting cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Carcassonne. However, recent data reveals a shift in the rankings."
That's because, after looking through all the data, it turns out Switzerland is the most romantic European destination of all. After factoring in all the data and giving each country a normalized score, Switzerland claimed the top spot with 269 points, leaving France trailing behind with 250.
"France, while still a heavyweight in the romance category, has faced stiff competition from Switzerland's unique offerings," Maryanne Sparkes, a travel expert at European Waterways, explained. "While destinations like Avignon, Bordeaux, and Carcassonne remain popular for their rich history and culinary excellence, Switzerland's ability to provide both adventure and intimacy has propelled it to the top."
Sparkes noted that Switzerland's dedication to quality over quantity, combined with its stunning wine regions like Lavaux and Valais, gave it a solid edge and made it a spot foodies, wine lovers, and romantics will all adore.
Additionally, the study added that Switzerland offers unparalleled luxury through its high-end resorts like Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski in St. Moritz, The Woodward in Geneva, and Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern in Lucerne, which offer spa retreats, plush rooms, and a sense of style that are ideal for couples looking to unwind together. And, as anyone who has ever even googled Switzerland knows, its scenery is simply breathtaking all year long—from the flower fields around Lake Lucerne in Spring to the blanketed mountain peaks of Verbier all winter long.
Both Greece and Italy also made the list, with special shoutouts to Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, and Positano. But, if you happened to already plan a loved-up trip to France, that's OK. The findings called out several locations across the nation where romance abounds.
See the complete findings at europeanwaterways.com.
Related | This U.S. Destination Dethroned Paris as the Most Romantic in the World | Learn More
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