This week’s dream: the romance of the night train ...

Seasoned bikepacker and route guide Markus Stitz shares the six cycling destinations he rates as the very best in the world

Take the train for a laid-back tour of the Côte d’Azur’s glitzy cities and lesser-known towns, jumping off to buy a slice of pissaladière, visit a museum or dip your toes in the sea.

NEED ADVICE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? SEEKING RECOMMENDATIONS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE? OUR EXPERTS HAVE THE ANSWERS

The insiders’ guide

Having spent many holidays exploring the delights of France, we decided to broaden our horizons this year and visit Germany. With more than three weeks to play with, we planned to tour the Black Fores