I’m a photographer on a mission to capture the cutest corners of Europe – here are 12 of the most beautiful places I’ve discovered

Steven says that Idstein (pictured), a small city near Frankfurt, boasts ‘some of Germany’s most beautiful half-timbered houses’

Here, Steven captures the pretty medieval village of Eguisheim, in Alsace, France. He says: ‘France is my specialty when it comes to capturing old towns and I consider it the most beautiful country in Europe. The variation in architecture is incredible’

Both the pictures above were taken in Bavaria, a region that Steven says ‘has so much to offer’. On the left is a street that he describes in an Instagram post as ‘one of the most beautiful’ in Nuremberg – the Weissgerbergasse. However, he adds that his favourite place in the German region is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. On the right is a photo taken there of a crooked yellow house, fountain and tower collectively known as the Plonlein. Steven says this spot is one of the highlights of the city, adding: ‘I’ve visited multiple times. The city is charming, the architecture truly unique and the vibrant colours captivating’ 

Captured here is the quirky market square in the German town of Cochem in the Moselle Valley. Steven notes on Instagram: ‘Look closer and you will see that not every facade is facing the same direction, which makes this market square very unique.’ He adds: ‘You can take a boat trip along the Moselle River for a completely different perspective. The local wines are exceptional, and of course, you can’t miss Cochem Castle. This is a place that never grows old’

Bursting with colour in the photo on the left is the Moselle Valley town of Bernkastel-Kues. Steven comments: ‘The Moselle Valley is a dreamlike region where the towns and villages feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale.’ On the right is Diez-Lahn, Rheinland-Pfalz, which Steven notes has a ‘rich history’ in part thanks to the 13th-century hillside castle that can be seen looming over the houses

This eye-catching image captures the Nylic Square gardens in the Normandy seaside resort of Cabourg, which Steven says offers ‘beautiful architecture, stunning landscapes and delicious food!’ The photographer declares that Normandy is one of his favourite parts of France, describing it as ‘an extraordinary region with a rich history’. He adds: ‘The landscape is inspiring, and the coastal towns have such unique architecture’ 

Bad Wimpfen (left), a small historic spa town in Southern Germany, is a spot Steven says ‘you have to visit’, noting its ‘stunning architecture’. On the right is one of the photographer’s favourite places in Normandy – Rouen. He comments: ‘Rouen offers so much to see, from grand cathedrals to countless medieval half-timbered house. The Gros-Horloge [shown], a stunning golden clock you can walk beneath, is another highlight’

The cherry-red half-timbered houses of Monreal in Eifel, Germany, are captured in this image. Steven says: ‘Fairytales are real in Monreal! A small village but such a great beauty. Monreal made it to my [list of] favourite villages in Germany’

Behold Semur-en-Auxois, one of Burgundy’s ‘most amazing medieval villages’, according to Steven. The photographer adds: ‘Whether you’re in the north, south, east, or west [of France], each region offers something unique. Driving through the country is a wonderful experience, as the landscapes are diverse and breathtaking’