Favorite Streets in 12 European Cities
Cobbled lanes, broad avenues, streets for gallery-hoppers, food-lovers, shoppers and flâneurs: Contributors in 12 cities describe the byways (including one river) they love.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/04/15/travel/europe-favorite-streets.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=mini-moth®ion=top-stories-below&WT.nav=top-stories-below&_r=0
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I will be using this article in the future and really enjoyed it.
My husband and I, along with my niece and her husband, will be going to France on May 14th for a two week visit. We will be going to Normandy, Brittany, the Loire and end up in Paris for 4 nights. I have made sure my niece sees this article since she is the trip planner. She is a seasoned world traveler with many frequent flyer miles under her belt but she is always open to suggestions.
This will be my third trip to Europe...first in 2000 to Belgium, Amsterdam and three days in Paris. Second was a 13 day trip to Italy in 2002. I am really thrilled for a chance to go back to France for a longer stay! I have enjoyed reading some of your suggestions and expertise. Thanks for sharing what you know. 
and have a great trip! Your 13 days in Italy sounds like it might have included some of my honeymoon, April 16 - May 3, 1984! Did a circuit 'around' France with my then growing family in the early '90s, but I've never made it to Amsterdam except a through train.
Tell us all about it when you return!