Chamonix, France: Mer de Glace Glacier

One of the world’s oldest mountain resorts, Chamonix has long made it easy for romantics to enjoy its alpine wonders—starting with a cogwheel train to the Mer de Glace glacier. Nowadays, visitors can stroll inside the “sea of ice” while noting poignant markers indicating how dramatically it’s shrinking. For European travel information, visit ricksteves.com.