Summer is coming, but it’s still a few months away so if you’re looking for a holiday sooner then why not try somewhere cooler?

In the shoulder season, ‘coolcations’ can be cheaper than they would be during the height of the  winter months and Joanne Lynn, head of European product at Riviera Travel, has some recommendations for the best places to travel to where temperatures average around 10 to 15 degrees.

Top of her list is Basel in Switzerland, famed for its incredible art galleries and museums. 

Lynn said: “I believe Basel offers everything you need for a memorable coolcation. While it can be hot during the summer season, temperatures are currently averaging around 10 degrees Celsius.

“The city is home to a charming Old Town, where people can indulge in walking tours to gain a deeper understanding of the location’s rich history and culture.

“While in Basel, I strongly recommend a visit to the Kunstmuseum – an art gallery home to some iconic artists’ paintings, including Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.”

The Kunstmuseum is home to the oldest public art collection in the world and is widely considered to be Switzerland’s most important museum collection of art – so much so that it’s listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

After wandering through the gallery’s vast collection of famous works, a trip to Basel’s Old Town is unmissable.

The architectural diversity is second to none with buildings dating back to 1200. As the city is small, it’s perfectly walkable so you don’t need to use money on taxis or car hire.

Make your way to the Mittlere Brücke, one of the oldest Rhine crossing bridges for a stunning view of the skyline of Basel and the Basel Cathedral.

Built between 1019 and 1500 in the Romantic and Gothic styles, the cathedral is one of Basel’s most iconic landmarks.

With its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles and twin towers it stands out on the skyline and is a gorgeous building to visit during your trip – and even better, entry to this jaw-dropping cathedral is free. 

If you want to visit Basel, there’s no time like the present. Lynn said: “Shoulder season is a great time to travel, allowing people to uncover brand new destinations without a steady stream of tourists.”