Luxembourg mixes flavours with flair.

DAN GRENNAN discovers the vibrant Old City is full of charm and passes the 'croissant' test with gusto

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"AS GOOD as the French and as much as the Germans" - that's how Luxembourg’s cuisine was described by the tour guide preparing to take us across the city state’s iconic Adolphe Bridge.

I decided I'd put that theory to the test, but first I had to fight bouts of vertigo as we crossed the New Bridge with its sheer 160ft drop.

The "Golden Lady" - or Monument of Remembrance, as it is officially known - was waiting on the other side to welcome us to the Old City of Luxembourg.

The distinctive 70ft obelisk was erected in 1923, in honour of the 4,000 Luxembourgers who died fighting the occupying German force in the First World War. It sits on the edge of the Petrusse valley, offering uninterrupted views of the lush greenery that once made the former fortress city easier to defend.

The Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa was my base, and its central location meant it was easy to get to plenty of the best sights. The Grund, Luxembourg’s quaint lower quarter, is tucked into the valley below with cobbled streets, cosy cafés, independent shops and centuries-old buildings.