Europe awakes from COVID-19 restrictions, embraces new-found freedom

"The reopening of cafes, hotels and restaurants marks the return of happy days! There is no doubt that the French will find this part of the French spirit, our culture and our way of life again," President Emmanuel Macron tweeted.

Meanwhile, since Italy's phase-two recovery strategy put an end to travel restrictions on the Vatican Museums, the first 1,600 visitors were allowed to explore cultural treasures there on Monday.

On Tuesday, a massive Raphael exhibit reopened in Rome to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of the Renaissance artist.

After a two-month lockdown, more than 200 archaeological sites in Greece reopened on May 18. Ian Coe, a British man living in Greece, was among the first visitors to the sacred hill.

"It has been fantastic, absolutely beautiful. (I'm) very fortunate to be here today with a few people as it is reopened," Coe told Xinhua. "We have to be careful, we have to wash, use masks, take precautions, look after each other, but in Greece, you have done a very good job dealing with the problem."