Marseille

France’s second-largest city and busiest Mediterranean port, Marseille is a buzzing metropolis with ocean views and sandy beaches to boot. This one-time European Capital of Culture has plenty of aces up its sleeve, from its picturesque Vieux Port and island château to its eclectic mix of shops, museums, and restaurants.

Hemmed in by the lush marshlands of the Camargue and the soaring cliffs of the Calanques National Park, Marseille has the highlights of the South of France at its fingertips. North of the city, the sloping vineyards and lavender fields of Provence lie in the foothills of the Southern Alps. To the west, the glitzy resorts and white sands of the French Riviera stretch all the way to Monaco.

Admire the colourful buildings and fishing boats as you stroll around the Vieux Port, ride the bus to the hilltop Notre Dame de la Garde, then explore the narrow lanes of the Le Panier neighbourhood, brimming with small shops, cafés, and street art. Set sail on a boat cruise around the Calanques in the afternoon, then return to the city in time for a pastis (apéritif) at a harbourside bar.