Marseille

The oldest French city, founded by the Greeks some 2600 years ago, is now the capital of southern Europe. Looking out over the sea, welcoming and cosmopolitan, it is a bustling city. From the Old Port to the 'Bonne-Mère' basilica watching over the city, via the Panier district where washing is still hung out to dry from windows, this 'little Naples' is worth diving into for its bubbling energy.

"This is the liveliest district of Marseille. Be part of the hustle and bustle of the fish market on the port before heading off to the Canebière, Marseille's large avenue. Revel in the sumptuous Fashion Museum, then go back through time in the History Museum just a stone's throw away. Wonder at the 'glass prison' there which guards the wreck of a trading ship weighing over 20 tonnes. Finally, discover the secrets of traditional soap manufacture at the La Licorne workshop, and inhale the aromas of lilies and violets.

(Savonnerie La Licorne, 34, cours Julien)

Climb up Garde Hill to the south of the Old Port to admire the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. At the summit, the poignant beauty of the 'Bonne Mère', as the locals call her,  is breathtaking: nearly 10 metres high, the statue of the Virgin Mary is covered from top to bottom in gold leaf. Go back down towards the Saint-Victor basilica with its crypt and devotions. On your way, stop off at the Santon Marcel-Carbonel Museum, and admire the 700 models. Take a well-earned break after your efforts on the grassy lawns of the Jardin du Pharo.
(Jardin du Pharo, bd Charles-Livon)
 

A stroll around the streets is the best way to visit this picturesque village overlooking Marseille. Discover a multitude of treasures on your way: the 'diamond point' facade of the Maison Diamantée, the Saint-Jean fort dating back to the Crusades or the Vieille Charité and its wonderful Italian baroque chapel. Nearby, Étienne Cassaro awaits with his succulent anchovy pizza. A genuine institution.
(Chez Étienne, 43, rue de Lorette)

Tip: At the end of October, the Fiesta des Suds Festival is in full swing. All types of world music make the show here: from Cheb-Mami to Grand Corps Malade and Cesaria Evora to hip-hop.

Just a stone's throw away from the Old Port are four little islands, each with eccentric names: If, Tiboulen, Pomègues and Ratonneau. Follow in the footsteps of Alexandre Dumas' adventurous Count of Monte-Cristo in the Château on If, located atop a sunbaked rock. Alternatively, opt for a walk through the remarkable flora on the twin islands of Pomègues and Ratonneau, for a visit to the Mediterranean's first organic fish farm.
(La Ferme aquacole, île Pomègues)

"The Kennedy coast road follows the slightest indentation along the coastline and reveals a series of secret little beaches. Family-friendly or exclusive, sandy or rocky: there is something for everyone. Take a break at the convivial Prophète beach with lifeguards. On your way, don't forget a visit to Auffes, a brightly coloured fishing village. Le Petit Pavillon invites you to enjoy a drink on its terrace on the water's edge.
(Le Petit Pavillon, 54, corniche Kennedy)

Somewhere between the tarmac and the Big Blue, take it easy or play sport in the Prado seaside park. There is something for everyone here: wannabe Zidanes, surfing or windsurfing enthusiasts, sun seekers… Prado also has a skate park, near the Vieille-Chapelle beach. Beginners can simply hire rollerblades for a trip along the beachfront.
(Xoxo Beach Shop, 197, av. Pierre-Mendès France, 8e arr.)

Take a stroll through these villages where chalets have sprung up everywhere. Near Goudes, discover the Cap Croisette, the driest area of France, where the road overlooks rocky creeks. In Callelongue, a steep path heads off in the direction of the old semaphore, with a breathtaking view of the Maïre, Jarre and Riou islands at the top. But first, enjoy a fish soup at the Restaurant de la Grotte…

(Restaurant de la Grotte, 1, av. des Pébrons, calanque de Callelongue)

Tip: In early July, the best pétanque players come together in Marseille's Parc Borély for the Mondial La Marseillaise. Over 150,000 spectators and nearly 13,000 players take part. Not to be missed!