Marseille is amongst France's most historic, attractive and popular cities, being full of character with its curious architecture and terracotta roofs. However, Marseille has one big difference; it is home to a number of gorgeous sun-drenched sandy beaches, lined with corniches and plenty of coastal attractions. Paradise, indeed.

Places to Visit

• Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde : The most distinctive of Marseille's sights and one that should not be missed
• Château d’If - this 16th-century fortress-turned-prison sits on a 3-hectare island of If.
• Centre de la Vieille Charité –initially built as a charity shelter for the town’s poor, the stunning arched pink-stone courtyard now houses Marseille’s beautiful Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne and Musée d’Arts Africains, Océaniens & Amérindiens
• La Cathedrale de la Nouvelle Major features numerous ornate sculptures and mosaics, as well as some rather magnificent sea views
• The Vieux Port is a crucial port that is still in use and is also the location of quite a few considerable landmarks of Marseilles
• Le Panier is north of the Vieux Port. Its winding, narrow streets are a jumble of artisan’s shops and washing lines strung outside candy-coloured houses