Marseille

Marseille, the capital of Provence, is France’s second largest city. The Old Port and waterfront, Marseille’s focal point for centuries, are the perfect places for visitors to start exploring and observe street life. Then, there is the city’s iconic landmark, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Byzantine basilica topped by a golden statue of the Virgin Mary. A must-see, is the UNESCO-listed ‘Cite Radieuse,’ Le Corbusier’s imposing apartment block. Marseille is also home to excellent museums ranging from the Mucem, Cantini and La Vieille Charite, to Marseille History Museum and Cosquer Mediterranean. There are two sandy beaches, Plage des Catalans and Plage du Prophete, as well as ‘calanques’ that feature rugged terrain with gorge-like creeks along the coast.