Marseille is one of the . There's nothing quite like sitting on a terrace in Marseille, a steaming bowl of bouillabaisse fish soup and a chilled glass of rosé in front of you. This sparkling, rough-around-the-edges Mediterranean city (one of the country’s oldest) is where meets North Africa, and its energy and lust for life is palpable wherever you go, from the Vieux Port with its fishing boats and harbourfront cafés and restaurants to the mighty modern Mucem (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean) and iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica perched up high above it all.
Famed for its cream and olive soap, which dates back to the 17th century, as well as its delicious bouillabaisse and being France's pizza capital, Marseille is one of France's most diverse and enchanting cities. September to is an excellent time to visit if you'd rather avoid the summer crowds, while spring is another wonderful season to soak up the city's delights. Meanwhile, the rugged calanques (rocky fjords) in the national park of the same nature shouldn’t be missed for an escape into wild within minutes of the city centre, or there are ferries out to the Isle of Frioul.
The best hotels in Marseille are a motley crew of boutique retreats and expansive luxury options, many right on the water or with sweeping views over the port. Most have cosseting spas where you can hide away for a few hours before plunging back into the fray of this intoxicating city, as well as tempting restaur.
