Marseille Cruises, France

Marseille is one of the Med’s most atmospheric ports. Grungy, bohemian buildings sit alongside grand, Art Deco apartments. Fish stalls jostle for space between delis and souk-like markets. And the passing traders who set up home here have created a dining scene that encompasses Kashmiri, Syrian and, of course, French.

• Don’t miss Vieux Port, the old harbour. Stroll round the famous fish market, then pick a waterfront restaurant and order the famous bouillabaisse.
• Marvel at Notre-Dame de la Garde, an ornate basilica crowned by an enormous golden Madonna.
• Call in at the Medieval walled town of Avignon, which overlooks the River Rhone. Inside its mighty battlements you’ll find orange-roofed houses, cobbled squares and the magnificent Palais des Papes, with its fairytale turrets and crenulations.
• “He who has seen Paris and not Cassis has seen nothing”. So says French poet Frederic Mistaral. Call in at this charming seaside resort at the foot of Cape Canaille and judge for yourself.