Marseille in summer is easy to enjoy. The centre is full of life around the Old Port, with fishing boats and ferries coming and going and plenty of cafés along the waterfront. It’s busy, but in a relaxed way, with the sea always in view.

From there the city stretches out to the coast. The walk along the water is one of the best parts — beaches and coves where people swim, kids jump from rocks, and the sea is clear and blue.

Heading uphill to the cathedral gives the city a different feel. The climb is steep, but once at the top you can see everything at once: the rooftops, the port, and the coastline. The cathedral itself is impressive, but it’s really the view that makes the walk worth it.

Marseille has a mix of bustle and calm that makes it a great place to explore on foot.