Looking out across the azure Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by rolling hills and the white limestone cliffs of the Calanques, Marseille enjoys a fantastic setting. And as many locals will tell you, in that peculiar accent that foreigners find both alluring and tricky to understand, they are proud of their heritage here.

A vibrant city
The gateway to Africa and a crossroad for many ships in the Mediterranean, Marseille has always been a cultural melting pot. Not always without its problems, the influx of immigrants has nonetheless made Marseille richer, not least culturally, and today it's a vibrant place enjoying a new breath of life.

The city that gave France its national anthem is no longer ashamed of its past but has become proud of its individuality. Marseille, which was once notorious for its crime rate and rough edges, has cleaned up its act and it looks better than it has in decades. It has, however, lost none of its flavour and unique character.

Bright future
The booming music and fashion industries draw a trendy young crowd that has injected some much needed dynamism. Marseille has also been chosen as European Capital of Culture for 2013, and this, as well as boosting its new-found confidence, will also allow it to showcase its new face to the world. 

And with the extension of the TGV line, which has brought the city within three hours of the French capital (and six hours from London), it has become an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful surrounding area of Provence.