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France : Marseille - July 2010

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Indulge in a little dancing in the street this month as La Rue du Tango brings everyone to their feet along the Rue du Théâtre Français (laruedutango. fr). Alternatively, escape the heat by discovering some of the coastal gems within easy reach of Marseilles. Molly Simpson dons her flip-flops for daytime lazing in shady arcades, before slipping them off on sandy beaches

Getting around

Marseille-Provence

Bus: A shuttle bus connects the airport with the centre of Marseille every 20 minutes or so, and the journey takes between 25 and 30 minutes. Tickets cost €8,50.
Taxi: A taxi to the centre of Marseille from the airport costs about €40 during the day and €50 at night. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
Tourist information: The main office can be found at 4 La Canebière, close to Vieux Port (tel. , www.marseilletourisme.com).

CANEBIÈRE AND VIEUX PORT

14 July sees this central district in full festive spirit for France’s Bastille celebrations – don’t miss the giant firework display that cascades over the port. Enjoy all the summer festivities along La Canebière’s boulevard, or from one of the many cafés and restaurants a stone’s throw from Le Panier – one of the city’s oldest districts.

Sleep soundly – Treat yourself to a room with a view at Hotel St Louis (2 Rue des Recolettes, tel. , hotel-st-louis.com, rooms from €65). This establishment offers charming rooms in a great location, as well as warm, friendly service.

ARLES

The Roman town of Arles was originally colonised by the Greeks and the remaining medieval monuments are testament to the wealth and dynamism of the city at that time. The town was the temporary residence of Vincent Van Gogh (1888-1889), inspiring much of his work during this period.

Culture vultures – Arles’ Roman amphitheatre, Les Arènes d’Arles (arenes-arles.com), with its 120 arches dating back to the 1st century BC, once hosted bloody battles and chariot races in front of 20,000 people. Nowadays it draws crowds for bullfights and concerts.

Must eat – L’Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel (7 Rue des Carmes, tel. ) serves 13 courses incorporating a fantastic range of textures, flavours and local produce, prepared and paced so that even the most novice marathon gourmand can go the distance. Family-run eatery Chez Ariane (2 Rue Fanton, tel. ) serves up quality dishes with service and atmosphere to match.

Shop til you drop – Stock up on gifts ranging from Provençal fabrics and lavender to oil paintings and decorated porcelain at the quaint street markets along the boulevards Lices, Georges-Clémenceau and Émile Combes every Wednesday and Saturday.

LA CORNICHE

Full of lavish mansions carved around the coastal route taking you from the old port to the Prado beaches in the south, La Corniche is a perfect retreat that’s mere minutes from the city.

Sleep soundly – Treat yourself to breathtaking sea views at the Pullman Marseille Palm Beach (200 Corniche Kennedy, tel. , accorhotels.com, rooms from €190). The lavish rooms include private beach access, a swimming pool, health and fitness centre – all you need for uninterrupted relaxation.

Culture vultures – Construction of Napoleon III’s impressive Palais du Pharo (58 Boulevard Charles Livon) began in 1858, but wasn’t completed until 1870. He never actually stayed here, and it was given to the city after his death.

Must eat – Le Péron (56 Corniche Kennedy, tel. ) gives the feeling of sitting on board a luxury liner with its mahogany, marble and exotic décor overlooking the sea. Classics including bouillabaisse add to the nautical feel. Le Bistrot Plage (60 Corniche Kennedy, tel. ) offers simple beachfront dining, including pizzas, pasta and salads to savour after a refreshing dip in the sea.

Compiled by Molly Simpson