"Marseilles." Marseille by SSlatter

Marseilles is a much underrated city. Probably due to the fact that it is extremely cosmopolitan with a high proportion of foreign residents, it has a (sometimes deserved) reputation of being grimy and dangerous to travellers. Of course there are areas in which one would not be advised to walk around after dark, but that is true of all western cities. Yet, if you scratch the surface, Marseilles has a lot to offer the visitor. To begin with, it has the mediterranean climate, the ubiquitous café culture, and if you speak just a smattering of french, the populace will be extremely friendly. The surrounding coast has a lot to offer and explore, and the restaurants are many and varied, with the emphasis on the local seafood produce. All-in-all, the city of Marseilles has much to offer, if the visiting traveller is prepared to put in the effort.

• Pros:Café culture, sun, and restaurants, with a stunning landscape.
• Cons:Some outlying areas are dangerous after dark.
• In a nutshell:Undiscovered gem of the Mediterranean.