Marseille, a bustling Mediterranean harbor city with a rich history and a reputation for its vibrant, diverse culture, has recently gained significant attention. Once overshadowed by other French destinations, this coastal metropolis is now in the global spotlight. The fashion world took notice when Chanel chose Marseille's Radiant City Art Centre for a major summer fashion show.

Additionally, one of its districts was acclaimed as the trendiest in the world, catapulting the city to the top of weekend getaway lists. A visit to Marseille reveals its appeal, with its blend of historical and modern architecture, from Byzantine-era structures to the post-war modernist design of a residence by famed architect Le Corbusier, now a hotel and museum.

The city's cultural tapestry is a result of centuries of immigration, which has also enriched its culinary scene. Marseille's chefs celebrate the fresh produce of the Provence region, infusing it with the flavors of multiculturalism. Young culinary innovators are experimenting with these ingredients, pairing them with wines from the region, many of which are produced by female vintners, and complementing it all with the fine cheeses that France is known for. The sea, which embraces the city, adds to its allure, with locals and visitors alike drawn to its shimmering waters on sunny days.

Marseille's edge is part of its charm, attracting a hip crowd. The city's 18th-century stone facades are adorned with graffiti, and the constant hum of motorbikes adds to its urban pulse. Protests are a regular occurrence, and the city's atmosphere is sometimes charged. The scent of cannabis is a constant reminder that Marseille is not the rural paradise that Provence is known for, but rather a thrilling urban experience.

Visitors to this vast city must decide where to focus their exploration. Climbing the steep hill to the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, which stands at 150 meters above sea level, offers a breathtaking view of the sprawling metropolis. The basilica, dating back to a smaller church built in 1214, provides a fascinating perspective on how houses, streets, and neighborhoods have grown over the centuries, earning Marseille its nickname "the city of 100 neighborhoods."

Marseille's historic Vieux Port (Old Port) remains the heart of the city and is a great starting point for exploration. The harbor, which was revitalized when Marseille became a European Capital of Culture in 2013, is now home to markets, waterside eateries, late-night bars, and a lively atmosphere.

The majestic Abbaye St-Victor, the city's oldest church, founded in the fifth century and restored in the 19th century after being abandoned during the French Revolution, continues to attract pilgrims and tourists. The medieval hospital, Hôtel-Dieu, built on Roman ruins, has been transformed into the luxurious InterContinental Marseille - Hôtel-Dieu, its illuminated façade visible from various points around the port.

For a modern coffee experience, Chez Moe on Grand’Rue offers coffee and cardamom buns during the day and organic wines in the evening, located at the base of Dieu’s steps. North of the port, the streets of Le Panier are a charming maze of cafes and independent boutiques, offering a provincial feel amidst the urban setting. The area's colorful buildings and cobblestone streets are a delight to explore.

For those seeking a seaside dip, the city beach under the Citadelle de Marseille, also known as Fort Saint-Nicolas, is just a short walk away. On sunny days, the beach is packed, but the inviting water more than compensates for the lack of space. Further along the coast, Plage des Catalans offers another beach option, and the La Corniche Kennedy waterside path leads to Piscine maritime Vallon des Auffes, a seawater pool nestled in a small rocky harbor. Locals enjoy waterside sunsets with corner store beers and takeout pizza on the rocks under the Les Bords De Mer hotel.

Marseille is a shopper's paradise. On the upscale Rue Grignan, high-end stores like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier line the streets, while a step back reveals more affordable contemporary French fashion stores, including the Marseille-based Sessùn on Rue Saint, alongside Sandro and Maje. For those seeking bargains, Du Côté D’Estelle on Rue Jean-Baptiste-Estelle offers like-new versions of high-end fashion (cash only). Sessùn Alma on Rue Sainte specializes in chic homewares, focusing on local crafts, while Maison Empereur on Rue des Récolettes is a four-story homeware haven, offering everything from Sabre knives to vintage linens and an entire room dedicated to Marseille soaps.

The food scene in Marseille is a significant draw for many visitors. The traditional local dish, bouillabaisse, a Provencal fish soup, can be challenging to find a good version among the many restaurants advertising it, as locals rarely dine on it out. For those willing to splurge, Le Petit Nice Passedat, a three-Michelin star restaurant, offers some of the finest bouillabaisse, with its "bouillabaisse menu" priced at 390 euros and requiring 48 hours' notice. However, excellent dining experiences in Marseille are not limited to Michelin-starred establishments.

Ripaille, located on Rue de Lorette, is a cozy restaurant with candlelight, intimate tables, and a small, confident menu. Kennedy Poissonnerie, a neighborhood fish joint, offers a fish platter with plump oysters, large prawns, and bulots (sea snails). La Mercerie, situated in a former haberdashery near the port, serves stylishly presented dishes at reasonable prices, paired with a wine selection curated by sommelier Laura Vidal. Even in more casual settings, food in Marseille is prepared with care. Razzia is known for its overstuffed sandwiches, so take your generously filled lunch to the nearby Place Jean Jaurès, lined with street food options, and dine alongside locals on their lunch breaks. After all, isn't that the best way to experience a new city?