Provence

Among the forty-two towns in France named Saint-Cyr, only Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer enjoys the Mediterranean’s gentle touch.

Which beach will you choose? Lecques, with its two kilometers of soft sand, perfect for long strolls? La Madrague? Reinettes, where you’ll feel like the only person in the world? Or perhaps you’ll venture to the Calanque of Port d’Alon? It hardly matters—the sea is everywhere, reflecting rocky cliffs and maritime pines.

In Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, discover the massive, submarine-shaped rock at Calanque de La Galère, and be pleasantly surprised by a Statue of Liberty in Portalis Square—a Bartholdi-signed replica of New York’s iconic statue. Here, in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, you may find it remarkably easy to simply let yourself enjoy life.

Nestled within the breathtaking Calanques National Park, Cassis is a tranquil paradise resting beneath the golden cliffs of Cap Canaille. As charming as its surroundings, Cassis invites you to embrace the art of idleness.

Along its picturesque harbor, colorful houses stand beside inviting terraces, where you’ll feel drawn to savor sea bass or scorpionfish paired with wine from one of the twelve local vineyards, no matter the hour. Wander through the narrow streets and calades, pausing in quaint squares adorned with bubbling fountains.

At Bestouan Beach, crystal-clear waters invite you to swim or simply bask in their beauty. Meanwhile, at the Calanque of Port Miou, you’ll marvel at rocky peaks and umbrella pines framed by the turquoise sea. As Frédéric Mistral said, "He who has seen Paris but not Cassis has seen nothing."

*Steep, cobbled streets

Often called unruly and chaotic, Marseille proudly flaunts its vibrant spirit and defiant charm. As France’s oldest and second-largest city, it embodies the essence of the South—a lively melting pot infused with aioli, pastis, and navettes, swept by the mistral, and guarded by the iconic Bonne Mère.*

In its neighborhoods—from Le Panier to Mazargues, La Pointe Rouge to La Castellane—conversations flow with politics, rap music, and a deep love for football. To feel its true rhythm, breathe in the salty air of La Canebière and the Old Port, stroll down Le Prado, and admire the MuCEM’s seaside architecture. Gaze at Château d’If and imagine The Count of Monte Cristo… Wander the Calanques, marvel at Le Corbusier’s Radiant City, or explore Vauban’s grand fortifications.

Marseille is an ancient, ever-evolving mosaic of cultures, revealing its spirit to those who embrace its unique pace.

*The Virgin of Notre-Dame de la Garde