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The flagship of the whole Riviera, the Negresco is the grandest of grand hotels, from its splendid belle époque façade and public areas to its immaculate rooms and attentive service. One of the world’s most opulent hotels.

Lots of different rooms and a terrace, all with views that justify the name “Eagle’s Nest”.

Wriggling up the hill to the north of the Vieux Port, Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest sector. This is where the Greeks settled and, in subsequent centuries, where the city’s immigrants began their new lives. They still do – the tiny streets are alive with different accents and cultures. The main feature is La Vieille Charité, the 17th-century workhouse now transformed into a wonderful cultural centre. It houses the museums of Mediterranean Archaeology and of African, Oceanic and Amerindian Art. Especially noteworthy is the domed central chapel – Italian Baroque at its purest.

This pillar of the resort’s jetset nightlife since 1962 shows no signs of fading. Progress from the terrace restaurant via the cocktail bar to the dance floor, to mingle with the trendy, and possibly famous.

After more than 60 years of existence Le Paradise remains the centre for night-time groovers. Resembling a circus big-top, it has evolved effortlessly into the techno era and beyond.

This late night hangout attracts the stay-up-late crowd until the early hours all summer long and the cream of the world’s movie business wind up the night here during the film festival (see Cannes Film Festival).

The terrace restaurant of this top Cannes hotel wins praise for its excellent menu, with many dishes in common with the Palme d’Or (see La Palme d’Or, Hôtel Martinez, Cannes).

Seasonal produce served in cosmopolitan ways, such as eggs poached in cream of truffles, are the key note here.

The most prestigious and expensive bouillabaisse restaurant in newly fashionable Marseille attracts France’s movers and shakers from the worlds of business, media and politics – indeed President Jacques Chirac’s dinner bills here became part of a scandal over the perks of French high political office in 2001.

A 3-star camp site with a pool, spaces for tents and motorhomes, and 4-person bungalows.