Marseilles. France

Marseille is a pulsing port city brimming with history, ultra-modern creative spaces and savvy multicultural urbanites. Since Greek settlers came here around 600 BC, scores of immigrants have also made Marseille (France's second-largest city) their home. Its maritime heritage thrives at the Vieux Port, and visitors can also explore the ancient Le Panier neighbourhood; the République quarter, with its chic boutiques and Haussmannian buildings; and the contemporary architecture of the Joliette area around the famous Cathédrale de la Major.