Explore the Best Mediterranean Cities: Marseille to Montpellier

Perpignan on the Mediterranean Coast

Perpignan, the second city of Catalonia, a region that straddles France and Spain, is a wonderfully lively city. Now part of Languedoc-Roussillon, the French Catalans maintain a unique identity, evident in their own language and the national colors of yellow and red prominently displayed. Perpignan is an excellent place to explore, especially its charming old streets. Be sure to visit the folk culture exhibits located at the 14th-century gateway of Le Castillet, which houses the Casa Pairal museum.

Dine on seasonal mushrooms and seafood at La Galinette (23 rue Jean-Payra, tel.: 00 33 (0)4 68 35 00 90), or enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine at Ail I Oli (12 allee des Chenes, parc Ducup, tel.: 00 33 (0)4 68 55 58 75).

Furthermore, Perpignan is conveniently situated near the stunning Cote Vermeille, or Vermilion coast, which boasts sandy beaches that stretch down to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

The Mediterranean Town of Beziers

Beziers, located in southern Languedoc, is a charming city that rises steeply to the Cathedral St-Nazaire. The Gothic architecture resembles a castle more than a typical church, dominating its surroundings. The original structure was destroyed in 1209 during a crusade against the Cathars, resulting in a tragic massacre.

Today, the area offers a peaceful setting where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the medieval streets, cathedral cloisters, and picturesque vine-covered hillsides. Known for its exquisite wines, Beziers is also recognized as the birthplace of Resistance hero Jean Moulin, who has a museum dedicated to him in Paris, and is celebrated for rugby and its mid-August feria.

Mediterranean Montpellier

Cultured and lively, Montpellier is one of France’s most attractive cities, featuring beautiful historic districts ripe for exploration. The spacious, largely traffic-free center makes it easy to admire the 17th and 18th-century mansions (hôtels), the landscaped Promenade du Peyrou park, and the place de la Comédie dominated by the splendid opera house. An abundance of restaurants, bars, and cafes can be found lining the squares, contributing to a vibrant music scene.

For those seeking a day trip, the beaches of La Grande Motte and the magnificent fortress town of Aigues-Mortes to the east, as well as the former fishing village of Sète to the southwest, are both worthwhile destinations.

Mediterranean Arles

Arles boasts a remarkably preserved Roman arena, Les Arènes, situated right in the city center. This Mediterranean town, part of the Bouches-du-Rhône region of Provence, is fiercely proud of its Provencal culture. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arles features stunning architecture, a variety of museums, and enchanting medieval streets. It was also a haven for artists, with Vincent Van Gogh persuading Paul Gauguin to settle here in the late 19th century.

Don’t miss the Roman Amphitheatre, the ancient arena, the 12th-century cathedral adorned with Provencal stone carvings, and the serene cloisters. The museums showcase life in Provence, while the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh displays works by contemporary artists inspired by Van Gogh, including Francis Bacon and David Hockney.

The Mediterranean Port of Marseille

Marseille, France’s oldest city and a vital Mediterranean seaport, is often compared to Lyon as the second-largest city in France. This vibrant location has a rich history filled with both triumphs and struggles. Presently, Marseille is undergoing a transformation with numerous new projects along the waterfront, including the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. Notably, it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013.

The city is renowned for its passionate football culture, exquisite cuisine (especially the legendary seafood stew, bouillabaisse), diverse festivals, and its famous Marseille soap. From the bustling Old Port to the notorious Château d’If, known for housing the fictional character Edmond Dantès in The Count of Monte Cristo, Marseille offers a wealth of attractions.

Glamorous St. Tropez

Glamorous and glitzy, St. Tropez remains one of the premier resorts along the Mediterranean, although opinions on its contemporary allure vary. With its rich history, once graced by Brigitte Bardot, St. Tropez is ideal for people-watching from café terraces or sandy stretches like the renowned Plage de Pampelonne.

Beyond the glitz, visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls around the old port or longer hikes around the peninsula, visit the exceptional Musée de l’Annonciade showcasing neo-Impressionist and Fauvist pieces, or shop for international designer labels and local crafts.

Cannes on the French Riviera

Cannes is perhaps best recognized for its annual Film Festival, yet this sophisticated Mediterranean town offers much more than just red carpets and star-studded appearances each May.

A leisurely walk along the Boulevard de la Croisette leads past the luxurious palace hotels that are a hallmark of the area. As you stroll by the dazzling Mediterranean, head towards the marina filled with spectacular yachts. The historic district, Le Suquet, rises from the Old Port with streets brimming with dining options, culminating at the 11th-century Tour du Mont Chevalier and the Musée de la Castre, which features a quirky 19th-century collection of ethnographic artifacts.

Mediterranean Antibes

Antibes is a delightful Mediterranean resort nestled between Cannes and Nice, inviting visitors to wander its flower-filled old town leading to a marina known for its extravagant yachts. The daily flower and vegetable market is rich with the aromas and flavors of Provence, while the nearby chateau houses the Musée Picasso, displaying a remarkable collection of Picasso’s ceramics and works by his contemporaries.

South of Antibes lies Cap d’Antibes, featuring small beaches, a lighthouse, and scenic villas, including the prestigious Hotel du Cap Eden Roc. In contrast, the nearby Juan-les-Pins is lively and modern, celebrated for its annual Jazz Festival each July.

Mediterranean Nice

Nice is a vibrant city competing with Marseille for the title of France’s second city. Known for its appealing blend of relaxation and culture, it boasts an impressive selection of museums that house works from Impressionists and other renowned artists who settled here in the 19th century.

A stroll down the Promenade des Anglais reveals some of France’s most elegant hotels. In the heart of the old town, the Cours Saleya is alive with stalls offering Provencal fruits, preserves, olives, and fresh vegetables. Food lovers will find Nice to be a culinary haven, featuring exquisite bistros, boulangeries, and exceptional cooking classes.

Mediterranean Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo, the capital of Monaco, is renowned for its royal family, including the late Princess Grace, its thrilling Formula 1 Grand Prix, and its status as a tax haven, attracting countless millionaires. However, beyond the glitz, Monte Carlo offers an impressive Oceanographic museum with a captivating aquarium, the Prince of Monaco’s vintage car collection, and myriad attractions suitable for diverse interests. Visitors can also try their luck at the opulent Casino de Paris.