A beautiful city has been recognised as Europe’s ‘hidden gem’ with balmy 19C in March and diverse landscapes of ancient architecture and stretches of pristine shores.

The port city of Marseille, France, offers an enchanting Mediterranean escape, with magnificent coastline vistas, vibrant neighbourhoods and a renowned harbour. The city has an authentic charm and rich heritage, and is known for its ‘southern lifestyle’, thanks to its balmy rays and relaxed atmosphere.

Delightfully, Marseille is one of the sunniest cities in France, boasting around 2,858 hours of sunshine per year, with a mild Mediterranean climate that reaches up to 19C in March. During the summer months, it can reach a blistering 30C, but thanks to its breathtaking azure waters stretching across 26 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of opportunities to cool off.

This is just one of the reasons why it’s been revealed as ‘Europe’s top hidden gem’ for a city break, after a study by Ripe Motorhome Insurance analysed more than 74,000 TripAdvisor reviews across 30 city destinations. The travel experts compared the level of pre-arrival expectations before a city break and the reviews that followed, with Marseille recording the lowest level of disappointment, and it’s understandable why it’s lived up to its name.

Making a trip to the French city even more appealing is the average cost of a beer, which will set visitors back just a mere £3.50 (€4), while a three-course meal costs an average of £21 (€25) per person. Plus, flights to Marseille take around two hours from London airports, with prices starting at a reasonable £20, according to Skyscanner. And there’s plenty to explore during a weekend escape.

The Marseille Port, also known as the Port of Marseille Fos, is France’s largest commercial seaport and a pivotal Mediterranean centre for cargo, cruise, and ferry services connecting to Corsica and North Africa. Travellers can stroll along the pedestrian-accessible Vieux-Port (Old Port) and pause at one of the numerous bars or eateries, while taking in the sight of petite vessels moored in the harbour.

Tourists have praised the port as the “vibrant heart of the city” and a “true Mediterranean nugget”, as they soak up the unique atmosphere over a glass of wine or a dish of fresh fish. There are nearby boutique shops to browse around, colourful boats to admire, places to catch the sunset and views of the stunning Notre-Dame de la Garde.

One tourist raved about the French port on TripAdvisor: “It’s so nice to wander around here at your leisure, lovely architecture, boats, nice restaurants and bars and some great opportunities for photos.”

Beyond the port, visitors can wander through winding streets and neighbourhoods of France’s most ancient city, discovering picturesque areas such as Le Panier, before sampling local delicacies at neighbourhood bistros and eateries. Steeped in history, there’s lots to explore, from the majestic Notre-Dame de la Garde to the Gothic Cathédrale La Major and the peaceful grounds of Palais Longchamp, alongside an excursion to Calanques National Park.

One of the most sought-after golden sand spots in Marseille is Plage des Catalans, situated near the city centre, offering views of the Frioul Islands and a lively atmosphere with beach bars and volleyball. Other sun-soaked spots include the pebbly beach of Plage du Prado and Anse de la Fausse Monnaie, a secluded cove tucked between dramatic cliffs with turquoise waters.

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