Every May, the world's entertainment industry descends on Cannes for a film festival. The city's famous Palais des Festivals et des Congrès hosts film premieres, filmmaker meetings and a star-studded showcase. Cannes has some of the finest beaches on the French Riviera. The Promenade de la Croisette runs along the coast, lined with luxury hotels, boutiques and palm trees. To the west of the harbour is the original hillside settlement of Cannes. Here you can climb the steps past ochre walls and flowering bougainvillea to the Place de la Castre. There's a spectacular view of the harbour, the Palais des Festivals and the arch of La Croisette. The Musee de la Castre is housed in a medieval castle and displays an eclectic collection of art and artefacts from around the world. Cannes is a shopper's paradise. Designer boutiques along the Rue d'Antibes attract fashionistas, while the Marché Forville offers a glimpse of local life with its bustling stalls.

Marseille is the second largest city in France and was founded by the Greeks around 600 BC. The heart of Marseille is the Vieux-Port, a historic harbour that is over 2,600 years old. Walk along the promenade and you will find many restaurants, cafes and markets. Try the famous bouillabaisse, a local fish stew, or just enjoy a quiet coffee and watch the boats go by. A short walk from the Vieux-Port you'll find Le Panier, one of Marseille's oldest and most charming neighbourhoods. This historic district has narrow, winding streets decorated with vibrant street art and colourful facades. You'll find craft shops, boutiques and galleries. The city has a number of museums and cultural institutions. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Cultures (MuCEM) is a marvel of modern architecture. The Musée d'Histoire de Marseille offers an in-depth exploration of the city's past, while the MAC Museum of Contemporary Art showcases the city's artistic vitality.