Alternative European city breaks

Marseille, France

Now that Eurostar have launched trains from London to this chic city in southern France, Paris is no longer the only option for a French getaway. Now just six-and-a-half hours away by rail, cafés and shops, contemporary galleries and historical sights (notably Notre-Dame de la Garde) await in sunny Marseille. Despite being located on the stunning Provençal coastline, Marseille is still a lot grittier than its more elegant siblings (Cannes, St Tropez, we’re looking at you), but this now plays to its advantage. Its interesting history is tangible in the vibrant Vieux Port (the Old Port home to a daily fish market and restaurants serving local cuisine), the ancient neighbourhood of Le Panier and the La Joliette area, where the city’s famous striped Cathedrale de la Major is located.