▲The Château d'If is a 16th-century fortress set on the island of If, the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago, a group of four islands located in the Mediterranean Sea about 4 km (2.5 mi) from Marseille.

▲This plush palace was built for Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, in 1858. The emperor himself never stayed here.

▲This 19th-century building houses the Musée des beaux-arts and Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Marseille. The grounds it's set on is listed as one of the Notable Gardens of France.

▲The magnificent ceiling inside Marseille's Catholic basilica.

▲The wild, rugged terrain of the scenic Massif des Calanques coastline near Marseille.

▲A photograph of the Old Port and marina taken from within one of the many commercial premises located near the esplanade.

▲Fort Saint-Jean, built in 1660, marks the entrance to the Old Port. Adjacent, illuminated in a blaze of blue, is the modern Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations.

▲To experience old Marseille, wander through Le Panier. Its mishmash of narrow lanes hide artisan workshops and lots of charming cafes.

▲The fortress is famous for being one of the settings of Alexandre Dumas' adventure novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' published in 1844.

▲Built in the Byzantine-Roman Revival style from 1852 to 1896, this is the city's "Nouvelle Major," or new cathedral. It's seen here from the roof of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations.

▲The stunning Notre-Dame de la Garde lends dramatic perspective to this evening scene, which takes place in the Old Port area.

▲A National Monument of France, it's one of the largest cathedrals in the country.

▲Plácido Domingo is just one of the glittering names from the world of opera who have performed in this building.

▲Pictured is the familiar tower of Fort Saint-Jean. The historical stronghold is now part of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations.

▲Inaugurated in 2013, this fabulous museum was designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti. This is the first French national museum to be located outside of Paris.

▲Known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as Massalia, modern-day Marseille is the country's main commercial port, and an important cruise ship destination.

▲The unmistakable Notre-Dame de la Garde stands on the highest natural point of the city, 149 m (489 ft) from ground level.

▲A twilight city panorama from the Frioul archipelago, located off the Mediterranean coast.

▲The picturesque Calanque Sormiou, located near Marseille, is known for its crystaline waters. A calanque is a narrow, steep-walled inlet.

▲The charming Vallon des Auffes is a traditional fishing village tucked away within the city boundaries, but a world removed from the hustle and bustle of modern Marseille.

▲Along the coast east from Marseille is the town of Cassis, a popular tourist destination, famous for its sheltered calanques.

▲Marseille twinkles on the horizon from this vantage point overlooking an enchanting calanque.

▲This quiet haven comprises around 50 fisher cabins and colorful cottages. A part of the Hollywood crime thriller 'The French Connection' was filmed here.

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Look out for this little hidden gem of a museum in the old Panier quarter. A former almshouse, the building dates back to the late 17th century.

▲Looking for a traditional souvenir? How about some hard soap made with vegetable oils, which has been handmade around Marseille for over 600 years.

▲Be sure to try this delicious treat, a traditional Provençal fish stew that originates in Marseille.

▲Marseille is France's second-largest city, and the main city of the Provence region.

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Marseille, located on France's sun-kissed Mediterranean coast, charms visitors with its historic grandeur and contemporary vibe. Laced with Provençal flavor and proud of its seafaring heritage, this multicultural port city deserves to be explored at leisure.

Like any big city, visitors to Marseille will need to plan their must-see spots. The city is large, offering plenty to explore, whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway in winter or summer.

To immerse yourself in this exciting destination, browse this gallery.

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Marseille's handsome town hall dates back to 1656, and is an important architectural reference point.

▲Look at this beautiful mosaic detail of four angels on a field of gold, located on the central dome.