Provence

Among the forty-two towns in France named Saint-Cyr, only Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer enjoys the Mediterranean’s gentle touch.

Which beach will you choose? Lecques, with its two kilometers of soft sand, perfect for long strolls? La Madrague? Reinettes, where you’ll feel like the only person in the world? Or perhaps you’ll venture to the Calanque of Port d’Alon? It hardly matters—the sea is everywhere, reflecting rocky cliffs and maritime pines.

In Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, discover the massive, submarine-shaped rock at Calanque de La Galère, and be pleasantly surprised by a Statue of Liberty in Portalis Square—a Bartholdi-signed replica of New York’s iconic statue. Here, in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, you may find it remarkably easy to simply let yourself enjoy life.

Cassis is a tranquil paradise resting beneath the golden cliffs of Cap Canaille. As charming as its surroundings, Cassis invites you to embrace the art of idleness. Along its picturesque harbor, colorful houses stand beside inviting terraces, where you’ll feel drawn to savor sea bass or scorpionfish paired with wine from one of the twelve local vineyards, no matter the hour. Wander through the narrow streets and calades*, pausing in quaint squares adorned with bubbling fountains.

At Bestouan Beach, crystal-clear waters invite you to swim or simply bask in their beauty. Meanwhile, at the Calanque of Port Miou, you’ll marvel at rocky peaks and umbrella pines framed by the turquoise sea. As Frédéric Mistral said, "He who has seen Paris but not Cassis has seen nothing." 

*Steep, cobbled streets

Often described as bold and full of life, Marseille embraces its vibrant spirit and unapologetic energy. As France’s oldest; it doesn’t just belong to the South—it is the South: a vibrant mix of aioli, pastis, and navettes, carried by the mistral, and watched over by the iconic Bonne Mère*. In its neighborhoods—people discuss a bit of politics, a lot of rap, and are an undeniable passionate about football.

Yet to truly feel its pulse, you must soak in the salty air of La Canebière and the Old Port, stroll down Le Prado, marvel at the MuCEM by the sea. Look out to Château d’If, imagining The Count of Monte Cristo. Explore the Calanques, be inspired by Le Corbusier’s Radiant City. Marseille is an ancient ever-changing mosaic of cultures, revealing itself only to those who follow its rhythm. 

*Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica