Special treat: The Sofitel Vieux Port perches at the entry to the Old Port, offering splendid views and efficient luxury. Doubles from £153. Read the full review http://bit.ly/W7X9kg.
Mid-range: The Résidence du Vieux Port also has excellent views, too. Almost all rooms have a balcony overlooking the port. Port-view doubles from £108. Read the full review http://bit.ly/o2nulj
On a budget: The Swiss-run Pension Edelweiss guest-house suggests old France given a wacky facelift. B&B doubles from £71. Read the full review http://bit.ly/VtmEiV.
Have a drink amid the retro-bustle of Le Crystal (148 Quai du Port; 0033 491 915976). Then dinner.
Kick off with coffee at Les Danaïdes, a proper, big-city brasserie amid the trees and fountain of Place Stalingrad.
Break for lunch at the Café des Epices (4 Rue Lacydon; 0033 491 912269; www.cafedesepices.com ), a funky little spot just back from the Vieux Port, with a two-course lunch at £17.50.
Take the Grand Tour double-decker bus and hop off at the Vallon des Auffes, a delightful in-town fishing enclave.
Bob across to Malmousque, a village-in-the-city with a sheltered, rocky coast, while you’re there.
