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Things to do in Marseille

Catch a game at Stade Vélodrome

Even if you don't enjoy football, a visit to Marseille's infamous Stade Vélodrome (www.om.net/en) will be an unforgettable experience. Opened in 1937, its famous wave-like roof makes it one of football's most prepossessing structures, while its team Olympique Marseille has long been one of France's most successful - if unpredictable - clubs.

Cooking lessons

Miramar (tel: +33 4 91 91 41 09; http://lemiramar.fr) on the Vieux Port is one of Marseille's most famous restaurants and widely renown for its bouillabaisse. Those keen to learn the alchemy of Marseille's most famous dish can join a cookery course, in which one of the restaurant's chefs takes participants through the step-by-step process of getting your dish to restaurant quality.

Get on your bike

Marseille's le velo (http://en.levelo-mpm.fr) bike hire scheme has proved popular since launch and visitors can freewheel their way through picturesque urban pockets or head for the postcard-pretty coastal roads. The machines require a debit card or - for those still living in 1976 - a cheque, and costs 1€ per day.

Go diving in the Calanques

Marseille might not be famed for its diving, but those keen to explore the teal blue waters of the Calanques can arrange to be accompanied by an instructor from DUNE World (tel: + 33 4 88 66 48 13; www.dune-world.com). The best time for diving is between June and September.

Take a boat to Château d'If

Château d'If is the setting for much of Alexander Dumas's classic novel The Count Of Monte Cristo, and this work of fiction has solidified the prison island's must-visit reputation. Situated just off the entrance to the city's old port, it's easily accessible by the Frioul If Express (www.frioul-if-express.com/en).

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Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port

Between the rocky headland of the Pharo and Fort St Nicolas, the indulgent Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port offers a near-unbeatable panoramic view of Marseille. The hotel has a swimming pool, eight meeting rooms (the largest of which can accommodate up to 130 people), a cocktail bar, a gastronomic restaurant and a spa.

InterContinental Marseille Hotel Dieu

Sitting imperiously over the Vieux Port from its perch near Le Panier, this 18th-century former Hotel Dieu is one of Marseille's most luxurious hotels. Most of the sleek, comfortable rooms have views of the Vieux Port, and many have balconies. There's also a renowned restaurant and a Clarins spa with an indoor pool.

Hotel Pullman Marseille Palm Beach

Located by the sea between the Vieux Port and the Convention Centre, the Hotel Pullman Marseille Palm Beach offers a unique view of the Prado Bay. It has stylish, contemporary rooms and suites, all with sea views. There's also a swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, jogging course and landing stage.

Le Petit Nice Passédat

This exquisite 19th-century villa in Hellenic style is set in lush gardens on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean. There is no denying that it's pricey, but the rooms are exceedingly comfortable and beautifully decorated, the service top notch, and the restaurant one of the best in town. The views are fabulous too.

Le Corbusier

Architecture buffs will relish the opportunity to stay at this hotel located within Le Corbusier's post-war vision of the future: the Cité Radieuse. While many of the hotel's 21 rooms are on the small side, they are comfy enough, and the rooftop garden offers seascapes to die for.

Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port

Overlooking the Vieux Port, this is one of the oldest hotels in Marseille, established in 1860. Many famous writers have stayed here, including George Sand (who eloped here with Chopin in 1839). Its air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms feature Provençal-style furniture, and many come with balconies and views of the port.