Bluer than blue coasts

Marseilles
The second most populated city of France and the birthplace of L’Escolo de la Mar – the oldest folk dance in France – Marseilles presents an enthralling mix of culture and cuisine.

CHECK OUT: Sacred Music Festival
When: 7 May to 5 June 2015.
What: Started by Jeanine Imbert, a councillor from the Marseille Conservatory and Fine Arts School, the Scared Music Festival is dedicated to the art and performance of religious music, with the hope of reigniting an ancestral heritage for Marseilles through a series of quality concerts. Housed in the historical relics of Marseilles’ churches, the festival immerses visitors in the breathtaking beauty of architecture while delivering pitch­perfect acoustics. St. Michael the Archangel Church 1, place de l’Archange 13005, Marseille

CHECK OUT: Les Halles de la Major
When: Open daily from 9am to 7pm
What: Tucked under the Cathedrale de la Major is the gourmet wonderland of Les Halles Market. Two floors of fine French produce are sold through the day, where visitors can sample and purchase a mind­boggling range of fine cheeses, seafood, wine, classic French pastries and ice creams. The area also serves up culinary delights, in the form of various tapas stands and resident Le Cafè des Halles by Julien Bottela. 12, Quai de la Tourette, Les Voûtes de la Major 13002, Marseille

Nice
Curled around the beautiful Bay of Angels is the artistic, inspiring City of Nice. With her natural beauty and mild climate, it’s easy to see why Nice la Belle, meaning Nice the Beautiful, is its unofficial name.

CHECK OUT: Italie à Table
When: 28 to 31 May, 10am to 8pm
What: For the 10th consecutive year, the City of Nice collaborates with the Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Ministry of International Trade to present a showcase of the best culinary collaborations between France and Italy, with over 150 stands selling wines, produce and foods. Visitors can also look forward to demonstrations from lauded chefs of the French Riviera as well as Italy, and sample the best from both worlds while enjoying live music. Quai des Etats­Unis, 06000, Nice, France

Excerpt from the May 2015 issue of epicure.