Spend an afternoon strolling around Marseille’s Vieux Port, one of the oldest parts of the city and one of Europe’s largest regeneration areas. It's in the streets around the marina that you'll find some of the city's must-see attractions, plus fantastic shops, restaurants and food trucks. There are some great rooftop bars open in the evening, too.

Take in the view from the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, which stands guard over the city from the highest point. It’s a steep walk up the steps to the top but you can also take a more leisurely route on the "petit train" from the Old Port.

Take a boat out to the small fishing port of L'Estaque where many famous artists have lived and painted over the centuries, including Paul Cézanne. Don't miss trying the local chickpea delicacy, panisses. Find details of the 30-minute ferry shuttle from the Old Harbour here (take the bus in the off season).

With origins tracing back to the 13th century, the Catedral de Santa María de Mallorca (also known as the Catedral de Mallorca, or 'La Seu' locally) is a majestic example of Gothic architecture. With a colourful rose window and stunning interior, it is a symbol of Mallorca and is also home to the Museum of Sacred Art.

Relax in the beautiful Jardines de Alfabia, a former 18th-century estate, dotted with fountains and palm trees, and set against the backdrop of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains.

Discover Barcelona's rich heritage in this vast living museum, with its main building on Plaça del Rei. The Museu d'Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA) contains the remains of Roman villas, an underground winery and the largest Roman excavation outside Rome.

Overlooking Barcelona, Montjüic is a hilltop vantage point a world away from the labyrinthine streets of the city below. Explore the castle and botanic gardens, and see the grand Olympic Stadium originally built for the 1929 Olympics and refurbished for the 1992 Games.

There are a number of beaches in and within easy reach of the city. Barceloneta is the closest to the city centre and both the most famous and most popular. There's plenty of beach volleyball and ping pong on offer, as well as places to find fresh seafood. Head to Nova Icaria if you're after something a little more sedate, with the same range of beach activities on offer on a smaller scale. For something altogether quieter, make your way north to Platja d'Ocata, a pristine, tranquil stretch of beautiful golden sand.

Paris has no shortage of tempting shops, from independent clothing boutiques to sprawling department stores. Don't miss the opportunity to browse the bouquinistes, open-air booksellers on the banks of the Seine, or indulge at the Galeries Lafayette, the luxurious French department store.

You'll find Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg as it's often called), housed in a striking building covered in pipes and scaffolding. Inside, you'll find temporary exhibitions alongside the permanent collection that includes masterpieces like Duchamp's Fountain, and recognisable works by Frida Kahlo, Robert Delaunay and Wassily Kandinsky.

Wander through Montmartre and make the climb up to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Be sure to linger over the spectacular view at the top; at sunset, you'll get the best light as the sun dips below the city skyline.