Marseille has rhythm and spice that is drawing even the snobbish Parisians. Whereas denizens of the City of Light once snubbed the nation's second-most-populous city (pop. 807,000), they are now hopping on the TGV to enjoy its sun, charm and thriving, cosmopolitan air. Marseille, which was founded by the Greeks 2,500 years ago, is often thought of as a series of small villages or neighborhoods, each with its own unique history and traditions. Some are known for their beaches some for the famous artists who were inspired there and still others for their charming harbors (La Vallon des Auffes, La Pointe Rouge, Le Vieux Port). Visit the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Cathedral, the Museum of the Roman Docks, the town hall and the fifth-century Basilica of St. Victor. The nearby Chateau d'If is mentioned in The Count of Monte Cristo. Be sure to sample the city's famous bouillabaisse. If you have time, explore the Calanques, the beautiful coastline between Marseille and Cassis.