When you’re staying right next to the bustling transport hub of Marseille, Saint-Charles train station, you might not expect to find blissful serenity. However, this spacious and bright apartment defies expectations to offer you a peaceful oasis in the 1st arrondissement. Bathed in glorious Mediterranean light, the open-plan living space has glossy, rich, hardwood floors that look striking in contrast to the sky-blue walls of the kitchen. With leafy plants, decorative trinkets, and a bell-shaped, glass lighting fixture above the dining table, we love the eclectic mix of interiors. Step out the sliding doors to the huge terrace – the sunlight hits the sweet spot here on the decking, but it also has covered, shady areas where you can lounge on the outdoor sofas. Dining alfresco is a must, unless of course you fancy heading out to a local seafood restaurant. While urban delights aren’t hard to come by in this central district, we recommend a stroll down to the museums by the water. In just over twenty minutes, you’ll reach the Musée Regards de Provence as well as the Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée.

Home truths:
*There is no dedicated workspace, but plenty of laptop-friendly spots
*Only paid parking is available nearby (but the Saint-Charles metro station is just 180 metres away)
*If you're bringing the little ones along, there's a cot for a baby
*To check in between 9 pm and midnight, there's a €22 fee, which increases to €44 between midnight and 6 am
*The entrance to the building is shared with other residents, not private to your home
*Your host can arrange for all sorts of extra services, such as airport transfer, breakfast, housekeeping, and ticket bookings – check with them about availability and pricing