Where to go on vacation in the Mediterranean ?

The Canopea 2022 collection draws its inspiration from the colors of the Mediterranean. Perhaps you too are eager to set sail, to change your horizons, without going to the other side of the planet. How about a Mediterranean cruise? Canopea has dropped anchor in three emblematic locations around the Mediterranean: Marseille, Catalonia, and Morocco!

Marseille, the city of a thousand colors

Our cruise begins in Marseille, which still shines with the same brilliance after 26 centuries of existence. Its discovery inevitably begins with a stroll along the corniche, without forgetting to stop at the Vallon des Auffes, to discover its charming little fishing port overlooked by a viaduct.

Impossible to miss the Marseille's Calanques . This series of small coves, opening onto an emerald sea, are among the most beautiful sites in Provence. Between pebble beaches and fine sand, you couldn't dream of a better place to enjoy the sun, swim, kayak, or explore the seabed. These heavenly places are accessible on foot via the GR 98 and other hiking trails. The other option is to reach them by boat, which always promises a wonderful discovery!

On the city side, Marseille and its heritage have plenty to seduce you. An emblematic place of the city, located at the very bottom of the Canebière, the Old Port is the meeting point for the Marseillais, as well as for visitors. After a short stroll along the quays, you can try a mini ferry cruise. Unless you prefer the cheerful atmosphere of the fish market, which takes place here every morning, Marseille still has many surprises in store for you. Don't forget to visit the Panier district, the oldest in the city. You'll appreciate its narrow and picturesque streets, its staircases, its colorful facades, and its breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.

Catalonia: all the colors of Spain just a stone's throw away

In the northeast of Spain, Catalonia stretches from the Pyrenees to the shores of the Mediterranean. From the Val d'Aran to Cap de Creus, the Pyrenees unfold their landscapes over more than 230 km and offer beautiful hikes, between high peaks, valleys, glaciers and natural parks. Catalonia, on the beach side, has the Costa Brava, the Costa Barcelona and the Costa Dorada, a 580 km coastline and numerous seaside resorts to enjoy the sea and its pleasures: Salou, Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués, Lloret de Mar or Roses.

You cannot stay in Catalonia without visiting Cadaqués, a little gem of the Costa Brava, located near the French border and the Cap de Creus Natural Park . You'll be captivated by the unspoiled charm of this village surrounded by mountains. Its church, small white houses, and narrow streets were a source of inspiration for Salvador Dali. You can also visit the painter's house, which has been converted into a museum.

Catalonia, on the city side, is of course Barcelona, ​​the city that never sleeps, they say. A young and trendy city par excellence, the Catalan capital also has many museums: the Wax Museum, the Picasso Museum, and the Sagrada Familia, the unfinished monument by architect Antoni Gaudi, emblematic of the city. Another must-see city in Catalonia is Tarragona, whose Roman ruins and ancient amphitheater attract many visitors each year.

To discover wild Catalonia, head south to the Ebro Delta. With its bulls and rice paddies, the area is reminiscent of the Camargue. It's the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the rich flora and fauna of this 25-km-long natural park.

Morocco, a detour through the imperial cities

With its diverse landscapes, Morocco is a destination that is both close and very exotic. The first point of contact for travelers arriving via the Mediterranean, the Moroccan Rif is a succession of canyons and green valleys. The Atlantic coast offers a completely different aspect with its large beaches bordered by cliffs. For a first trip to Morocco, you can visit the imperial cities of Fez and its medina made up of a maze of 9,500 streets, Meknes with its minarets and monumental gates, the coastal city of Essaouira with its white houses with blue shutters, and, of course, Marrakech!

If there were only one place to visit in Morocco, it would obviously be Marrakech. Wandering through its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is always a truly exotic experience for travelers. Marrakech's souks are the largest in the Maghreb, along with those of Essaouira. Basketwork, copper, leather goods, slippers... the incredible diversity of Moroccan craftsmanship is revealed here. Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, because it's part of the game!

Marrakech instantly brings to mind the extraordinary garden of painter Jacques Majorelle, created in 1924 and purchased in 1980 by fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. The green of the vegetation contrasts with the vivid mauve, the famous Majorelle blue, of the studio. The place has become a must-see for any visitor who loves art, couture, and local culture.