24. Marseille, France

Marseille is a port city in the Provence region of France. It is the oldest city and second most populous one in France. Popular sights include the Old Port, Le Panier, La Corniche, the MuCEM, the Stade Vélodrome and many other beautiful, charming destinations.

Happiness: 40th

Historical Landmarks: 16th

Sports: 10th

Schools and Education: 32nd

Governmental Stability: 21st

Crime: 52nd

Healthcare: 2nd

Affordability: 36th

Food: 16th

Innovation: 30th

Pollution: 49th

Climate: 9th

Overall Average: 26.08

Happiness: According to the World Happiness Report, France scores in the highest category of the happiness scale.

Historical Landmarks: Marseille has one site, the Unité d’habitation, that is part of a transnational UNESCO World Heritage serial property that spreads across seven countries. This designation applies to the Modern Movement architectural works of Le Corbusier and reflects the internationalization of architecture.

Sports: Marseille is currently home to one club in the Ligue 1—Olympique de Marseille or OM, a club that has consistently played at the top tier of French football, winning numerous titles.

Schools and Education: Marseille has one university that makes the Best Global Universities list—Aix-Marseille Université at 178.

Crime: In Marseille, crime is high in almost every category.

Affordability: Marseille has a cost of living index at 65.5, which is moderately expensive as compared to other European cities.

Food: 8 restaurants in Marseille have at least 1 Michelin star, with 3 having an impressive 3 stars.

Pollution: A pollution index score of 71.88 means that Marseille is high on air, noise and light pollution and is considered dirty and untidy. There is great dissatisfaction with garbage disposal.

Climate: Marseille reaches the high 70s to mid 80s (F) in summer months, while in the winter, it can be found in the mid 50s in Fahrenheit.