Before you launch into weeks (or months) of responsibility-free fun in Europe, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first. Organise a pet (or plant) sitter, hand all your unfinished work over to your poor colleagues and, most importantly, sort out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including EUR) preloaded so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.

It may be France’s third-largest city but Marseille is fairly easy to navigate by foot, particularly the city centre. This is the best option to truly get a feel for the different neighbourhoods, as long as you stay hydrated — Marseille can get pretty steamy in summer. Alternatively, you can nab a Marseille City Pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours, which gives you unlimited access to public transport, plus discounted museum entry and more.

Every city in France has several culinary specialties — one of Marseille’s is the navette, a hard biscuit made with wheat flour, sugar, eggs and orange blossom water, best enjoyed when dipped in tea or coffee. Its unique shape is said to represent the boat that brought Lazarus and the Holy Marys to the coast of Provence. The best place to try them is Four des Navettes, which has been operating since 1781.

A trip to Marseille is incomplete without spending time in its oldest neighbourhood, le Panier. The district is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways covered in colourful street art and plants. Spend a few hours exploring the retail stores, historic architecture and museums that populate le Panier, then revive in one of the buzzing bistros or bars. This audio-guided walking tour will lead you to the best bits for just AUD$15.