This majestic mausoleum dedicated to the 'Father of Modern Tunisia' Habib Bourguiba is decked out from top to bottom with white marble and decorative touches of emerald green, making it gleam in the hot sun of Monastir. The two towers poised on either side of the entrance to the tomb resemble the minarets of a typical Maghreb mosque. Indeed, most of the architecture that was designed by French architect Olivier Clement Cacoub bears a strong resemblance to traditional Islamic places of worship. Inside the mausoleum lies the Tunisian president of the 1960s, encased in an ornate marble sarcophagus which can be viewed up close on the ground floor or from above by accessing the balcony through an unassuming door to the right of the main entrance. Although it is free to enter the mausoleum, some may prefer to gain further insight into the history of the building by booking a tour from one of the licensed tour operators in the main city. It is inadvisable to hire the services of those guides operating within or beside the grounds of the mausoleum as most are unqualified. Opening times may vary and if the main entrance is closed, visitors can enter through a separate entrance on the other side of the building.

The recently modernised Darwin Entertainment Centre in the heart of the city hosts world-class performances and cultural events. The Darwin Symphony Orchestra appears there regularly, and the centre also hosts major international artists and theatre performances.

Loved equally by visitors and locals, Deckchair Cinema screens a wide range of films in its lovely outdoor location, right by the waterfront. Movies range from arthouse and independent to family-friendly films. Most years the cinema stays open from April to November.

Stade Mayol is Toulon’s home ground, holding up to 15,000 fans. It’s used for different events, but these days, it’s mostly about rugby. Check the schedule—if there’s a match on, it’s worth experiencing the atmosphere.