Not far from busy Fès, the former Roman city of Volubilis, an UNESCO World Heritage site, contains ancient vestiges of the Roman Empire. You can easily spend hours here for taking in all the colourful mosaics, and for exploring the ruins of houses, gates and palaces. To get here, you can either join an organised tour from Fès or catch a train to Meknes nearby.

Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, created Hôtel du Palais at the end of the 19th century, and it still towers over the northern end of Grand Plage. A visit is well worth the time. In fact, it is essentially a must-see – the interiors and the atmosphere are reminiscent of a bygone era.

Colombier Beach is St Barts’ crowning escape — a crescent of white sand accessible only by boat or two scenic hiking trails, ensuring its pristine seclusion. The Flamands Trail (20-30 minutes) starts past Petite Anse, winding along cactus-dotted cliffs with glimpses of rocky shores. For panoramic vistas, take the Colombier Lookout Trail (30-45 minutes) from the viewpoint parking lot, descending past iguanas sunning on volcanic boulders to reach the shore. Protected by a hilly peninsula, the bay’s calm waters reveal sea turtles and coral. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel! History lingers at the western edge, where hurricane-topped ruins of Laurence Rockefeller’s 1950s villa stand guard. No facilities mean packing sun shelter and water; early mornings reward hikers with empty sands and gentler heat.

The Museum of Pop Culture delves into the world-shaping impact of pop culture through immersive exhibitions and interactive experiences. From rock music to science fiction, MoPOP showcases the creative expressions that define contemporary culture. The eccentric architectural style of the museum is a major draw in itself.