Take me there: Mama Shelter, Marseille
When Philippe Starck opened a boutique hotel in a converted car park in the edgy 20th arrondissement of his native Paris four years ago, it caused a stir. But Mama Shelter's avant-garde design, ultra-cheap rooms and DJ nights won over the "bobo" (bourgeois-bohème) crowd. Now the designer has turned his sights south, with a Mama Shelter in Marseille's arty Cours Julien neighbourhood. With off-beat decor, hi-tech goodies – iMac TVs, free Wi-Fi – a restaurant run by godfather of Nouvelle Cuisine Alain Senderens, music soirées, pingpong tables and scooters for hire, it looks set to become the city's hippest new hangout. Rooms from €69 a night (mamashelter.com).
Travel clinic: a car-free cottage
The dilemma This summer I want to book a cottage that we can get to by public transport, as I don't drive. It needs to be close to a beach, with lots for my two daughters to do nearby. Does such a place exist? Jenny, London
The Exe Estuary in south Devon makes a perfect base for a car-free holiday. The train from London will get you to Exeter in just over two hours. From here it's a 25-minute journey on the Avocet Line – a handy local rail service which runs alongside the River Exe – to the pretty village of Lympstone, where there's a good choice of holiday houses for hire. River Cottage (holiday-rentals.co.uk/p825159; from £345 per week) is a sweet fisherman's cottage a two-minute walk from the station and a short stroll from the village shop, café, pubs and park.
The pebble shore here is great for beach-combing at low tide, but for endless, sandy beaches Exmouth is just one stop away on the train or an easy two-mile ride along the Exe Trail cycle path. The picturesque port of Topsham, with its heated outdoor pool (topshampool.com), and Crealy (crealy.co.uk/devon) – a fantastic all-weather theme park near Exeter – are both easily reached by public transport.
Three of the best: cool new tents
It's time to pack away that mildewed old pop-up. If you want to cut a dash on the glampsite and festival circuit this summer you might consider upgrading to one of these designer numbers
1. Stripy bell tent Be the envy of fellow campers in this summery number – the canvas equivalent of strawberries and cream. Tasty. £430 (theglamcampingcompany.com)
2. The Cave by Heimplanet An inflatable tent that pitches in less than 60 seconds? Yes please. All the more time to party. Genius. £549.99 (ellis-brigham.com)
3. Field Candy tents Disguised as a garden shed or a wedge of cheese, you will stand out from the festival crowds in these playful designs. From £395 (fieldcandy.com)
