Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation

Visionary architect Le Corbusier redefined urban living in 1952 with the completion of this vertical, 337-apartment ‘garden city’, also known as Cité Radieuse (Radiant City). Along its darkened hallways, primary-coloured downlights create eerie tunnels leading to a mini-supermarket, architectural bookshop and panoramic rooftop ‘desert garden’. However forward-thinking the architecture, it has esoteric appeal: many just see a concrete apartment block.

For Le Courbusier lovers, stay at Hôtel Le Corbusier, two floors in the middle of the tower. ‘Cabins’ are tiny cells; studios look sharp, particularly those with sea views and Le Corbusier chairs, but for design reasons, toilets are the 1950s originals. Service is weak. If less committed, dine at its fine restaurant, Le Ventre de l’Architecte, which has distant Med views and specialises in foie gras.

Catch bus 83 or 21 to Le Corbusier stop.