To take a bowl of iodine: along the sea, from the Old Port to the creeks
You get on your bike under the shade of Norman Forster, on the Old Port, to head south.
After the climb to the Palais du Pharo (superb view of the harbour), Plage des Catalans seduces with its seaside atmosphere.
This is where the
Corniche Kennedy
begins , a long balcony over the sea lined with a cycle path that dots the nuggets: Frioul islands on the horizon, small ports in the Auffes and Endoume valleys, rocks and ribbons of pebbles or sand to the statue of David.
We then follow the large coves formed by the Prado beaches.
Among them,
Epluchure Beach
breathes a California air with its gathering of surfers on swell days.
Leaning over the sea, the districts of Pointe Rouge and Montredon serve as an appetizer before
chemin des Goudes
which propels us to paradise.
Every bend in this rock-cut, creek-chiseled road embraces a sculptural landscape of water and stone.
In the background, the jagged relief of Maïre Island and the Riou archipelago.
After the village of Les Goudes, Marseille's end of the world awaits us: the
Calanque de Callelongue
, a fabulous cul-de-sac where a few boats pitch between the rocks.
To discover
Stays in France: weekends, hotels and tailor-made stays from our partners
In practice:
a good part on a fitted and protected cycle path.
Round trip length:
approximately 28 km.
Difficulty:
fairly easy apart from the length of the route.
Elevation:
120 meters.
Read also48 hours in Marseille, between sea and hills
To discover the heritage: Notre-Dame de la Garde in high point
Notre-Dame de la Garde
which can be connected without too much difficulty with an electrically assisted bicycle.
OMTCM
We start on the
north bank of the Old Port
, towards the cathedral of the Major whose Romano-Byzantine style, in vogue in the middle of the 19th century, also evokes that of Notre-Dame de la Garde.
On the way, a stopover is essential at the
Mucem
, a museum of the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean hidden under a lacework of concrete near the water.
Don't miss a visit to the brand new
Cosquer Méditerranée
space , a replica of the decorated Palaeolithic cave semi-submerged in the creeks.
Then, it's time to climb the historic streets of the Panier and take the
rue de la République
, with Haussmannian architecture, opened in the middle of the 19th century to connect the Old Port to the new basins of La Joliette bordered by docks.
We then attack the
Canebière
to reach the Palais Longchamp, a jewel of the Second Empire which celebrates the arrival of the waters of the Durance in Marseille.
In the distance, you can see
Notre-Dame de la Garde
, the next stage that you can reach without too much difficulty with an electrically assisted bicycle.
The old watchtower transformed into a fortress by François I, now a basilica, enchants with its interiors abounding in golden mosaics and its exceptional view of the city and the sea. All that remains is to reach the
Old Port
at the foot of the Bonne Mère, making a small detour to contemplate the Saint-Victor abbey and its crenellated towers.
In practice:
a few sections on a fitted cycle path.
Length:
about 12 km.
Level:
easy with an electric bike.
Elevation:
210 meters.
To forage the flavors of Marseille: markets, shuttle oven, micro-brewery and urban cellars
Marseille makes room for bicycles to help people discover its little stories and its many markets.
Fada Bike
It is near the famous fish market of the Old Port that Les Grandes Halles
opens on July 6
.
The opportunity to discover the Cours Estienne d'Orves, a beautiful Italian-style square whose former arsenals will partly house food shops, stalls and then a market for local producers.
But the belly of Marseille, colorful and noisy, is in
Noailles
.
We reach its market and its popular grocery stores from all over the world by taking the Canebière.
Higher up, you can stop on the large terraces of the
Cours Julien
(organic market on Wednesday mornings) before setting off again on the
Cours Lieutaud
recently equipped with a cycle path.
To the east, it's straight up to
Zoumaï
, urban organic beer factory near Place Castellane.
Quench your thirst there before tackling the climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde for a contemplative stage before descending to the
Four des Shuttles de Saint-Victor
, which perfumes the district with the scent of orange blossom.
Stock up on these traditional dry biscuits (which can be kept for a year) and take the opportunity to discover L'
Abri
, an urban winery set up in a former car garage offering natural wines and top-flight tapas.
Fortunately, the Old Port is not very far away.
In practice:
a few sections on a fitted cycle path.
Length:
about 8 km.
Level:
easy with an electric bike.
Elevation:
170 meters.
Travelogue
Fada Bike (e-bike tours group) offers guided tours of Marseille by electric bike.
Fada Bike
GO
By train, to Marseille (with a travel time of around 3h10 from Paris).
WHEN TO GO
All year round even if spring and autumn remain the most pleasant seasons in terms of temperature.
WHERE TO RENT A BIKE
Fada Bike Tours Marseille
Bikes for hire (by appointment) and many guided tours, in groups or privatized, from the Old Port.
By electric bike: from €25 per half-day for a simple rental;
from €32 for a 2-hour guided group tour.
Departure Old Port.
41 rue Plan Fourmiguier, 13007 Marseilles.
Such.
: 07 82 00 73 47.
The MPM bike
The network of the metropolis, little brother of the Vélib Parisien.
Self-service bicycles without electric assistance.
Ticket from 1 to 7 days (1 €), first half hour free then count 1€ per hour.
OR SLEEP
House of the World Hotel & Suites
“Like at home but better”: this is the positioning claimed by the Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites.
Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites / Press photo
On the Old Port, facing the Norman Forster shadehouse, a 4-star address with 62 rooms elegantly decorated with pieces from the Maison du Monde brand.
About twenty units enjoy a view of the quays.
From €100 per night with breakfast at €14, as part of a package.
Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites Marseille, 43 quai des Belges, 13001 Marseille.
Such.
: 04 91 55 67 46.
Read alsoMaisons du Monde Hotel & Suites in Marseille, the expert opinion of
Le Figaro
Seaside Hotel
A jewel of less than 20 rooms which has one of the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean and a perfect location in the heart of the Phocaean city.
Very close to Catalans beach, this coastal hotel is the closest to the Old Port and the town centre.
From €250 per night.
Les Bords de mer, 52 corniche President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 13007 Marseille.
Tel.: 04 13 94 34 00.
Read alsoHotel Les Bords de Mer in Marseille, the expert opinion of
Le Figaro
GOOD ADDRESSES
The Great Halls
30A Cours d'Estienne d'Orves, 13001 Marseille.
Noailles market (or Capuchin market)
Around 5 rue du Marché des Capucins, 13001 Marseille.
nMonday to Saturday.
Zoumai
7 Cours Gouffé, 13006 Marseille.
Such.
: 09 53 87 03 79.
Shuttle furnace
136 rue Sainte, 13007 Marseilles.
Such.
: 04 91 33 32 12.
The Shelter
114 boulevard de la Corderie, 13007 Marseilles.
Such.
: 09 50 40 45 08.
Read alsoProvence by bike: three sunny rides to do this summer
