Want to explore the Phocaean city in an original way? Go for a ride on an electrically assisted bike. Several routes are possible. From the Old Port to the Goudes trail, via the Fada tour, there are multiple VAE trips to explore Marseille at your own pace. Located in Provence, in the south-east of France, this city benefits from a privileged location, bordered by the Mediterranean.
To help you carry out your excursions without getting lost, we have listed in this article some ideas for routes to take to visit Marseille for a day, whether with family, as a couple or with friends. The walks are different, depending on their distance, the visits to be made as well as the monuments that you can see. So get on your electric bike and equip yourself accordingly. And let's go for a great trip that you won't soon forget!
VAE ride in Marseille along the sea, from the Old Port to the creeks
For this first ride aboard your e-bike, you will begin your journey under the shade of the Old Port. Already, you are facing a prominent monument. This shade, designed by Norman Forster, is in reality a large mirrored ceiling of 48 m by 22 m, which reflects the Quai de la Fraternité as well as the pedestrians passing below. If you want to take souvenir photos, remember to attach your e-bike properly , because it could take you several minutes!
Once you're ready to leave, head south. You will go up towards the Pharo palace from where you will enjoy a magnificent view of the harbor. You will arrive at the Catalans beach, which you will like for its seaside atmosphere. You will then continue your escapade on the Corniche Kennedy. This long balcony overlooking the sea is lined with a cycle path. You will therefore drive there in complete safety.
From there, you will pass by different places and sites, each one as unique as the next. First, on the horizon, you can see the Frioul islands. You will also be able to visit the small ports of the Endoume and Auffes valley. Before reaching the statue of David, you will cross a sandy path, a strip of pebbles and a ribbon of rock.
After that, you will come alongside imposing coves, notably made up of the Prado seaside park, an artificial development of the Marseille coast. You will make a stopover at Epluchure Beach, where you may be able to observe surfers at work, if of course the sea offers big waves suitable for surfing. Overlooking the sea, the Pointe Rouge district is an essential stopover. If you want, stop for a moment to have lunch with your feet in the water, in one of the typical restaurants in the area.
Before reaching the Calanque de Callongue, you will find yourself in the Montredon district, a town close to nature, located between scrubland and the sea. Bordered by coves and beaches, this residential area has retained its appearance of a fishing village. Among other things, you can admire the Château Pastré. After this passage, continue to Chemin des Goudes, which will take you to a corner of paradise.
The turns of this path carved into the rock and punctuated by creeks offer an exceptional landscape, enhanced by a sculptural combination of stones and water. In the distance, you can see Maïre Island and its crenellated relief, as well as the Riou archipelago. Once you have passed the village of Goudes, you will reach the end of the Marseille universe: the Calanque de Callelongue.
This end of the Marseillais world is home to a small, lively hamlet. It is therefore in this impasse that this first route ends. Throughout your journey, you will be entitled to protected and perfectly equipped cycle paths. For the outward and return journey, allow a little less than thirty kilometers. Although quite long, this route is rather easy and accessible to everyone.
The Fada tour: visit Marseille by electric bike in 23 kilometers
Discover Marseille on an electric cargo bike thanks to the Tour du Fada. A 23-kilometer circuit lasting about 3 and a half hours, the Tour du Fada takes you to explore the city center of Marseille, the banks of the Mediterranean, Notre-Dame de la Garde, without forgetting the Mucem square. Are you ready? Have you prepared your VAE well for this ride? To prevent rust from forming on the frame of your electric fatbike, you can spray it with an anti-corrosion spray . Before leaving, make sure you have all the necessary accessories with you.
The journey promises to be impetuous and plunges you directly into the traffic of the Phocaean city. You will head to the Quai de Rive Neuve, then arrive under the shade of the Old Port. You will go up the Canebière, a pedestrian path which will take you to the bustling Noailles district. You will be fascinated by the cosmopolitan and effervescent character of this town, where the scents of spices and pizzas merge to create a pleasant air.
Once out of there, you will find yourself in the Panier district, a historic district populated for more than two millennia. There you can contemplate the garden of remains and take a walk towards the Tourette esplanade, from which you will have a superb view of Saint-Victor Abbey and Notre-Dame de la Garde. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to admire the Nouvelle Major Cathedral. After this step, head to the Mucem or Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. You will be amazed by the unparalleled architecture designed by Rudy Ricciotti.
In the Panier district, you will stroll by e-bike through its typical and narrow alleys. They will take you to the other side of the Old Port, to the Palais de Pharo with its idyllic garden. A magical panorama looms before you, combining the Old Port, the Mucemm, Notre-Dame de la Garde, Saint-Victor Abbey, the Côte Bleue… Don’t miss out on photographing this marvelous landscape. Finally out of the park, you will return to the traffic to get to the Corniche. After a trip to the Plage des Catalans, you will go to the small port of Vallon des Auffes, a real treasure in the heart of Marseille.
You will reach Maldormé cove, a preserved place where locals take the time to bask in the sun. You will then have to make more effort when you cycle on the climb that leads to Notre-Dame. Even with your electric bike, you will need energy to successfully get back to the Basilica. A 360° panorama is revealed to you. If you have enjoyed the view, go back down to the starting point. This is how your tour comes to an end.
Discovering Marseille’s heritage by VAE, without missing Notre-Dame de la Garde
You are probably saying to yourself that the walks are similar? Certainly, except that the views are distinct, as is the route. For this next trip, set off on the northern bank of the Old Port, towards the Cathedral of the Major. You will have to cover a distance of 12 kilometers, a rather easy route, especially since you plan to accomplish it with your big wheel electric bike.
You will therefore start your getaway at the Major Cathedral. Proudly displaying a Roman-Byzantine style, a popular trend in the 19th century, it has almost the same features as Notre-Dame de la Garde. On the road, you will visit the Mucem, hidden behind a concrete wall near the waves. Nearby, you can also visit the new Cosquer Méditerranée space, a replica of the cave located in the coves.
Then wander the alleys of Le Panier to Rue de la République where you will observe buildings with Haussmannian architecture. Continue your adventure towards Canebière and reach the Palais Longchamp. Looking towards the horizon, you can catch a glimpse of Notre-Dame de la Garde, which is the next phase of this walk. You can go there without difficulty with your VAE. To end in style, you will return to the Old Port, below the Bonne Mère. Don’t forget to take a detour to admire Saint-Victor Abbey, decorated with beautiful jagged towers.
Taste the aromas of the Phocaean city while strolling through the markets, the urban cellar...
For this last suggestion of a walk in Marseille, we take you to the heart of the flavors of Marseille. Aboard your two-seater electric bike, you will get to know the local stories and its many markets better. This journey is relatively easy and only 8 kilometers. You can do it with children. But remember that there is a minimum age required to ride an e-bike . If you are ready, go for it!
You will begin this beautiful escapade at the famous fish market of the Old Port. Here is the opportunity for you to take the Estienne d’Orves course. This splendid square breathing Italian air is home to boutiques and various food outlets. You will then arrive at the local producers' market then at Noailles. Don't miss its popular grocery stores and markets by going via Canebière. Going up a little, stop for a few moments on the terraces of Cours Julien before hitting the road again on Cours Lieutaux. You will take a cycle path there.
After all this, head straight until you reach Zoumaï, an organic beer factory located near Place Castellane. Remember to drink a little water, because the climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde may be quite tough. Make a stop to admire the surrounding landscapes, then go back down to the Saint-Victor Shuttle Furnace. You will finish your unique ride on a 2-seater electric bike at the Old Port, after discovering the Abri, where you can enjoy tapas and a delicious glass of natural wine.
