Must-see motorcycle routes around Marseille for a day trip

Marseille, the starting point for three distinct regions

Marseille is located between the sea and the mountains. Three areas surround the city: the rocky coastline to the east, the limestone mountains to the north and center, and the coastline to the west. Each area offers different landscapes. One day is enough to explore any one of them.

The coastline of the Calanques, from Marseille to Toulon

The land

The coastline between Marseille and Toulon stretches for eighty kilometers. Limestone cliffs plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. The calanques (rocky inlets) cut into the coastline between Marseille and Cassis. Cap Canaille overlooks La Ciotat. Further east, the landscape becomes gentler towards Bandol and then Toulon.

The ridge road

The D559 leaves Marseille via the Corniche Kennedy. It quickly climbs above the sea. There are fifteen kilometers of winding roads. The Sugiton, Morgiou, and En-Vau coves appear below. The turquoise water contrasts with the light-colored rock. The road overlooks cliffs ranging from 100 to 200 meters high. Panoramic views unfold at every turn.

Cassis and its vineyards

The descent leads to Cassis. This fishing port is organized around a protected basin. The colorful facades are reflected in the water. Restaurants line the quay. Cassis white wine comes from vines planted on limestone slopes. These arid hillsides have been producing dry wine since ancient times. The Romans already exported this product to Rome.

Cap Canaille

The D141 bypasses Cap Canaille between Cassis and La Ciotat. This cliff reaches a height of 363 meters. It is the highest sea cliff in Europe. The road winds along the side of the cliff. The hairpin bends descend towards La Ciotat. The view stretches across the entire bay.

La Ciotat and the shipyards

La Ciotat developed around its shipyard. Ship hulls have been built here since the 16th century. The port's cranes still dominate the landscape.

Bandol and the Var coastline

The road continues towards Bandol via the D559. The terrain flattens out. Beaches replace cliffs. Bandol produces a renowned red wine. The Mourvèdre grape variety dominates. Vineyards stretch between the sea and the hills. Six-Fours-les-Plages and then Toulon mark the end of this coastal route.

The limestone massifs, natural barriers around Marseille

Geography of mountain ranges

Three mountain ranges surround Marseille. L'Étoile in the north rises to 590 meters. Le Garlaban in the east reaches 715 meters. Sainte-Baume dominates the northeast at 1,147 meters. These limestone hills form barriers between the city and the hinterland.

The Étoile Massif

The D8 bypasses the Étoile to the north. It connects Marseille to Aix-en-Provence. Limestone outcrops are everywhere. Aleppo pines cover the slopes. The mining villages of Gardanne and Mimet bear witness to the exploitation of coal and bauxite.

Garlaban, Pagnol's mountain

The Garlaban massif rises between Aubagne and Allauch. Marcel Pagnol described these hills in his novels. La Treille, the village of his childhood, nestles at the foot of the massif. Provençal bastides dot the valleys. The road crosses the massif from east to west. The bends follow one another for twenty kilometers. The views open up towards Marseille and the sea.

La Sainte-Baume, forest and sanctuary

Sainte-Baume rises to the northeast of Aubagne. The D80 climbs from Gémenos to Plan d'Aups. The hairpin bends climb for fifteen kilometers. The pine trees give way to oak trees and then beech trees. This deciduous forest is unique in Provence. The Sainte-Baume cave is located at an altitude of 946 meters. According to tradition, Mary Magdalene lived there. A sanctuary was built there in the Middle Ages. Pilgrims climb the path from the parking lot. The road descends via Nans-les-Pins. The bends become more frequent on the descent.

The hinterland

The Berre Lagoon

The Étang de Berre stretches west of Marseille. This saltwater lake covers 15,000 hectares. It connects to the sea via the Caronte channel. Industrial facilities line the northern and eastern shores. The southern shore has more unspoiled landscapes.

Martigues, the Venice of Provence

Martigues lies on the banks of the Caronte channel. Canals run through the town. Fishermen's houses are reflected in the water. The colorful facades have attracted painters since the 19th century. The island district retains its old-world character. Bridges connect the different parts of the town.

Saint-Chamas and the Roman bridge

Saint-Chamas is located north of the lake. The Flavien Bridge spans the Touloubre River at the entrance to the village. This Roman structure dates back to the 1st century. Two triumphal arches frame the bridge. The road follows the shore of the lake towards Berre.

La Crau, desert of stones

The Crau plain stretches out to the southeast of the lake. Millions of pebbles cover the ground. The Durance river deposited them thousands of years ago. This arid landscape is unique in France. The D113 road crosses the Crau from west to east. Isolated farms dot the landscape.

Salon-de-Provence

Salon stands to the north of the Crau. The town is nestled against the Fare mountain range. The Château de l'Empéri dominates the old town. This medieval fortress was the residence of the archbishops of Arles.

Organizing your motorcycle trip

Choose according to the weather

On days when the mistral wind is blowing, stick to wooded areas. The Garlaban and Sainte-Baume mountains offer better protection than the coast or the Crau. On calm days, all routes are suitable. The summer heat makes the climb to Sainte-Baume attractive.

Schedule breaks

The villages offer places to rest. Cassis, La Ciotat, Martigues, and Salon have centers with shops and restaurants.

Motorcycle rental

Good Motors offers 24-hour self-service motorcycle rental with pick-up at Marseille Saint Charles train station.

The roads around Marseille offer three distinct atmospheres. The rocky coastline imposes its twists and turns above the sea. The limestone massifs offer wooded landscapes and the hinterland is dotted with hilltop villages. Each area can be explored in a day. The landscapes change quickly. The Mediterranean Sea remains visible from most of the high points. The climate allows for riding all year round.

Reserve a motorcycle directly on the website: https://goodmotors.agency/

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