Julien A., motorcycle journalist and road expert for the South of France

Marseille and the northern hills the morning itinerary

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Immediate summary

The hills north of Marseille are one of the easiest and smoothest routes for an early morning ride. Starting from Saint-Charles train station or the city center, you'll quickly reach quiet roads bathed in light. It's the perfect ride to warm up before a day at work or to enjoy the sunrise over the city. Here are the best sections, a short and efficient loop, and everything you need to enjoy this ride in ideal conditions.


Why the north hills are perfect in the morning

The northern hills offer direct access to roads that are less busy than those in the south. The terrain is gradual, the views of Marseille are beautiful, and the series of curves are very pleasant to ride on a motorcycle. In the morning, traffic flows smoothly and the wind is often calmer.

This is an ideal area if you want to:
• avoid the congested roads in the center
• ride at a steady pace
• enjoy natural surroundings without leaving the city
• go for a short but high-quality ride


The best passages in the northern hills

Notre-Dame-Limite
La Batarelle
Ascent to Château Gombert
Upper Plan-de-Cuques
Roads between Allauch and Les Olives


Easy-to-follow itinerary

  1. Departure : Gare Saint-Charles
  2. Avenue Fleming towards Saint-Barthélemy
  3. Notre-Dame-Limite
  4. Batarelle Haute
  5. Montée de Château Gombert
  6. Hauts de Plan-de-Cuques
  7. Return to Marseille via Les Olives


Running time: 1 h - 1 h 10.


Duration, difficulty and ideal period

Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: easy
Ideal time: sunrise until 10 a.m.
Best season: spring, fall, but rideable year-round


Rent a motorcycle from Marseille

For this trip, you can rent a motorcycle right near Saint-Charles train station, with 24-hour self-service.
Good Motors offers:
• self-service access
• rentals for ages 18 and up
• models suitable for both short and long trips
• helmet and gloves provided
• One Way option if you want to return the motorcycle elsewhere


Site : https://goodmotors.agency/
City page : https://goodmotors.agency/villes/marseille


Quick practical tips

• Set off just after sunrise
• Beware of shaded areas, which can sometimes be damp
• Stay alert on the climb up to Château Gombert
• Bring a light jacket if the morning is cool


FAQ

What's the best morning motorcycle route in the northern hills?

The Château Gombert climb, smooth and pleasant early in the morning.

Is the outing suitable for beginners?

Yes

How long does the itinerary last?

Approx. 1 h.

Where to rent a motorcycle in Marseille for this loop?

Good Motors, 24-hour self-service near Saint-Charles.

Can we go out in winter?

Yes, if the weather is good.


Conclusion

The northern hills offer one of the best morning routes in Marseille: proximity, smooth traffic, soft light, and a natural atmosphere just a few minutes from the city center. Good Motors lets you rent a motorcycle whenever you want, 24 hours a day, just a stone's throw from Saint-Charles.

Photo credit :

T

Article written by :
Julien A., motorcycle journalist and road expert for the South of France

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