Ten motorcycle rides start from Marseille Saint-Charles station: the Calanques and Cassis less than 30 km away, the Côte Bleue, the Sainte-Baume and Aix-en-Provence, then the Luberon, the Alpilles, the Camargue and the Verdon for a full day out. Here are the distances, how long to allow and the access rules you need to know in summer.
What are the best motorcycle rides around Marseille?
The ten classic motorcycle rides around Marseille are Cassis over the Gineste road, the Sormiou and Morgiou calanques, the Côte Bleue, the Sainte-Baume, Aix-en-Provence, the Verdon Gorges, the Luberon, Arles and the Camargue, the Route des Crêtes above La Ciotat and the Alpilles. One-way distances range from 23 to 132 km.
The distances below are one way from central Marseille, as calculated by Mappy, which gives a range depending on the route taken. The time is our suggestion for enjoying the ride, stops included.
| No. | Ride | One-way distance (km) | Time to allow | Suggested bike |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cassis over the Gineste | 23 to 29 | Half a day | Honda NX500 |
| 2 | Sormiou and Morgiou calanques | Within Marseille | 2 to 3 hours | Yamaha XSR 125 |
| 3 | Côte Bleue (Carry, Sausset) | 27 to 36 | Half a day | Yamaha XSR 125 |
| 4 | Sainte-Baume via the Espigoulier | 23 to 26 (Gémenos) | Half a day | Royal Enfield Interceptor |
| 5 | Aix-en-Provence and Ventabren | 30 to 40 | Half a day | Royal Enfield Interceptor |
| 6 | Verdon Gorges (Moustiers) | 116 to 132 | Full day | Honda Transalp |
| 7 | Luberon (Lourmarin) | 61 to 69 | Full day | Royal Enfield Super Meteor |
| 8 | Arles and the Camargue | 85 to 127 | Full day | Royal Enfield Himalayan |
| 9 | Route des Crêtes, La Ciotat and Cassis | 23 to 29 (to Cassis) | Half a day | Honda NX500 |
| 10 | Alpilles (Saint-Rémy, Les Baux) | 79 to 97 | Full day | Royal Enfield Interceptor |
Which coastal roads can you ride from Marseille?
Four coastal rides start from Marseille: Cassis over the Gineste road, 23 to 29 km away, the Sormiou and Morgiou calanques, the Côte Bleue towards Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins, and the Route des Crêtes between Cassis and La Ciotat, which climbs to 394 m above the Mediterranean.
1. Cassis over the Gineste road
The Gineste leaves Marseille to the south-east and climbs through pine trees and white limestone before dropping down to Cassis. The road is wide, the bends are smooth, and the sea appears all at once on the way down. Allow half a day for a coffee by the harbour and the ride back.
2. The Sormiou and Morgiou calanques
Two narrow roads lead down to these calanques in Marseille's 9th district. Be aware that, according to the Calanques National Park, they are closed to all motor vehicles, motorcycles included, from 7 am to 7 pm on many dates. In 2026: Fridays, weekends and bank holidays in April and May, every day from 12 June to 30 August, then Saturdays and Sundays in September. On those days, ride in before 7 am or after 7 pm, or leave the bike and take an RTM bus.
3. The Côte Bleue
To the west, the Côte Bleue stretches for 25 km of coves and small harbours, according to the regional tourist board. Carry-le-Rouet is 27 to 31 km from the centre, Sausset-les-Pins 32 to 36 km. It is a gentle ride that suits a 125 cc well. For a longer version, Good Roads has a full-day route along the Côte Bleue.
9. The Route des Crêtes, from Cassis to La Ciotat
The Route des Crêtes runs along the Cap Canaille cliffs, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and peaks at 394 m according to the Calanques National Park. It is closed automatically on red fire-risk days between 1 June and 30 September.
Which rides explore the Provençal hinterland?
Inland, four rides start from Marseille: the Sainte-Baume over the Col de l'Espigoulier, the highest road pass in the Bouches-du-Rhône at 723 m, Aix-en-Provence and Ventabren about 30 km away, the Luberon around Lourmarin, and the Alpilles between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Les Baux.
4. The Sainte-Baume over the Col de l'Espigoulier
Through Aubagne and then Gémenos, 23 to 26 km from Marseille, the road starts climbing the Espigoulier. According to the Provence Verte tourist office, the pass tops out at 723 m and is the highest road pass in the département.
5. Aix-en-Provence and Ventabren
Aix is 30 to 31 km away, Ventabren 33 to 40 km. The hilltop village is ideal for a coffee stop, before heading home on the back roads rather than the motorway.
7. The Luberon
Lourmarin is 61 to 69 km away. Quiet roads, hilltop villages and lavender in summer: this is the ride to share with a passenger, with no rush.
10. The Alpilles
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is 82 to 91 km away, Les Baux-de-Provence 79 to 97 km depending on the route. Among olive groves and white rock, the small road between the two villages is best enjoyed at an easy pace.
Which full-day rides head to the Verdon and the Camargue?
For a full day out, two rides from Marseille stand apart: the Verdon Gorges, with Moustiers-Sainte-Marie 116 to 132 km away and the 24 km ridge road, and the Camargue, with Arles 85 to 90 km away and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 122 to 127 km away.
6. The Verdon Gorges
Beyond Moustiers, the ridge road makes a 24 km loop above the gorges, with more than 700 metres of drop below the viewpoints, according to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence tourist board. It is closed in winter. Set off early: this is the longest ride on the list.
8. Arles and the Camargue
Arles is 85 to 90 km away, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 122 to 127 km. Straight roads replace the bends, and lagoons and flamingos replace the cliffs. It is often windy, so a stable bike makes the ride more pleasant.
What rules should you know before riding around Marseille?
From 1 June to 30 September, access to the hills and forests of the Bouches-du-Rhône depends on the fire risk, set each day by the préfecture and published around 6 pm for the following day. A massif shown in red is off limits. The Sormiou and Morgiou roads also close to all motor vehicles, motorcycles included, from 7 am to 7 pm on certain dates.
The daily map is published on the official fire-prevention website, and the Calanques National Park explains the rules. Check it the evening before each ride.
Which motorcycle should you rent in Marseille for these rides?
For the Calanques and the Côte Bleue, a 125 cc such as the Yamaha XSR 125 is enough. For the hinterland and riding two-up, a Royal Enfield Interceptor or Super Meteor works well on an A2 licence. For the Verdon or the Camargue, an adventure bike such as the Honda NX500 on A2 or the Honda Transalp on a full A licence is more comfortable.
Good Motors has a pick-up point in the rental area of car park P2 at Saint-Charles station, 31 bis boulevard Voltaire, open 7 days a week, 8 am to 10 pm. You book and pay online, and on the day an email gives you the key box code. You can rent from the age of 18, and cancellation is free up to 10 days before your start date. The pages for the Yamaha XSR 125, the Royal Enfield Interceptor and the Honda NX500 give licence, deposit and price details.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go for a motorcycle ride near Marseille?
The closest motorcycle rides to Marseille are Cassis over the Gineste road, 23 to 29 km away, the Côte Bleue towards Carry-le-Rouet, 27 to 31 km away, and the Sainte-Baume via Gémenos and the Col de l'Espigoulier. Each one fits into half a day from Saint-Charles station.
Can I ride to the Sormiou and Morgiou calanques?
Not always. According to the Calanques National Park, the Sormiou and Morgiou roads are closed to all motor vehicles, motorcycles included, from 7 am to 7 pm on many dates, including every day from 12 June to 30 August in 2026. Check the calendar the park publishes each season before you go.
Is the Route des Crêtes between Cassis and La Ciotat open?
It is open most of the time, but closed automatically on red fire-risk days between 1 June and 30 September, and in very exceptional weather. The fire-risk map is published every day at around 6 pm for the following day on the préfecture's official website, so check it before you ride.
To book from Saint-Charles station, go to the Marseille motorcycle rental page.
