Sixth episode of our series of urban bike rides: after Nice direction Marseille, the Phocaean city!
Planted in a sublime setting, rich in an important mix of cultures and proud of its local specialties, the city of Marseille is unique. The Provencal accent smells like a holiday. The fervor of Marseille fans for their football club is contagious. And the famous Calanques will definitely not leave you indifferent. We warned you, Marseille is much more than just a city!
Arrival at Marseille station
9 AM / MARSEILLE SAINT-CHARLES TRAIN STATION
As you leave the station, descend the monumental staircase to reach the city. On your right you will find a first bike-share station.
Le vélo station n°1301
Le vélo itinerary: 9 min
9:15 AM / LE VIEUX-PORT
What would Marseille be without its enigmatic port? Symbol of the city, it is also a popular gathering place. In 2013, the port under the direction of the famous architect Norman Foster underwent a major redevelopment.
Main avenue of the city, the Canebière deserves the detour. You will also find the Tourist Office nearby if you need information.
Le vélo station n°1001
Le vélo itinerary: 6 min
11:15 am / Promenade Robert-Laffont
Also known as the Esplanade du J4, this walk offers an exceptional panorama of the Mediterranean. Surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Palais du Pharo, the Cathédrale La Major, or Fort Saint Jean, the place is conducive to relaxation and strolls. The Marseille-Provence festivities in 2013 profoundly changed the esplanade with the arrival of the MuCEM and the Villa Méditerranée.
Le vélo station n°2200
Walking itinerary: 2 min
12:15 am / Cathédrale La Major
It took over 40 years to complete this imposing cathedral visible from the sea. La Major combines Roman and Oriental styles. A mixture of cultures so unique to the Phocaean city. The city is a cultural gateway to the Orient!
Walking itinerary: 2 min
12:45 am / Quartier du Panier
Testimony of the antique Massalia, the oldest district of Marseille is filled with narrow and steep streets. You will discover in le Panier many shops, local craftsmen, creative workshops, antique dealers. Impossible to get bored there. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your mother-in-law, look no further, you’ve come to the right place!
Cherry on the cake, the district will enchant your taste buds with its many typical bistros. The bike-share station is located near the Hôtel-Dieu de Marseille, a former hospital recently converted into a luxury hotel.
Le vélo station n°2012
Le vélo itinerary: 10 min + 15 min walk
3:15 PM / BASILIQUE NOTRE-DAME DE LA GARDE
Join Place Joseph Etienne, our starting point for the ascent to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. The gradient being important, do not hesitate to leave your bicycle on the place, a station is precisely there. The rest of the route will be on foot. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the top of the hill.
The ascent is physical, but the place is a must in Marseille. From the top of the hill, it’s a breathtaking view of the sea and the city that awaits you! Built in a Romano-Byzantine style in the middle of the 19th century, Notre-Dame de la Garde is considered the guardian of the sailors.
Le vélo station n°7215
Walking itinerary: 12 min + 23 min with le vélo
5 pm / Plage du Prado
Take the rue de Rome then the Avenue du Prado, the beach is at the end of it. On your way, you will pass in front of Place Castellane which will deserve a stop dedicated to the return and also in front of the vélodrome, famous stadium of the local football club: the Olympique de Marseille.
After a tiring climb to the basilica, what could be better than enjoying the sea? The Plage du Prado is the largest in Marseille, it should offer you enough to satisfy you. However, if the beach is crowded, turn away towards the Parc Borély, a perfect place to take a stroll.
Le vélo station n°8131
Le vélo itinerary: 19 min
8 pm / Place Castellane
Overhung by the Fontaine Cantini, this square is one of the city’s nerve centers. You will easily find something to eat quickly in this lively district.
Le vélo station n°6023
Le vélo itinerary: 13 min
9 PM / MARSEILLE SAINT-CHARLES TRAIN STATION
Le vélo station n°1301
End of day.
CHECK-LIST FOR A SUCCESSFUL STROLL
Bike share system in Marseille: Le vélo
Le vélo rental rate:
Ticket 7 days = 1€
30 first minutes are free
Cost of the 2nd half hour of use= 1€
Cost of the 2nd hour utilisation= 1€
Cost of the 3rd hour utilisation= 1€
The predictive app, dedicated to BikeShare, BikePredict is available for Marseille agglomeration. It allows you to predict up to 12 hours in advance of the availability of bikes and/or places in a station. Practical for planning your day in the city!
To learn more about Qucit : www.qucit.com
