Marseille by Bicycle
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Port
La Joliette (Marseille), France
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$210
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Leave the harbor and enjoy a short motorcoach ride to Marseille by shuttle, where you'll meet your instructor and get familiar with your electric bike. Your guide will provide you with a helmet and your bicycle. An electric bike is different from a motorbike -- it is basically a bicycle that delivers extra power on demand. If you pedal hard, very little battery is used, but when you just feel like coasting at a slow pace, the electrical assistance offers a boost to keep you moving.
Your escort will be on hand to assist you along the way as you discover the city in a small-group setting. An electric bike gives you the mobility of a regular bicycle but is much easier to ride.
Ride along the Corniche President Kennedy -- a picturesque coastal road dedicated to the late U.S. President. It offers breathtaking views of the coast's craggy cliffs and beaches. You'll also find several small creeks and fishing villages, the best-known of which is Vallon des Auffes, named for the type of grass found here that was once used for making nets.
Despite the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde's strategic placement at the highest point of the city, you'll have no trouble riding up to it on your electric bike. Discover this spectacular neo-Byzantine church erected on the foundation of a military fort built by King François I. A square bell tower rises 130 feet over the entrance and supports a copper and gilded statue of the Virgin Mary.
Continue to the Le Panier district, the oldest quarter in Marseille. It reveals much of the city's ancient history. You'll pass the magnificent Cathedrale de la Major -- an extravagant neo-Byzantine structure that dates to the 19th century.
Pause for a photo stop at the bustling Old Port, where working fishermen mingle with the younger crowd who frequent the fashionable bars, restaurants and theaters that have revitalized this part of town.
You'll also see the MuCEM museum -- a modern landmark that represents the city's cultural renaissance -- located on the waterfront next to the 17th-century stronghold of Fort St-Jean.
At the completion of your day, return your e-bike to the starting point, bid goodbye to your friendly escort and head back to the ship at La Joliette.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and sunglasses. Participants must know how to ride a bicycle. The bike ride covers 13 miles. Waiver must be signed, and medical conditions disclosed. Guests traveling with children must provide the children's height to the on-board Destinations staff more than 48 hours prior to the tour. This is an active tour; participants must be in very good physical condition to participate and have the adapt clothing. Tour operates mainly on paved roads shared with vehicular traffic; bike lanes are rare in Marseille. This tour is not guided but escorted.