Marseille Calanques: Electric Bike Tour, Swim & Seaside Lunch

Summary

Electric cycling from Marseille to calanques with sea swims and pizza breaks

You’ll pedal from Marseille’s lively center out to wild Calanques coves on an electric bike, stopping for swims in clear water and lunch by the sea. Expect local stories from your guide, salty air along La Corniche, and time at Notre-Dame de la Garde overlooking everything you’ve crossed. It’s sweaty fun but somehow relaxing too — especially after that first cold swim.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly bailed before we even started — 35 kilometers sounded like a lot, even with an electric bike. But our guide, Luc (who wore his yellow vest like a badge), just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, the bikes do half the work.” I still felt my heart thumping as we wobbled out of Marseille’s busy streets, dodging morning traffic and the smell of fresh bread drifting from some bakery I never found again.

We wound past the Orange Velodrome Stadium (Luc called it “the temple of football”) and then hit La Corniche. That’s when it really clicked — salt in the air, sun bouncing off blue water so bright I squinted. The ride along the coast was noisy with scooters but then suddenly quiet as we reached Vallon des Auffes. Tiny boats bobbing in that little harbor, old men playing cards nearby. Someone was grilling fish; I could smell it before I saw the smoke curling up behind a faded blue door.

The best part? Hitting the Calanques themselves. It’s wild how you go from city chaos to these white limestone cliffs dropping into turquoise water. We ditched our bikes for a swim — cold enough to make me yelp but worth it. There’s no changing cabin or lifeguard here; just you, your towel (bring one!), and the sound of cicadas buzzing somewhere up in the pines. Lunch was pizza at this scruffy place by the beach — not fancy but hot and salty after swimming. Luc told us stories about smugglers hiding out in these coves back in the day; he had that way of making history sound like gossip.

On the way back we stopped at Notre-Dame de la Garde for that big view over Marseille’s old port — all terracotta roofs and tangled streets below. My legs were jelly by then but honestly? I didn’t want it to end yet. If you’re thinking about a day trip Marseille Calanques style, just know: you’ll leave with sea salt on your skin and maybe a new favorite pizza topping (anchovies… who knew?).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Electric bike tour along Marseille coast

• Start at Marseille Old Port view
• Visit Vallon des Auffes tiny harbour
• Cycle along La Corniche path
• Pass Marseille's longest beaches
• See Maïre island scenery
• Swim in Calanques National Park
• Lunch at seaside restaurant or beach
• Pass big park and Orange Velodrome
• Visit Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica

Top questions

How long is the electric bike tour from Marseille to the Calanques?

The route is approximately 22 miles (35 km) round-trip.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is not mandatory; you can choose pizza or fresh fish at a local restaurant or bring sandwiches for a picnic on the beach.

Can children join this electric bike tour?

The minimum age is 4 years old; children aged 10 can ride in a trailer attached to an adult's bike, while those 12+ can ride their own bike.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

An intermediate fitness level is required; you should be able to pedal 22 miles (35 km) continuously even with electric assistance.

Are there places to change clothes or lifeguards at the beaches?

No cabins are available for changing clothes and there are no lifeguards present on these beaches.

What should I bring for this day trip?

You should bring your own towel and sunscreen for swimming stops.

What attractions will we see during the tour?

You’ll visit spots like Vallon des Auffes harbor, La Corniche cycle path, Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, Orange Velodrome Stadium, and several Calanques coves.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric bicycle (with helmet and yellow jacket), guidance from a local expert throughout Marseille’s neighborhoods and coastal paths, plus plenty of time for swimming stops in the Calanques. Lunch isn’t fixed — choose between pizza or fresh fish at a seaside restaurant or simply picnic on the sand before heading back through town together.