Marseille: E-Bike Tour to Notre-Dame de la Garde & Old Port

Summary

E-biking Marseille’s hills and harbors with a local’s stories

You’ll pedal through Marseille’s tangled streets on an electric bike with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect salty air at the Old Port, hidden harbors like Vallon des Auffes, sweeping views from Palais du Pharo, and time to catch your breath (and maybe your thoughts) at Notre-Dame de la Garde.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t forget to ring your bell at the fish market,” our guide grinned — I did, of course, and startled a couple of seagulls instead. We started at the Vieux Port, all morning bustle and that salty snap in the air, fishermen shouting over each other under Norman Foster’s mirrored canopy. The e-bikes felt like cheating (in a good way) as we zipped past traffic and up those hills I’d dreaded. I kept catching myself grinning at how easy it was — Marseille’s not flat, you know?

Li (our guide) seemed to know everyone — he’d wave or call out little jokes in French as we passed. He stopped us at Vallon des Auffes, this tiny harbor wedged between cliffs where old men were playing pétanque under the pines. The water was so clear it made me want to jump in right there, but Li distracted us with stories about smugglers and poets who used to hide out here. My hands still smelled faintly of seaweed from leaning on the railings. We rode along La Corniche with that wild wind off the Mediterranean — hair everywhere, couldn’t hear myself think for a minute.

I didn’t expect the view from Palais du Pharo to hit me like that — you get this sweep of the whole city, all sun-bleached stone and blue water stretching out toward Château d’If. There was a quiet moment up at Notre-Dame de la Garde too; bells echoing over rooftops while someone lit a candle inside. It’s funny how fast you can go from laughing with strangers to feeling small in a place that old.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Marseille's top landmarks by e-bike

• Visit daily fish market at Old Port
• See Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica
• Enjoy view at Palais du Pharo
• Explore Vallon des Auffes harbour
• Ride along La Corniche seaside
• View Chateau d'If from beach
• Discover Old Port with Norman Foster design
• Visit Fort Saint-Jean and Mucem
• Walk through Marseille's oldest quarter
• See Marseille Cathedral La Major

Top questions

How long is the Marseille e-bike tour?

The tour typically lasts half a day, covering major sites around Marseille by electric bike.

Is lunch included on this e-bike tour?

No, lunch is not included in this tour package.

Are helmets provided for the Marseille bike tour?

Yes, helmets and yellow jackets are provided for all participants.

Can children join this e-bike tour in Marseille?

Yes, children can join with infant seats or trailers for younger kids; older children can ride their own bikes if tall enough.

What are some highlights visited on this day trip?

The tour includes stops at Old Port of Marseille, Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, Palais du Pharo, Vallon des Auffes, La Corniche, Fort Saint-Jean, and Marseille Cathedral.

Is pickup included for the Marseille e-bike tour?

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

Is this e-bike tour suitable for beginners?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended; electric bikes make hills easier even for less experienced riders.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric bicycle (with helmet and yellow jacket), guidance from a local expert who leads you through Marseille’s neighborhoods and viewpoints in a small group setting—so you won’t get lost or left behind as you explore both famous sights and tucked-away corners together.