Marseille
Road rides and cols from the Vieux-Port
Rides for road cyclists from the Vieux-Port: the Gineste towards Cassis, the Col de l’Ange, the Espigoulier and a long day to the foot of Sainte-Victoire. Getting out of Marseille means busier roads, and most of these rides spend a third or more of their distance on them; the table shows how much.
The 6 rides side by side
| Ride | Distance | Climbing | Bike paths & quiet streets | Busier roads | Steepest 500 m | Riding time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Col de la Gineste | 29.5 km | 369 m | 44% | 29% | 8.7% | 1 h 30–2 h 00 |
| Col de la Gardiole | 43.3 km | 587 m | 30% | 36% | 8.7% | 2 h 15–3 h 00 |
| Over the Gineste to Cassis | 60.2 km | 815 m | 34% | 42% | 9.9% | 3 h 10–4 h 10 |
| Col de l'Ange | 65.5 km | 756 m | 10% | 56% | 7.2% | 3 h 15–4 h 20 |
| Col de l'Espigoulier | 81.5 km | 1314 m | 8% | 62% | 10.6% | 4 h 30–6 h 00 |
| Aix and the foot of Sainte-Victoire | 121.3 km | 1621 m | 10% | 45% | 10.6% | 6 h 15–8 h 25 |
Distances are the whole ride, there and back (km). Riding time is our estimate at a sporty pace and counts the climbing; allow more for stops.
Each ride
1 Marseille to Col de la Gineste
- Along the water for 4 km
- Main climb 313 m over 10.2 km, 3.1% average
- On the way: café, drinking water, viewpoint
- 29% on busier roads
On the way: 3 toilets, 5 water points, 18 cafés mapped.
2 Marseille to Col de la Gardiole
- Along the water for 4 km
- Main climb 317 m over 10.3 km, 3.1% average
- On the way: drinking water, café, viewpoint
- 36% on busier roads
On the way: 3 toilets, 6 water points, 18 cafés mapped.
3 Marseille · over the Gineste to Cassis
- Along the water for 5 km
- Main climb 312 m over 9.35 km, 3.3% average
- On the way: drinking water, café, viewpoint
- 42% on busier roads
On the way: 3 toilets, 8 water points, 18 cafés mapped.
4 Marseille to Col de l'Ange
- Along the water for 10 km
- Main climb 117 m over 9.0 km, 1.3% average
- On the way: café, drinking water
- 56% on busier roads
On the way: 5 toilets, 4 water points, 22 cafés mapped.
5 Marseille to Col de l'Espigoulier
- Along the water for 7 km
- Main climb 627 m over 19.2 km, 3.3% average
- On the way: café, drinking water, viewpoint
- 62% on busier roads
On the way: 6 toilets, 5 water points, 22 cafés mapped.
6 Marseille · Aix and the foot of Sainte-Victoire
- Along the water for 6 km
- Main climb 255 m over 11.7 km, 2.2% average
- On the way: café, drinking water, viewpoint
- 45% on busier roads
On the way: 9 toilets, 16 water points, 24 cafés mapped.
How we chose them
From every ride we publish around Marseille, these are the ones that meet all of:
- at least 350 m of climbing
The numbers come from OpenStreetMap and terrain data, measured along each route by our engine (how rides are made). They are modelled, not checked on the ground, and say nothing about who should ride them: you know your riders best.
Before you go
- Most of these rides spend a third or more of their distance on busier roads, mostly leaving and entering the city. Early mornings are calmer.
- Massif roads can close in summer for fire risk.
Questions
Can you ride from Marseille to Cassis by bike?
Yes, over the Col de la Gineste. Our Gineste–Cassis ride is 60.2 km with 815 m of climbing, and 42% of it on busier roads.
More rides around Marseille
Route data: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation: Mapzen Terrarium. Catalogue marseille-5c39b511809468afb065.