Trail bike
Steep but short pedal up the rock to Marseille’s landmark church, Notre-Dame de la Garde, for a panoramic view of the city and port. Down to the beaches via the Corniche Kennedy.
Ride through the cycle lanes and the traffic to the Plage de l’Anse des Phocéens, which is known locally as “Chez Paulette” because of the beach bar which used to serve the bathers. So a Marseillais could say “I’m going to Paulette’s”, which really meant “I’m going to the beach”.
The Phoenicians are credited by the Roman historian Justin with having founded Massalia or Μασσαλία (ancient Marseille) in the Vth century BC.
Ride out on my classic Marin Palisades trail bike to Les Goudes. Way round the bay from Marseille and out on a peninsular to the Calanque de la Maronaise, Cap Croisette and a view of L'île Maïre.The limestone bleached by the sun - calcaire - is sharp and quickly takes the tread off the tyres.
It used to be that riding a motorbike gave a huge sense of freedom; in many ways that freedom from regulation has now transferred to push-bikes.
Ride to Marseille beach for some Oxygen and Ozone, plus traffic fumes. Stormy weather inland and a warm gusty wind from the south-east for the terns and gulls to play on, but not making much for the surfers. Marin Palisades Trail bike.
Anse de la Fausse Monnaie, la presqu’ile de Malmousque
Plage des Catalans, fitness class on beach volleyball court, Îles du Frioul in the bay
Ride round the Corniche Kennedy in Marseille which links the Vieux Port with the beaches. Many tourist sights are on this route plus it has a handy separated cycle lane... mostly. There’s a skateboard bowl / BMX pump track towards Pointe Rouge which was damp but clear enough of traffic for me to have a go at last. Outclassed by everyone but hey-ho it’s fun. Love the Gs. So far no jumps...
