Mountain biking holiday in Marseille

Marseille has some sumptuous natural spots that are ideal for mountain biking. The Phocaean city is surrounded by hills that offer numerous mountain bike trails. The Massif de l’Étoile, the Massif du Garlaban and the Massif de la Sainte-Baume are just some of the popular areas for mountain biking. If you’d like to explore some of the more rugged trails while taking in the natural beauty of the region, the Parc National des Calanques is the place to be. Marseille also has a number of parks and natural areas where you can go mountain biking. The Parc Borély, the Parc de la Campagne Pastré and the Parc de la Colline Puget are just some of the places where you can enjoy trails specially laid out for mountain bikes. Finally, if you want to discover the best mountain bike trails in Marseille and meet other enthusiasts, joining a mountain bike group or club can be a great option. You’ll benefit from local advice, organised outings and the experience of other group members.

The best places for mountain biking in Marseille

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the best places for mountain biking in Marseille and the surrounding area.

The Col de la Gineste

Located between Marseille and Cassis, the Col de la Gineste is an ideal starting point for exploring the Calanques by mountain bike. From here, you can access various trails that wind through the surrounding hills and valleys. At the Col de la Gineste, you’ll find a number of mountain bike trails that allow you to explore the hills and surrounding area. Some of these trails are technical with steep climbs and fast descents, offering a good challenge for experienced mountain bikers. Trails can vary in difficulty. There are trails suitable for beginners, as well as more technical trails for more advanced mountain bikers. Make sure you choose a trail suited to your skill level and experience. The trails on the Col de la Gineste offer superb scenery with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the calanques. You can enjoy magnificent panoramic views as you ride through a variety of Mediterranean landscapes, including hills, garrigues, cliffs and valleys.

The Étoile massif

Le Massif de l’Étoile is located to the north of the city. It is easily accessible from Marseille city centre by car or public transport. The site offers a number of mountain bike trails suitable for different levels of ability. In terms of scenery, the Massif de l’Étoile offers a variety of landscapes, from vast pine forests to rocky ridges offering magnificent panoramic views. You can discover winding trails through the woods, as well as more technical sections that will challenge you.

The Garlaban Massif

Nestling near the town of Aubagne in the east of Marseille, the Garlaban massif offers typical Provencal scenery, with its rocky hills, lush green valleys and Mediterranean vegetation. You can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside as you explore the trails on your mountain bike. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountain biker, you’ll find routes to suit your skills and preferences. The trails can vary in difficulty, length and gradient, offering a wide variety of options. It may be advisable to take a map or guidebook with you on marked routes that are several kilometres long.

The Sainte-Baume Massif

The Massif de la Sainte-Baume offers a wide range of mountain bike trails to help you explore its varied landscapes. You’ll find routes to suit all abilities, from easy trails for beginners to more technical trails for experienced mountain bikers. The trails can take you through forests, hills and valleys, offering panoramic views of the area. The area offers a variety of landscapes, from pine forests to rocky cliffs. You can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside while riding the mountain bike trails. There are a number of routes, varying in length, that will take you all the way around the massif, passing through different villages and landscapes. We recommend that you bring a map or guidebook to follow some of the signposted routes.