Booked up to rent a villa in Marseille in July and as the whole family will be going the wife will give me a pass to disappear with my son on the bikes. Does anyone have any recommendations for bike hire companies in the area. I've seen Ebike tours of the calaniques which makes me think I could maybe hire a couple of normal Mtb's. Also are french trains good for throwing bikes on to reach better biking locations.
Any help would be appreciated.
I can't help unfortunately but I'm interested as well as I'm visiting for a day in August and the SO has mentioned the ebikes.
Splash-man heres the video of the E bikes.
@stanfree - actually that video looks not bad to be honest. I was a bit wary when the wife first mentioned it.
I was told if you take a car into Marseille, leave it unlocked as the miscreants will try to open the door before smashing the window and having a look inside before deciding theres nothing worth nicking.
If you like a bit of road riding (and are hiring a car) Ventoux is about 90 mins up the road. We stay nr Martigues often and I've done that a couple times; hired from Ventoux Bikes in Malaucene.
I've looked around before for mtb hire and not found much tbh; I have looked at: https://www.aixpritvelo.com/ in Aix en Provence who seem to do stuff over the 'Montagne Sainte-Victoire'
Also bear in mind (around where we go anyway) most of the open rough municipal ground is out of bounds after 10 or 11am in mid-summer due to fire risk.
^^ this. The countryside around Ventoux would be great for pottering around on riad bikes even if you don’t want to do the climbs themseves. There is a bike park on ventoux with uplift. Loamy it is not 😉
I like Marseilles, great atmosphere. Yes a bit edgy in places but quie a lot to see and do. I believe it’s France’s city with highest portion if non French pkus the Corsicans who don’t think they are French anyway
Can't really help but Les Calanques looked great for biking. A friend we stayed with there had a balcony that overlooked it. Will try to go back with a bike.
Also non biking, a boat trip out the islands just outside the port is a nice trip. Good strolling in the hills and a cool fort to explore.
@Stanfree There's a trail goes from Les Goudes which is at the southern end of Marseilles along through the Calanque to Cassis. I've not cycled this but it's definitely there. I spoke to a few of the locals about this. 25 clicks either way. You could have a quick libation at the Restaurant La Grotte, do the trail and meet Mrs Stanfree at Cassis. Cassis....you won't be dissapointed.