France has been a popular tourist country for years, mostly due to France’s reputation as the romantic capital of the world. Indeed, a visit to Paris is well worth the time and money; however, if you want to get a different look at France’s culture and history, head south and make your way to the beautiful city of Marseille. This is a city with a palpable spirit of freedom that stems from the many pushes for independence that have been staged there. Marseille is famous for pushing out Julius Caesar’s troops in the 1st century BC and then retaining its autonomy even after joining the Kingdom of France in the 15th century. Today, Marseille serves as the capital of Bouches-du-Rhone and has a culture different from anywhere in the country.
Often referred to as the “city of 100 neighborhoods,” Marseille is a melting pot of diversity and the home of innumerable immigrant communities. In addition to getting a taste of French food and art, this city offers the opportunity to experience the cultures of various African, Middle Eastern, and Asian nations. Indeed, you can walk a few blocks in Marseille and feel like you’ve entered an entirely different country. Due to its history and cultural diversity, there are endless things to see and do in Marseille. So, the best way to see most of the city is to hire a motorbike and ride around at your leisure.
Here is everything you need to know about motorcycle hire in Marseille. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter as well. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in France
- The best places in Marseille to find motorcycle rental
- The average cost of motorbike rental in Marseille
- Whether it's safe to hire a motorbike in Marseille
- The best things to do in Marseille by motorcycle
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorcycle Hire Around Marseille?
If you plan on flying into Marseille Provence Airport, the nearest international airport to the city located 27 kilometers northwest in the territory of Marignane, you should be able to find motorcycle rental right outside the terminals 24/7. There are several rental companies so you should walk around and compare prices before deciding which company to go with.
However, if you’d rather rent your motorbike inside the city of Marseille, there are several places where you can do so. There are quite a few rental shops around the neighborhoods of Lodi, Baille, and Capelette. You can also find some rental companies in more northern parts of the metropolitan area such as Le Panier and Noailles.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Motorcycle in France?
If you’re planning on hiring a motorbike in France, you’ll need to obtain an international driving permit to drive legally within the country. Drivers from outside of the EU must carry their passport, their driver’s license from their home country, and an IDP at all times while driving in France. Failure to present law enforcement with any of these documents could result in a hefty fine or even deportation.
If you want to get your international driving permit, you can apply online here. There is an application fee of $20 and the permit usually takes under two weeks to arrive in the mail. So, you should make sure to apply for your IDP at least two weeks before departing from your home country. Once you have your international driving permit, it will be valid for one full year.
What Is the Normal Price of Motorcycle Hire in Marseille?
Just like everywhere in France, prices for pretty much everything are fairly high in Marseille, including motorbike rental. Your cheapest option for hiring a vehicle is to rent a motor scooter, such as a Piaggio Liberty 50, which will typically cost you around €45 per day. If you want to rent a proper motorcycle, such as a BMW F750 GS, you can expect to pay around €120 per day. But, while the price difference is quite large, the difference in power is definitely noticeable.
No matter what kind of vehicle you choose to rent, you should absolutely make sure that insurance and helmet rental are included in the stated rental price. You should always wear a helmet while riding a motorbike and you should never drive a vehicle without insurance. You should also inquire with your rental company about reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals.
Is It Dangerous to Drive a Motorcycle in Marseille?
Driving around Marseille on a rental motorbike is not particularly dangerous; however, it can be very frustrating. Marseille might just have the worst traffic jams in all of France, even worse than Paris. However, no matter how bad the traffic gets, you should never try to weave between cars. It can also be very difficult to find parking in the more popular areas of the city, especially during the summer when the city is flooded with tourists. Some of the local drivers in Marseille also drive fairly aggressively, so you should always remain aware of your surroundings and give others the right of way.
With that being said, the roads in Marseille are generally very well maintained and there is ample signage all around the city. The city is also fairly safe, but you should always be careful where you go at night.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Marseille by Motorcycle?
Now that you have all the information you need for renting a motorcycle in Marseille, here are some of the best things to do around the city to get your adventure started:
Old Port
Now that you have your rented wheels, take a ride down to the Old Port, the heart and soul of Marseille. This port has been trading for over 2,600 years and has grown exponentially over that time period. Old Port isn’t so much of a single sight as it is an entire district with plenty of things to see and do. However, you should make sure that you cruise by the water and look at the hundreds of boats anchored there.
You can also hop off your motorbike and walk down one of the many promenades around the district. Stop into one of the wonderful cafes for some coffee and a French pastry. Other attractions in the area include bustling fish markets and 18th-century warehouses.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Continue south from the Old Port district and you’ll inevitably see Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde towering over the horizon. This 19th-century church is a beautiful example of architecture in the neo-Byzantine style, featuring a massive golden statue of Mary and baby Jesus on top of its tallest tower.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde has not always just been a place of religious worship, however. The base of the structure is part of a Renaissance-era fort that was built upon over the years. The building today incorporates tons of religious sanctuaries and watchtowers. The climb up to the church can be slightly difficult, particularly in the heat of the summer. However, with your motorbike, you can drive a good portion of the journey.
Calanques National Park
If you’re more interested in getting out into nature than looking at historical monuments, the best place around Marseille for you to visit is Calanques National Park. This park is located a short drive southeast of the city center. Hiking into the park takes a fair amount of time but, once you’re there, you’ll be treated to stunning ocean views from high atop white limestone cliffs. The area is also lush with greenery, making for some of the most stunning natural vistas you can see in France.
Alternatively, if you want to visit Calanques National Park by sea, you can take a boat tour that departs right from the Old Port. You can also do a guided kayak tour of the park, which is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Explore Marseille by Hiring a Motorcycle
While the traffic in Marseille is not exactly ideal, hiring a motorcycle will give you the freedom to explore every inch of Marseille and its surrounding areas on your own schedule. Plus, the feeling of driving a motorcycle down the coast of southern France is something you’ll never forget.
Written by 
