GravelMan Series Marseille

Forget the snow and mulled wine, here we swap mittens for handlebars! 🚴

In the heart of December, when the rest of France is gearing up to hibernate, the Gravelman Marseille invites you to defy seasonal norms under the brilliant sun of the Provence ☀️. Nestled in the Bouches-du-Rhône, this legendary Gravelman Series stage offers no fewer than ten formats to satisfy every wish for escape 🏞️. You can choose between the "Gravel" mode (about 60-70% dirt roads) or the "Road" (100% asphalt) on distances of 60 km, 120 km, 200 km, 350 km and 500 km. With climbs up to 7 000 mD+ for the boldest, your mindset will be your best ally against the steep terrain of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 😉.

The route pays tribute to Mediterranean landscapes 🪻. We leave the bustle of the Marseille city to dive into wild backcountry, where the calcareous rock glitters under the winter sun. Get ready to ride through iconic massifs like the Sainte-Baume or skim along coastal ridges. Here, the scenery is worthy of a Marcel Pagnol film, but without time for a game of pétanque 😲. You’ll weave between umbrella pines and fragrant garrigues 🌲, with the imposing silhouette of the Sainte-Victoire in the background that inspired Cézanne 🧑‍🎨.

The Gravelman vibe is first and foremost the bikepacking spirit: no support, just you, your bike, and your GPS trail 🚴. We’re far from the “one-can-kick-the-can” vibe of traditional races; here we champion pure adventure and sharing 🤲. Between pedaling breaks, you might spot the Frioul Islands in the distance or pass through Provençal villages where time seems to have stood still. For the curious, the passage near the Étoile massif offers viewpoints over the Port of Marseille that make every effort worthwhile 💫. It’s the perfect chance to end the year on a high note with a major athletic challenge in an exceptional natural setting. 🌊

If you extend your stay, be sure to greet the "Bonne Mère" at Notre-Dame de la Garde for a panoramic view of the city, or wander through the streets of Panier. ⛪️ For recovery, local gastronomy is your best sponsor 🍽️: after the effort, a bouillabaisse while a dozen of Navettes de Saint-Victor (these orange-blossom cookies that breathe life into any cyclist) are mandatory. We don’t come to Marseille only to pedal; we come to soak up a culture where the sea salt blends with the sweat 🧭.

Hop on your ride and join the peloton for an adventure that will give you the edge of pushing your limits (instead of an accent, you’ll have the Marseille vibe) ! 🤓