GravelMan Series Marseille

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

In the heart of December, when the rest of France is gearing up to hibernate, the Gravelman Marseille invites you to defy the laws of seasonality under the bright sun of the Provence ☀️. Located in the Bouches-du-Rhône, this iconic Gravelman Series stage offers no fewer than ten formats to satisfy every dream of escape 🏞️. You choose between the "Gravel" mode (about 60-70% on gravel) or the "Road" (100% asphalt) on distances of 60 km, 120 km, 200 km, 350 km and 500 km. With climbs that go up to 7 000 mD+ for the brave, your mind will be your best ally against the steep reliefs of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region 😉.

The course is a true tribute to Mediterranean landscapes 🪻. We leave the bustle of the phocaean city to dive into the wild hinterland, where the limestone rocks shine under winter sun. Get ready to traverse iconic massifs like the Sainte-Baume or skim the ridges along the sea cliffs. Here, the scenery is worthy of a Marcel Pagnol film, but without time for a pétanque match 😲. You’ll weave between umbrella pines and fragrant garrigue 🌲, with the imposing silhouette of the Sainte-Victoire in the background which inspired Cézanne 🧑‍🎨.

The Gravelman vibe is all about bikepacking spirit: no support, just you, your bike, and your GPS route 🚴. It’s a world away from the “beer-chase” mindset of standard races; here we champion pure adventure and sharing 🤲. Between two pedal strokes, you might glimpse 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 sweeping viewpoints over the Marseille Rade that are worth every effort 💫. It’s the perfect chance to end the year in style with a big athletic challenge in an exceptional natural setting. 🌊

If you extend your stay, don’t miss saying hello to the "Bonne Mère" at Notre-Dame de la Garde for a panoramic view over the city, or wandering through the the Panier alleyways. ⛪️ For a post-race pick-me-up, local gastronomy is your best sponsor 🍽️: after the effort, a bouillabaisse steaming dish or a dozen of Navettes de Saint-Victor (these orange-blossom biscuits that revive any cyclist) are a must. We don’t come to Marseille just to pedal; we come to soak in a culture where sea salt blends with the sweat of effort ⚓️.

Hop on your ride and join the peloton for an adventure that will give you the edge of pushing your limits (minus the Marseille accent) ! 🤓