A sidecar is the most entertaining seat in town. You sit low in a small cabin attached to the side of a motorbike, with the wind in your face, the engine rumbling and the city passing at eye level, while a driver who knows the roads takes you from one landmark to the next. In Marseille this is a particularly good idea because the sights are spread across steep hills and a long coastline, and the Corniche Kennedy, the seafront road that runs southward from the Vieux-Port, is one of the great drives of the Mediterranean. A two-hour sidecar tour covers a lot of ground in a short time, usually taking in the harbour, the Fort Saint-Jean and the Mucem area, the hill of Notre-Dame de la Garde and the coast road with its views of the islands and the sea. Stops for photographs and short explanations give the ride some structure, and the ride itself is the main event. It is a clever way to orient yourself on your first day, to reach viewpoints that are tiring on foot and to enjoy a memorable experience that people will ask you about later. The exact route and stops are set by the operator.
How it works
The tour starts at a meeting point in Marseille where you meet the driver and are fitted with a helmet. Two passengers may be carried, depending on the sidecar, and the route, stops and capacity are set by the operator, so check them when you book. Expect a ride of about two hours including stops, with the driver pointing out sights as you go.
’ + ’What to expect: the sidecar is open or semi-open, so you feel the weather. Dress for wind, with long trousers, closed shoes and a layer, and bring sunglasses. Large bags are awkward, so travel light. Seats are comfortable but compact, and the tour may not suit people with limited mobility, back problems or claustrophobia, so read the conditions. Passengers may need to be over a minimum age or height, and drivers will adjust speed to the road.
’ + ’Making the most of it: late afternoon gives the warmest light on the coast, but check the start times. The ride is less pleasant on mistral days or in heavy rain, and operators may reschedule, so keep a flexible date. Use the tour as an overview and return on foot to places that interest you, such as the Vieux-Port, Le Panier and the Mucem.
If you prefer a calmer view of the same coastline, take the hop-on hop-off bus, and if you want the sea itself, try a boat trip. Photographs are easiest from the stops, rather than during the ride.
’ + ’Planning notes: sidecar rides are noisy, so conversation is limited, and the driver usually points out sights at stops rather than on the move. Photographs are best taken during pauses, but a small action camera on a wrist strap can capture the ride. If you have long hair, tie it back under the helmet, and avoid loose scarves.
The experience is a good gift or a treat for a special day, and booking a morning slot may give quieter roads and cooler temperatures. Check how the operator handles luggage and bags, and travel light for comfort.
What to expect
The experience
A two-hour guided ride through Marseille in a motorbike sidecar with photo stops.
Best time
Late afternoon in spring, summer or autumn, avoiding mistral days and heavy rain.
How long
2 hours
Tips
Dress for wind, travel light and check age, height and mobility requirements.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a fun, fast orientation of the city.
- Families
- Check minimum age and height; better for older children and adults.
- Couples
- A memorable ride along the Corniche, with a shared sidecar seat.
- Pair with
- A walk through the Vieux-Port or Le Panier.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Where does the sidecar tour go?+
It typically covers the Vieux-Port area, the Mucem, Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Corniche, but the route is set by the operator.
How many people ride at once?+
Capacity depends on the sidecar, usually one or two passengers. Check when you book.
Is a helmet provided?+
Yes, safety equipment is normally supplied. Confirm the details when booking.
What should I wear?+
Long trousers, closed shoes and a windproof layer, with sunglasses.
Does the tour run in bad weather?+
Heavy rain and strong mistral can cancel or reschedule the tour. Check the terms when you book.
