Marseille Motorcycle Rentals from €25/day

Picture leaving the Vieux-Port behind on two wheels, the Mediterranean flashing silver on one side as you lean into the curves of the Corniche Kennedy. Within twenty minutes you can be parking at the edge of Calanque de Sormiou, where limestone cliffs drop straight into turquoise water, or climbing toward Notre-Dame de la Garde for a view that stretches from the rooftops of Marseille out to the islands. This is a city built for riding — not for sitting in it.

Marseille's old center is a maze of narrow lanes, one-way streets and parking that all but disappears in summer, which makes a car more of a burden than a convenience. A motorcycle slips through that same traffic, tucks into a tiny spot near the port, and opens up the coast roads and Calanques access points that fill up fast once the season starts. It also puts day trips out of reach for most drivers — Cassis, the cliffs of the Route des Crêtes — comfortably within a single afternoon.

Top 10 things to see in Marseille by motorcycle

1. Calanques National Park (Calanque de Sormiou, Calanque de Morgiou) — dramatic limestone coves reached by scenic roads just south of the city, with parking right at the entrances.
2. Notre-Dame de la Garde — the hilltop basilica that watches over Marseille, with a panorama over the whole city and the sea.
3. Corniche Kennedy — the classic seafront road linking the Vieux-Port to the beaches, sea views the entire way.
4. Plages du Prado — the city's main beach strip, an easy ride down from downtown for an afternoon swim.
5. Le Vieux-Port — the historic harbour and natural starting point for any ride around the city.
6. Château d'If — the island fortress of Count of Monte Cristo fame, visible from the Corniche and reached by boat from the port.
7. Cap Croisette (Callelongue) — the road ends here, at the point where Marseille meets the Calanques, a favourite stop among local riders.
8. Route des Crêtes — the cliffside road between Cassis and La Ciotat, running along some of the highest sea cliffs in France.
9. Cassis and its port — a postcard fishing town near the Calanques, ideal for a short ride and a coffee by the water.
10. Palais Longchamp — a grand fountain and colonnade in the city centre, worth a stop as you ride through.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Marseille?

The licence you need depends on the machine. A moped up to 50cc calls for an AM category licence, while a 125cc scooter needs either an A1 motorcycle licence or a car licence held for at least two years plus a short training course. Bigger machines require category A1 (up to 125cc, from age 16) or A2 for more powerful bikes (from 18), though most rental agencies set their own minimum age, often 21 or higher for larger models. Visitors from outside the EU should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence, and you should expect to leave a security deposit, usually held by card pre-authorisation and refunded on return.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Marseille?

Average rental prices run from 25 to 35 EUR per day in low season, and 40 to 65 EUR per day in high season, with premium models reaching 70 to 120 EUR per day.

• Prices are lowest from November to February.
• They climb steadily from spring onward, peaking in July and August.
• Booking a few weeks ahead of summer secures better rates and a wider choice of bikes.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Marseille?

High season runs June through August, with July and August the busiest and priciest months as the whole of France goes on holiday. Low season stretches from November to March, when prices drop and the roads are quieter. If you want good weather without the crowds, May, June and September hit the sweet spot — warm days, long light, and rates well below the midsummer peak.

Local traffic rules in Marseille

France drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for every rider and passenger on a motorised two-wheeler, and gloves are a legal requirement too — France enforces this more strictly than most countries. Dipped headlights must stay on at all times, day and night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in town, 80 km/h on rural roads without a central barrier, and up to 130 km/h on motorways, with lower limits for riders in their first three years of licence. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, dropping to 0.2 g/l for newly licensed riders — effectively zero.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!