At the end of the adventure

The trail networks around Auriol were technically quite demanding. However, the medium descents were more than enough for me. Everything above that was already more in the S4 level range. I wondered if the locals actually ride those trails or if the inclusion in the network was more theoretical. It was also a plus that it was still quite cool. The maquis was pretty tough, with narrow corridors through thorn bushes, and everything else that itches and pinches. I figured I could handle that better with a jacket and gloves without completely stewing in my own juices.

Unfortunately, the pesky mosquitoes were still not deterred from their namesake favorite pastime. The infamous Asian tiger mosquitoes were also at work. They approached relatively silently and left me with significantly larger and itchier welts than the local species. They are quite a nuisance. It'll be fun when they eventually become common in our area too.

After Auriol, I was heading into the final stretch. Both the sea and Marseille were not far from the coastal mountains. I could have been there in two hours. However, the significantly prettier and thus more rewarding route would require another two days of travel. At least I didn't have to plan reserve days for bad weather or breakdowns anymore.

A beautiful trail led over a pass in the Saint Baume mountains through a dry river valley to Gémenos. Unfortunately, the crossing of the industrial area was unavoidable to reach the next mountain range. This then led through beautiful forests into the coastal town of Cassis. I had arrived at the sea, how wonderful. Of course, it was a heavily populated tourist hub, but still pleasant to see. However, it felt like there were hardly any French people around. I got the impression that the difference between the sparsely and densely populated areas in France lay in the number of German tourists encountered there. In Cassis, we were clearly in the majority.

My very last stage was now to go through the Calanques. Since it was a national park, cycling was only allowed on the gravel paths. But that was probably still the best way to reach Marseille. It doesn’t happen very often that one has such grand nature right at the borders of a major city. Directly after Cassis, you also land in one of those winding, fjord-like bays for which the area is famous. Perfect swimming spots with sandy beaches, steep cliffs, and small sailboats on turquoise shimmering sea water. A touch of the South Seas in the Mediterranean. It would have certainly been best if my bike had amphibious capabilities, as most of the sea arms are only accessible from the sea side. However, I was rewarded with great distant views from above over peaks, rugged bays, and offshore islands. I was then surprised at how solitary it still was, considering it was the weekend and right next to a million-person city. Of course, I encountered hikers from time to time, and at the small sandy beach, which was even accessible by car, a few bathers and a single restaurant were scattered. But when I compare that to the hustle and endless traffic jams of vacationers in our Alpine region… I just don’t have a coherent explanation for it.

In the afternoon, I finally reached the suburbs of Marseille right by the sea. Riding past some swimming beaches, I casually cycled the last kilometers deeper into France’s second-largest city. In the loudly pulsing heart of this bustling metropolis, I reached the destination of my journey - the old port. So my adventure ended where many others have started theirs for centuries. What a nice conclusion that is.