Day 16 - Here is what we say about - Marseille, France

July 6, 2026 - biked 0 km (0 mi), ferry'd 12 km (7.3 mi) - biked 820 km (509 mi) total

Today was a rest day but we still managed to hike/walk 9+ miles.

My housemates’ friend, Clara, was able to host us last minute as her roommate just left on holiday. We stayed in a lovely flat with steep stairs. Our bikes fit snuggled next to the bed so its owners can rest without worry. While camping, the bikes can be free range but in the big cities we like them tucked in close.

Mishap

When traveling, even with all the novel sights, sounds and smells, one always finds the urge to search earnestly for the toilette.

And when even one person needs to go, all other plans are put on hold.

The relief of finding the toilet was quickly delayed when I had to wait for three other people to use it. And I had to wait for the 45 second self-clean cycle between each use.

Eventually when it was my turn, I was tempted to just use it after the guy before me, but I let it do its thing and self-clean, watching the countdown timer like it was New Year’s Eve.

I had just finished my business when an automated French voice announced something indecipherable to me. Lights dimmed. Things clicked beneath the thing walls and I was trapped.

The only thing I could do was accept my fate of witnessing and experiencing this bathroom’s self-clean cycle.

I stared at the toilet lifting the seat slightly to flush down the contents. I screamed and jumped up onto a slight platform as soapy water flooded the floors. All the while, loud air blasted like 25 hair dryers turned on all at once.

In the midst of all that chaos, I wish I had thought to pull up my clothes because on cue the door opened wide ready to receive its next customer.

I discreetly, yet frantically, let them know that someone else was in the stall and pushed the only button I could, but the little bugger wouldn’t close. I had to finish up my stuff with the door wide open, but thankfully the next ‘victims’ gave me space.

Don’t recommend trying the city toilets in France. Some free advice from Clara, with an high emotional high cost from me-find a public library and use their facilities instead.

Island

After that whole episode, I was ready to move on with our day. I had a craving to go on a boat and swim since that is all we see people doing day after day on the Mediterranean coast.

Clara happened to suggested a few things to do in Marseille and one of them was to visit the Îles du Frioul.

So we went. Cost only 17€ round trip for a 20 minute boat ride that offers killer views.

We ate food right away since we are always hungry. Then we hiked, privately skinny-dipped, hiked some more and boated back.

For dinner, we ate three courses at a Lebanese restaurant that just happened to be playing Portugal v Spain. Which was better than missing sleep to see USA get crushed by Belgium.

And that concludes our one quick day in Marseille.