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Route Napoléon, Comb Laval, Gorge du Verdon Tour

Join us on a 10-day motorcycle tour through France, riding iconic roads like Route Napoleon, the scenic Comb Laval balcony roads, and the breathtaking Gorge du Verdon in Provence. Perfect for riders of all levels, this adventure combines twisty mountain routes, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Route Napoleon N85 historic road France Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon motorcycle tour cambered corners

Route Napoléon, Vercours & Gorge du Verdon: 10-Day Motorcycle Tour Through France’s Highest Alpine Passes

Tour at a Glance

📍 Duration:
10 days / 10 riding days

🏍️ Total Distance:
2,000 miles (3,200 km)

🗺️ Countries:
France, Italy

🏔️ Highlights:
Route Napoléon, Comb Laval, Gorge du Verdon, Col de la Bonette, Col de l’Iseran

🛣️ Iconic Roads:
N85 Route Napoléon, Comb Laval balcony road, Col de la Bonette (2715m), Col de l’Iseran (2764m)

🏛️ Famous Passes:
Col de la Bonette, Col de l’Iseran, Col du Vars, Col d’Izoard, Cormet de Roselend, Colle del Moncenisio

💰 From:
£2,995 per person

📅 Next Tour:
07 September – 16 September 2026

👨‍🏫 Guide:
Simon Whelan


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Why Choose Our Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon Motorcycle Tour?

Our Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon motorcycle tour combines France’s most legendary riding experiences in one unforgettable 10-day adventure. This Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon motorcycle tour features the historic Route Napoléon (N85) with its perfectly cambered corners, the breathtaking Comb Laval balcony road carved into vertical cliffs, and the stunning Gorge du Verdon—Europe’s deepest canyon. Plus, you’ll conquer Col de l’Iseran at 2,764 meters (the highest paved pass in the entire Alps!) and Col de la Bonette at 2,715 meters. This Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon motorcycle tour delivers 2,000 miles of pure riding bliss through Provence, the Vercors, and the French Alps, combining history, natural wonders, and world-class motorcycling roads.

Perfect for riders of all skill levels, this tour combines scenic Provençal landscapes, dramatic Alpine passes, iconic French roads, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on twisty mountain roads or soaking in stunning vistas from Europe’s highest passes, this France motorcycle tour has something for everyone.

**Tour Dates**

**07/9/2026 – 16/9/2026**

**Guide:- Simon Whelan**

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Motorcycle Tours in Europe

Gorge du Verdon curved cliff road turquoise water Europe deepest canyon Route Napoleon motorcycle tour

Our journey beings with a short hop on the Eurotunnel to Calais. Once in France we head south east across the Champagne Ardennes region towards the Moselle Valley and our first overnight stop on the edge of the Lorraine National Park.

Our adventure continues south the next day through the sweeping roads of the Vosges Mountains via the The Ballon d’Alsace.   The Ballon d’Alsace gives stunning views across the Vosges region. We finish todays ride in the Haut Jura Mountains close to the border with Switzerland.

More sweeping curves on day 3 heading further south towards our 2 night stop near Grenoble, but not before crossing the Parc Régional du massif des Bauges with stunning views at our lunch stop.  We then cross the Parc Naturel Régional de la Chartreuse to finish the day with a well earnt rest at our hotel near Grenoble.

Next up Day 4 includes the famous Col de la Machine and Comb Laval within the Vacours Massif region. Which is one of the best known balcony roads in France, Surrounded by sheer peaks several hundred meters high, breath-taking scenery is the order of the day. Col du Rousett is also on the menu offering switchback after switchback before we loop back north for our 2nd evening near Grenoble the self-styled capitol of the Alps.

Route Napoleon monument carved eagle statue N85 historic road Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon motorcycle tour

 Day 5 we hit Route Napoleon which follows the route taken by Napoléon I (Napoléon Bonaparte) in 1815 on his march from Elba to Grenoble with the intention of overthrowing Louis the 18th. The route opened in its current form in 1932 and today is our day to sample the road itself which is of a fantastic design, with cambered corners and fantastic scenery.  We head south on the N85 from Grenoble heading towards the Cote d’Azur going over the Col des Leques and Col Bayard with a number of options for a coffee to admire the views. We then reach our 2 night stop in the lovely little town of Castellane on the banks of the Verdon river.   This Provençal town is a maze of picturesque narrow lanes great for an evening stroll.  Our hotel is situated just off the beautiful Place Marcel Sauvaire square which is a perfect place to enjoy your evening.

Day off the bikes next day if that’s your preference.  There are many things to do in the local area from hiring an e-bike, hiking, boat rental on the Lake of Sainte-Croix or for those who want more riding. A ride out is available, which takes you around both sides of the Gorge du Verdon with a number of coffee and lunch stops en route.

Day 7 of our adventure continues north heading through the Mercantour National Park. Past the high peaks of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes national parks with a mixture of sweeping bends and switch backs being the order of the day. Passing through the abandoned Camp des Fourches, we climb the Col De La Bonette which at a height of 2715 meters is the 7th highest paved road in France. Then onto the Col du Vars, followed by the Col D’Izoard for yet more sublime views and corners. From here we head to Italy for the evening staying in a fabulous hotel in the centre of a ski resort

Yet more mountain passes on day 8 as we head out of Italy, back towards France through the Parc National De La Vanoise via Colle del Moncenisio. Which separates the Cottian Alps from the Graian Alps and is thought to be a route taken by Hannibal when he crossed the Alps. The current route was ordered and built under the direction of Napoléon Bonaparte so yet another great road to thank him for. Crossing back into France we head to the highest paved pass in the Alps, Col de l’Iseran at 2764 meters. With the Cormet de Roselend and Col de Méraillet to follow, being our final farewell to the Alps on this tour. Heading past Lake Annecy and north to our hotel for the evening.

Our penultimate day takes us north around Dijon and through the huge expanse of French farmland, avoiding motorways as we go ending the day in the lovely town of Chalons en Champagne with its central square.  This is a perfect spot to reflect on the highlights of the tour and the miles of fantastic roads we have travelled along.

Our final day takes us back to our Eurotunnel crossing, but we have a quick stop at the Circuit du Reims Gueux, for a nostalgic end to our adventure.  The pit buildings are maintained by a group of local enthusiasts and give a real feeling of road racing from days gone by. From here we head through more expansive French countryside, on to our final lunch stop before the last leg of our journey back to the UK.

Four motorcycle riders Col de la Bonette summit 2715m Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon motorcycle tour
Col de la Bonette
Motorcycles Col de l'Iseran summit sign 2764m highest pass Alps Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon tour
Col-de-L’Iseran
Four motorcyclists Cormet de Roselend summit sign French Alps Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon motorcycle tour
Cormet-de-Roseland
Four motorcycles riders Route de Semnoz viewpoint French Alps Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon motorcycle tour
Motorcycles riders Col de la Machine arch Vercors Massif Route Napoleon Gorge du Verdon motorcycle tour
Gorge du Verdon turquoise water Pont de Sainte-Croix bridge Europe deepest canyon Route Napoleon motorcycle tour

“Having organised trips to Europe in the past I wanted to try a guided tour. I did the Route Napoleon in September and found it exceeded my expectations. The hotels we stayed in were better than I expected and routes and roads we rode were brilliant. The tour was very well led by Paul with good stops for food and photos. Paul was very calm and patient with any problems anyone had, sorting our satnav problems and rerouting when we came across the occasional road closure. Brilliant tour with great company. Will definitely be touring with Columbus again.
Thanks Paul. Top man.”

—Rob

“A brilliant trip. Fantastic roads, great accommodation, out of this world scenery and a great bunch of blokes. Probably just the right mileage too.

Hopefully going to do another trip with them next year.

Highly recommend.”

—Jon
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Route Napoléon & Gorge du Verdon Motorcycle Tour – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historic Route Napoléon and why is it famous for motorcyclists?

The Route Napoléon (N85) is a legendary road following the exact route taken by Napoléon Bonaparte in March 1815 during his dramatic march from exile in Elba to reclaim power in Paris. After escaping from Elba, Napoléon landed at Golfe-Juan and marched north through the Alps with 1,000 men, gathering support along the way. The current road, opened in 1932, commemorates this historic 325km journey from Cannes to Grenoble. For motorcyclists, the Route Napoléon is pure riding heaven – perfectly cambered corners engineered for speed, sweeping bends with excellent visibility, smooth tarmac maintained to high standards, stunning Alpine and Provençal scenery at every turn, and minimal heavy traffic (trucks banned on sections). Day 5 of our tour dedicates an entire day to riding this bucket-list road through dramatic mountain landscapes!

What makes the Gorge du Verdon so spectacular and is it difficult to ride?

The Gorge du Verdon is Europe’s deepest canyon and one of France’s most stunning natural wonders! Limestone cliffs plunge up to 700 meters (2,300 feet) to the turquoise Verdon River below, creating dramatic vertical walls visible from the cliff-edge roads. The gorge stretches 25km long with roads running along both north and south rims offering completely different perspectives. The riding is absolutely spectacular – roads cling to cliff edges with occasional tight hairpins, tunnels carved through rock faces. Ride at your own comfortable pace and stop frequently at viewpoints to appreciate the incredible scenery. Your two-night stay in Castellane positions you perfectly to explore the gorge, with Day 6 offering an optional full-day circuit of both rim roads. The combination of dramatic scenery, excellent roads, and Provençal sunshine makes this unforgettable!

How high are Col de la Bonette and Col de l’Iseran? Are they difficult to ride?

Col de l’Iseran at 2,764 meters (9,068 feet) is the highest paved mountain pass in the entire Alps! Col de la Bonette at 2,715 meters (8,907 feet) is the 4th highest pass in Europe. These are wonderful high-altitude passes with spectacular Alpine scenery, snow-visible year-round on surrounding peaks, and potentially cooler temperatures even in summer. However, both passes feature excellent smooth tarmac, well-maintained roads with good visibility, manageable gradients and switchbacks, and are very popular with motorcyclists meaning you’re never alone. The riding is challenging but manageable for riders with average experience – just take your time, enjoy the stunning views, and stop frequently for photos. Days 7-8 feature these ultimate high-altitude passes along with Col d’Izoard, Col du Vars, and others. It’s the high-altitude finale to an incredible tour!

What’s included in the 10-day Route Napoléon & Gorge du Verdon tour package?

The tour includes return Eurotunnel crossing (Folkestone-Calais), 9 nights quality accommodation in carefully selected motorcycle-friendly hotels across France and Italy, daily breakfast at all hotels, welcome and farewell group dinners, detailed route maps with GPS files, expert tour guide throughout, hotel parking fees, and comprehensive daily itineraries with recommended photo stops, lunch and coffee stops, and sightseeing highlights. You provide your own motorcycle, riding gear, fuel, lunches and most dinners, travel insurance including breakdown recovery, and personal expenses. All accommodation balances quality, location, – including hotels with stunning Alpine or Provençal views and convenient access to the best riding roads.

What is Comb Laval and why is it called a “balcony road”?

Comb Laval is one of France’s most dramatic “balcony roads” – a road carved into a vertical limestone cliff face with sheer drops of several hundred meters! Located in the Vercors Massif near Grenoble, this spectacular 6km stretch was built in 1897 and clings impossibly to the cliff with the road literally suspended on the rock face, dramatic overhanging cliffs above, sheer vertical drops below (with protective barriers), and breathtaking views across the valley. “Balcony road” refers to the sensation of riding on a narrow ledge or balcony projecting from the cliff face. Day 4’s ride-out includes Comb Laval along with Col de la Machine – both part of the stunning Vercors region. The combination of dramatic cliff scenery, and unique engineering makes this an unforgettable motorcycling experience.

Why is early September ideal for this tour? What’s the weather like?

Early September (7-16 Sept) is perfect timing for this tour! Provence enjoys warm, sunny weather (22-28°C / 72-82°F) with low rainfall probability, high mountain passes are guaranteed open with clear roads, summer crowds have diminished but all facilities remain open, and Alpine temperatures are comfortable (15-22°C / 59-72°F at altitude). September is often called the “secret season” in France – you get summer weather without peak-season crowds or prices. The light in Provence becomes particularly beautiful in autumn with golden hour lasting longer. High passes like Col de l’Iseran and Col de la Bonette typically close mid-October, so September offers the perfect window to experience these legendary roads in excellent conditions. Pack layers for varying altitudes but expect predominantly excellent riding weather throughout!

Why does the tour cross into Italy? What will I experience there?

The tour crosses into Italy on Days 7-8 to access some of the highest and most spectacular Alpine passes! From Provence’s Mercantour National Park, you’ll ride over Col de la Bonette (2,715m) and Col d’Izoard before crossing into Italy’s Susa Valley for overnight in a fabulous ski resort hotel. Day 8 features the historic Colle del Moncenisio (Col du Mont Cenis) – the route supposedly taken by Hannibal crossing the Alps with elephants, and later rebuilt by Napoléon Bonaparte himself! After crossing back into France via the Mont Cenis, you’ll conquer Col de l’Iseran (2,764m – highest paved pass in the entire Alps), followed by Cormet de Roselend and more stunning passes. The Italian section adds a different flavor, spectacular mountain scenery, excellent Italian cuisine, and access to passes that straddle the France-Italy border. It’s a perfect combination of Provençal riding and high Alpine adventure!

What is there to do during the two nights in Castellane?

Castellane is a charming Provençal town perfectly positioned at the gateway to Gorge du Verdon! This historic town sits on the Verdon River with narrow medieval lanes, vibrant Place Marcel Sauvaire square with cafés and restaurants, local Provençal markets and shops, and stunning mountain scenery surrounding the town. Your hotel is ideally located just off the main square. Day 6 offers flexible options: take the optional Gorge du Verdon circuit ride (both north and south rim roads with numerous viewpoints, coffee stops, and photo opportunities), hire e-bikes to explore the surrounding countryside, go hiking in the gorge with marked trails, take a boat rental on Lake Sainte-Croix, or simply relax in Castellane enjoying Provençal cuisine, wine, and atmosphere. Many riders appreciate this mid-tour rest day after the Route Napoléon and before tackling the high Alpine passes!

How physically demanding is the Route Napoléon & Gorge du Verdon tour?

Moderately demanding but manageable for riders with average fitness and experience. Daily distances range from 160-210 miles with regular stops for fuel, coffee, photos, and lunch. The tour includes two rest days (both with optional ride-outs) allowing recovery between major riding days. High-altitude passes (Col de l’Iseran 2,764m, Col de la Bonette 2,715m), are roads are excellent with good visibility. Days 7-8 are the most challenging (multiple high passes, longer distances) but incredibly rewarding. The combination of riding days, rest days, and varied terrain creates good balance.

Can I join the Route Napoléon tour as a solo rider?

Absolutely! Solo riders are very welcome and typically make up 50-60% of tour participants. You can choose between sharing a twin room with another solo rider or upgrading to a private single room for additional cost. The 10-day format is popular with solo riders – long enough for meaningful adventure and group bonding, but not such a huge time commitment as 2-3 week tours. Your experienced guide ensures everyone feels part of the group while respecting individual riding pace and preferences. Solo riders particularly appreciate shared experiences like conquering Route Napoléon, standing on Europe’s highest pass (Col de l’Iseran), and exploring Gorge du Verdon together. Many participants remain friends long after the tour ends. Small group sizes (typically 8-12 riders) create an intimate, friendly atmosphere!

More Questions About Route Napoléon & Gorge du Verdon Motorcycle Touring

  • Do I need special insurance? Yes, comprehensive European motorcycle insurance including breakdown recovery is mandatory. Ensure coverage for France and Italy.
  • What currency do I need? Euros throughout France and Italy. Cards widely accepted but carry some cash for coffee and lunch stop.
  • Can pillions join? Absolutely! Pillions will love the spectacular Provençal and Alpine scenery, UNESCO Gorge du Verdon, two rest days, and comfortable hotels.
  • Are French mountain passes difficult? No! Roads are well-maintained with excellent tarmac, good visibility, and manageable gradients. Ride at your own pace with guide support.
  • What about road tolls? Minimal a short motorway section at the start and end of the tour and a small section on day 8. Budget approximately €30 total for occasional autoroute sections.
  • What’s the Circuit de Reims-Gueux? Historic road racing circuit (last used 1972) with preserved pit buildings – fascinating stop for motorsport enthusiasts on final day.
  • Can I extend the tour? While this is a fixed 10-day itinerary, you could add days in Provence or the Alps. Contact us to discuss options.
  • How twisty is Route Napoléon? Perfectly twisty! Constant sweeping bends and curves engineered – it’s a bucket-list road for good reason!
  • Will there be traffic? Moderate on Route Napoléon (popular road), light on most mountain passes, minimal in Gorge du Verdon area. Generally excellent riding conditions.
  • What about the Vercors region? Stunning limestone mountain massif near Grenoble featuring Comb Laval balcony road and Col de la Machine – spectacular riding with dramatic cliff scenery.
  • Is the Gorge du Verdon scary to ride? It’s dramatic with cliff-edge roads, but not scary if you’re comfortable with mountain riding. Barriers throughout, excellent roads, ride at your pace.

Have more questions? Contact us – we’re happy to help plan your French Alps and Provence adventure!