Categories
Guided Tours Our Tours

Black Forest and Vosges Tour

Experience 7 days of thrilling rides through the Black Forest and Vosges on this guided motorcycle tour. Perfect for riders short on time, enjoy scenic mountain roads, charming villages, and unforgettable European landscapes.

7-Day Guided Motorcycle Tour of the Black Forest & Vosges


Tour at a Glance

📍 Duration:
7 days / 7 riding days

🏍️ Total Distance:
1,400 miles (2,250 km)

🗺️ Countries:
France, Germany, Belgium

🏔️ Highlights:
B500 Black Forest, Vosges Mountains, Route des Crêtes, Grand Ballon, Lake Constance, Baden-Baden

🛣️ Iconic Roads:
B500 Schwarzwaldhochstraße, Route des Crêtes, D430/D431 Vosges Mountain Roads

🏛️ Historic Sites:
Verdun WWI Memorial, Circuit de Reims-Gueux, Chimay Circuit

💰 From:
£1,795 per person

📅 Next Tour:
31 May – 06 June 2026

👨‍🏫 Guide:
Alec MacColl


Book Your Place


Why Choose Our Black Forest Vosges Motorcycle Tour?

Our Black Forest Vosges motorcycle tour is the ultimate 7-day escape for riders seeking maximum adventure with minimum time commitment. This Black Forest Vosges motorcycle tour combines Germany’s legendary B500 Schwarzwaldhochstraße with France’s stunning Vosges Mountains and the spectacular Route des Crêtes, delivering 1,400 miles of pure riding bliss. Perfect for riders short on time, this Black Forest Vosges motorcycle tour features hairpin-filled mountain passes, world-famous thermal spas in Baden-Baden, and the highest peak in the Vosges (Le Grand Ballon at 1,424m). With just one week of holiday, you’ll experience everything from Black Forest sweepers to Vosges switchbacks, WWI history at Verdun, and Europe’s most legendary bucket-list roads.

Join us for a carefully planned adventure that balances exciting rides with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the unique culture and natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re an experienced rider or looking for an incredible motorcycle getaway, this tour creates memories that last a lifetime.

**Tour Dates **

**31/05/2026 – 06/06/2026**

**Alec MacColl**


Schauinslandstraße Freiburg rolling hills view Black Forest Germany Black Forest Vosges motorcycle tour panorama

Straight off the tunnel at Calais we head towards Reims and on to our overnight stay in the lovely town of Chalons en Champagne. With quick stop at the Circuit du Reims-Gueux on route which was still being used for motorcycle racing up to the early 70’s.  The next day we are heading east towards Germany. En-route we cross the Moselle and the Lorraine National Park before entering the Vosges mountains, which are littered with hairpin turns and long sweeping bends. We then reach our hotel for the next two nights close to the spa town of Baden Baden within the Black Forest.

We have a couple of optional ride outs on offer for your 3rd day. You may choose to spend the day relaxing off the bike and visit one of the Thermal Spas in Baden Baden. There is also a ride down to Lake Constance which is Europe’s third largest lake.

Next we head back to France via the famous B500, a bucket list road for many riders.  The road offers sublime views with sweeping curves and hairpins all in the mix. That’s not the end of the great riding as we then head towards our next two night stop, via the southern Vosges mountains which are a bikers paradise. We take in the acclaimed Route des Cretes  with it stunning vistas and yet more fabulous roads en route.

Our 5th day and we have a ride out planned which takes in the very best of the Vosges region. Including The Grand Ballon at a height of 1424 meters. The Grand Ballon gives stunning views across the Haut Rhin and Grand Est region. Can we really find any more hairpins and sweepers for you to enjoy? We will leave you to be the judge of that, as we relax and take in the views from the balcony of our hotel.

Vosges viewpoint Lac de la Lande Le Hohneck mountain lake France Black Forest Vosges motorcycle tour scenic

Heading north towards home on our penultimate day we start with Route de Cretes and Rue d’Epinal then crossing the Lorraine National Park.  We stop on route in the afternoon to visit the WW1 Douaumont memorial at Verdun. Then onto our hotel on the banks of Semois river which is a perfect location to spend our last evening together. Sharing the memories of a fabulous tour that has so many highlights, it’s hard to know which is best. Final leg after a hearty breakfast to set us up for the day. Still avoiding motorways for most of the day, we cross the Ardennes National Park crossing into France then back into Belgium for a quick stop at the Chimay Classic Road Circuit which is still actively used to this day. Back into France, for the final push across the Natural Park of Avesnois and all this before lunch. After lunch it’s the last leg up to the tunnel and the crossing back to the UK.

Black Forest & Vosges Motorcycle Tour – Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 7-day Black Forest & Vosges tour suitable if I’m short on time?

Absolutely! This tour is specifically designed for riders who want an incredible European motorcycle experience but don’t have 2-3 weeks available. In just 7 days, you’ll ride some of Europe’s most legendary roads including the iconic B500 in the Black Forest, conquer the stunning Route des Crêtes, and tackle the hairpin-filled Vosges Mountains. You’ll cross three countries (France, Germany, Belgium), cover 1,400 miles of spectacular riding, and experience everything from Alpine scenery to thermal spas – all while only using one week of holiday time. It’s the perfect “maximum adventure, minimum time commitment” tour!

What makes the B500 so special?

The B500 Schwarzwaldhochstraße is considered one of Europe’s greatest motorcycle roads and a true bucket-list experience! This 60km stretch along the ridges of the Black Forest features perfectly smooth tarmac, sublime sweeping curves, dramatic hairpin bends, and breathtaking forest vistas. Built as a scenic route through Germany’s Black Forest National Park, the road climbs to over 1,000 meters offering stunning views. Bikers from across Europe make pilgrimages to ride the B500 – it’s that good! Many riders say it sets the perfect tone for the entire tour and is worth the journey alone.

What’s included in the 7-day Black Forest & Vosges tour package?

The tour includes return Eurotunnel crossing (Folkestone-Calais), 6 nights accommodation in quality motorcycle-friendly hotels across France, Germany, and Belgium, daily breakfast at all hotels, welcome and farewell group meals, detailed route maps with GPS files, hotel parking fees, and comprehensive daily itineraries with recommended stops. You provide your own motorcycle, riding gear, fuel, lunches and some dinners, travel insurance, and personal expenses. All accommodation is carefully selected for comfort, location, and biker-friendly facilities.

Can I visit the thermal spas in Baden-Baden during the tour?

Yes! Day 3 is a rest day with options, including visiting Baden-Baden’s world-famous thermal spas. Baden-Baden has been a spa destination since Roman times, offering luxurious thermal baths, wellness treatments, and relaxation facilities. The two main options are Caracalla Spa (modern thermal pools, saunas, grottos) and Friedrichsbad (historic Roman-Irish bath ritual). After two days of riding, many riders find the thermal waters perfect for rejuvenating tired muscles! Alternatively, if you prefer more saddle time, there’s two optional ride outs one around the fabulous roads of the Black Forest or to Lake Constance (Europe’s third-largest lake). Your choice – wellness or wheels!

What’s the riding like in the Vosges Mountains?

The Vosges Mountains are a true biker’s paradise! This mountain range on the French-German border features long sweeping bends, tight hairpin switchbacks, smooth tarmac, and stunning Alpine scenery. The acclaimed Route des Crêtes (Ridge Road) runs along mountain crests offering spectacular 360° views. You’ll ride to Le Grand Ballon at 1,424 meters (the highest peak in the Vosges) with breathtaking vistas across the Haut-Rhin region. The D430 and D431 mountain roads deliver hairpin after hairpin through dense forests and alpine meadows. Many riders find the Vosges equally impressive as more famous Alpine passes but with far less traffic!

Can I join the Black Forest & Vosges tour as a solo rider?

Absolutely! Solo riders are very welcome and typically make up 50-60% of our tour groups. You can choose between sharing a twin room with another solo rider or upgrading to a private single room for additional cost. The shorter 7-day format is particularly popular with solo riders as it’s easier to commit one week versus 2-3 weeks. Our groups are small (typically 8-12 riders), creating a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Many solo riders form lasting friendships and return for other tours. Your tour guide ensures everyone feels included while respecting individual riding preferences and pace.

Is this tour suitable as my first European motorcycle tour?

Yes, this is an excellent choice for your first European tour! The 7-day duration is less intimidating than longer tours, the countries visited (France, Germany, Belgium) have excellent road infrastructure and facilities, riding is on the right side (same as continental Europe), distances are manageable (averaging 170-220 miles per day), and you have an experienced guide on hand to assist with navigation if required. The tour includes two rest days with optional ride-outs, allowing you to build confidence gradually. You’ll experience iconic roads like the B500 without the complexity of high Alpine passes. Many first-time European riders choose this tour to “test the waters” before committing to longer adventures – and most immediately book another tour!

What can I expect at the Verdun WWI Memorial?

The Douaumont Ossuary and Memorial at Verdun is one of the most moving WWI sites in Europe. Located on the Verdun battlefield where 300,000 French and German soldiers died during the 10-month Battle of Verdun (1916), the ossuary contains the remains of 130,000 unidentified soldiers. The memorial’s tower offers views across the battlefield still scarred by shell craters. It’s a sobering, powerful experience that provides important historical context. The visit typically lasts 45-60 minutes on Day 6 as you ride from the Vosges toward Belgium. Many riders find this stop adds meaningful depth to the tour, honoring the sacrifices made in this region we now freely explore on our motorcycles.

What type of motorcycle do I need for the Black Forest & Vosges tour?

Any reliable motorcycle is suitable, we generally suggest 500cc or above, but the modern adventure scooters such as the Honda ADV350 are also more than capable. Popular choices of course include BMW GS series, Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, adventure tourers, sport tourers, touring bikes. Your motorcycle should be roadworthy, properly serviced, and equipped with luggage capacity for touring. We recommend preparing your bike according to our motorcycle preparation guide, including checking tyres, brakes, chain, and fluids before departure.

What’s the Lake Constance ride-out option on Day 3?

Lake Constance (Bodensee in German) is Europe’s third-largest lake, shared between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The optional Day 3 ride-out takes you south from Baden-Baden through the Black Forest to the lake’s northern shore – approximately 220 miles round trip. The lake circuit offers stunning Alpine views across the water, charming waterside towns like Konstanz and Meersburg, and excellent lakeside cafés for lunch. You can ride along the shore, take a ferry across the lake, or simply enjoy the Alpine scenery. It’s a beautiful ride for those who want more saddle time instead of spa relaxation. Return to your Black Forest hotel by evening to prepare for tomorrow’s B500 adventure!

More Questions About Black Forest & Vosges Motorcycle Touring

  • What’s the weather like in late May/early June? Excellent! Temperatures 18-25°C (64-77°F), mostly sunny, perfect riding conditions, mountain passes fully open.
  • Do I need insurance? Yes, comprehensive European motorcycle insurance including breakdown recovery is mandatory.
  • Can pillions join? Absolutely! The tour is perfect for rider and pillion combinations, with comfortable daily distances and spectacular scenery to enjoy.
  • Is this tour physically demanding? Not particularly. Daily distances are 170-220 miles with regular breaks, two rest days included, and comfortable hotels each night. Average fitness is sufficient.
  • How twisty are the roads? Very! The B500, Route des Crêtes, and Vosges passes feature constant curves, sweepers, and hairpins – pure motorcycling joy!
  • Will there be motorway riding? Minimal. Only 80 miles at the very beginning and the same at the end of the tour.
  • What currency do I need? Euros for France, Germany, and Belgium. Cards widely accepted, but cash is handy for coffee and lunch stops.
  • Are the Chimay and Reims circuits worth visiting? Definitely! Both historic racing circuits are fascinating stops for motorcycle enthusiasts, with preserved pit buildings and rich motorsport history.
  • Can I extend the tour? While this is a fixed 7-day itinerary, you can add extra days before/after to explore further. Contact us to discuss options.
  • What’s the group riding style? Relaxed and flexible. Ride at your own pace, regroup at designated points, no pressure to keep up. Your guide ensures everyone’s comfortable.

Have more questions? Contact us – we’re happy to help plan your Black Forest & Vosges adventure!