A multifaceted 10 day self guided motorcycle tour through some of the best riding roads in France. From the sweeping cambered curves of Route Napoleon, to the stunning balcony roads of Combe Laval. Along with the must see natural wonder of the Gorge du Verdon in central Provence, this tour really does have something for everyone.
BEST TIME TO GO : JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
Your journey beings with a short hop on the Eurotunnel to Calais. Once in France you head south east across the Champagne Ardennes region towards the Moselle Valley and your first overnight stop on the edge of the Lorraine National Park.
Your 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 your 2 night stop near Grenoble. But not before crossing the Parc Régional du massif des Bauges with stunning views at your lunch stop. You then cross the Parc Naturel Régional de la Chartreuse to finish the day with a well earnt rest at your hotel near Grenoble.
Next up Day 4 includes the famous Col de la Machine and Combe Laval within the Vacours Massif region which are some 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 you loop back north for your 2nd evening near Grenoble the self-styled capitol of the Alps.
Day 5 you 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 your day to sample the road itself which is of a fantastic design, with cambered corners and fantastic scenery. You 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. You then reach your 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. Your 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 your adventure continues north, heading through the Mercantour National Park past 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 you 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 you 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 you 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 you 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 your final farewell to the Alps on this tour. Heading past Lake Annecy and north to your hotel for this evening.
Your penultimate day takes you north around Dijon and through the huge expanse of French farmland. Avoiding motorways as you 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 you have travelled along.
Your final day takes us back to your Eurotunnel crossing, but you 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 you head through more expansive French countryside, on to your final lunch stop in before the last leg of our journey back to the UK.
