A 10-day self-guided French Alps motorcycle tour on dates you choose. Route Napoléon, Combe Laval, the Gorges du Verdon and the highest passes in the Alps, with hotels, Eurotunnel and GPS routes all arranged.
A 10-day self-guided French Alps motorcycle tour on dates you choose. Route Napoléon, Combe Laval, the Gorges du Verdon and the highest passes in the Alps, with hotels, Eurotunnel and GPS routes all arranged.
Why Choose Our Self-Guided French Alps Motorcycle Tour?
This self-guided French Alps motorcycle tour brings together three of France’s most famous riding roads – the Route Napoléon, the cliff-hugging Combe Laval balcony road and the spectacular Gorges du Verdon – with some of the highest passes in the Alps, including the Col de l’Iseran and the Col de la Bonette. Over 10 days you’ll ride through the Vosges, the Jura, the Vercors and Provence, with a night in Italy along the way. You choose the dates, we plan the route and book every hotel and crossing, and you ride it at your own pace.
Everything is paid for in advance, so there are no vouchers to juggle and nothing to sort out on the road. Before you leave, we email GPS files for every day and post you a printed daily guide that matches them, complete with coffee stops, lunch suggestions and the sights worth stopping for. With two-night stops in the Vercors and in Castellane, and two optional rest days, you can ride every day or take time off the bike whenever you like.
How Your Self-Guided Tour Works
1
Choose your dates Pick any start date between June and September and complete the booking form.
2
We book everything Your Eurotunnel crossing and all 9 nights of hotels are booked and paid for in advance.
3
Receive your tour pack GPS files are emailed and your printed daily guide and packing list are posted before departure.
4
Ride with backup Call us or message your tour WhatsApp group if you need advice while you’re away.
TOUR DATES
Choose Your Own Dates – June to September
Tours start from June, when high passes such as the Col de l’Iseran and the Col de la Bonette are reliably open. Tell us your preferred start date on the booking form and we’ll confirm availability and book your hotels and crossing.
Your tour starts as you roll off the Eurotunnel at Calais and ride south-east across the Champagne-Ardenne region to your first night in Verdun, the historic town at the heart of one of the most famous battles of the First World War. Next day you head south through the Vosges Mountains and over the Ballon d’Alsace, to your overnight stop in the Haut-Jura close to the Swiss border.
The Combe Laval balcony road
Continuing south through the Bauges and Chartreuse regional parks, you reach your hotel in the Vercors, a dramatic limestone plateau of cliffs, gorges and forests, for two nights. Day four is yours: ride out into the Vercors over the Col de la Machine and along the Combe Laval, a road carved into the side of a sheer cliff with breathtaking drops and views, then return via the Col du Rousset. Or simply take a day off the bike.
Next you ride the legendary Route Napoléon, the N85, following the route Napoléon took in 1815 on his return from exile on Elba. Its fast, flowing bends take you over the Col Bayard and the Col des Lèques to Castellane, on the banks of the Verdon River, for two nights.
Your second free day is perfect for the Gorges du Verdon, one of the deepest canyons in Europe. Ride the suggested loop around both rims of the gorge, with jaw-dropping viewpoints over the turquoise river far below, or spend the day hiking, e-biking or boating on the Lac de Sainte-Croix.
The Gorges du Verdon
Leaving Provence, you head north through the Mercantour National Park and over some of the highest roads in the Alps: the Col de la Bonette at 2,715m, the Col de Vars and the lunar landscape of the Col d’Izoard. Then cross into Italy for a night in a ski resort in the Susa Valley.
Next morning you return to France over the Col du Mont Cenis and through the Vanoise National Park, climbing the Col de l’Iseran, at 2,764m the highest paved pass in the Alps. Then ride the Cormet de Roselend and the Col du Méraillet, past Lake Annecy, to your overnight stop in Bourg-en-Bresse.
The last two days take you north on quiet roads around Dijon and through rolling farmland to Châlons-en-Champagne, before the final run to Calais and the tunnel home.
Tour Highlights Summary
Two Countries: France, Italy Iconic Roads: N85 Route Napoléon, Combe Laval balcony road, Gorges du Verdon rim roads High Alpine Passes: Col de l’Iseran (2,764m), Col de la Bonette (2,715m), Col d’Izoard, Col de Vars, Col du Mont Cenis, Cormet de Roselend National & Regional Parks: Vercors, Mercantour, Vanoise, Chartreuse, Bauges History: Napoléon’s 1815 route from Elba to Grenoble Two-Night Stops: Vercors, Castellane Flexibility: Choose your own dates, ride at your own pace, two optional rest days Perfect For: Riders, couples and small groups of friends who want France’s greatest roads and highest passes in one trip
Guided or Self-Guided?
Prefer to ride with a tour leader, enjoy group evening meals and have someone else handle the navigation? The same route is also available as a guided French Alps motorcycle tour on set dates. Choose self-guided if you’d rather pick your own dates and travel independently.
Choose your dates and ride this unforgettable 10-day self-guided French Alps motorcycle tour.
TOUR MAP / ITINERARY
10-Day Self-Guided French Alps Motorcycle Tour Itinerary
Discover France’s most spectacular riding roads on this 10-day self-guided motorcycle tour. From the historic Route Napoléon to the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, and over the highest mountain passes in the Alps, this journey covers approximately 2,000 miles of pure motorcycling bliss through Provence, the Vercors and the French Alps, with two-night stops in the Vercors and in Castellane. Every day has its own GPS file and a matching page in your printed daily guide, with coffee stops, lunch suggestions and the sights worth stopping for.
Day 1: UK to Verdun via Eurotunnel & Champagne-Ardenne
Roll off the Eurotunnel at Calais and ride south-east across the Champagne-Ardenne region to your first night in Verdun, the historic town at the heart of one of the most famous battles of the First World War.
Day 2: The Vosges & Ballon d’Alsace to the Haut-Jura
Head south through the Vosges Mountains and over the Ballon d’Alsace, then on into the Jura to your overnight stop in the Haut-Jura, close to the Swiss border.
Day 3: The Jura to the Vercors via the Bauges & Chartreuse
Continue south across the Jura and through the Bauges and Chartreuse regional parks to your hotel in the Vercors, a dramatic limestone plateau of cliffs, gorges and forests, for two nights.
Distance: 215 miles (345 km)
Highlights: Bauges Regional Park, Chartreuse Regional Park, Vercors, two-night stop
Day 4: Free Day – Vercors & Combe Laval Ride-Out
Ride out into the Vercors over the Col de la Machine and along the Combe Laval, a balcony road carved into the side of a sheer cliff with breathtaking drops and views, then loop back to your hotel via the Col du Rousset. Or simply take the day off the bike.
Distance: 0 miles (rest day) or up to 150 miles (240 km) ride-out
Highlights: Combe Laval balcony road, Col de la Machine, Col du Rousset, Vercors
Day 5: The Route Napoléon to Castellane
Today you ride the legendary Route Napoléon (N85), following the route Napoléon took in 1815 on his return from exile on Elba. Its fast, flowing bends take you over the Col Bayard and the Col des Lèques to Castellane, on the banks of the Verdon River, for two nights.
Distance: 185 miles (300 km)
Highlights: Route Napoléon N85, Col Bayard, Col des Lèques, Castellane, two-night stop
Ride the suggested loop around both rims of the Gorges du Verdon, one of the deepest canyons in Europe, with jaw-dropping viewpoints over the turquoise river far below. Or leave the bike in Castellane and spend the day hiking, e-biking or boating on the Lac de Sainte-Croix.
Distance: 0 miles (rest day) or up to 120 miles (195 km) ride-out
Highlights: Gorges du Verdon, canyon rim roads, Lac de Sainte-Croix
Day 7: Col de la Bonette, Vars & Izoard to Italy
Head north through the Mercantour National Park and over some of the highest roads in the Alps: the Col de la Bonette at 2,715m, the Col de Vars and the lunar landscape of the Col d’Izoard. Then cross into Italy for a night in the ski resort of Sauze d’Oulx in the Susa Valley.
Distance: 190 miles (305 km)
Highlights: Mercantour National Park, Col de la Bonette, Col de Vars, Col d’Izoard, Italy
Day 8: Mont Cenis, Iseran & Roselend to Bourg-en-Bresse
Return to France over the Col du Mont Cenis and ride through the Vanoise National Park to the Col de l’Iseran, at 2,764m the highest paved pass in the Alps. Then take on the Cormet de Roselend and the Col du Méraillet, with views towards Mont Blanc, and ride past Lake Annecy to your overnight stop in Bourg-en-Bresse.
Distance: 225 miles (360 km)
Highlights: Col du Mont Cenis, Vanoise National Park, Col de l’Iseran, Cormet de Roselend, Lake Annecy
Ride north on quiet roads around Dijon, through the Parc National de Forêts and the Forêt d’Orient Regional Park and across rolling French farmland, avoiding the motorways, to your final night in Châlons-en-Champagne.
Distance: 250 miles (400 km)
Highlights: Dijon, Parc National de Forêts, Forêt d’Orient Regional Park, Châlons-en-Champagne
Day 10: Châlons-en-Champagne to the UK via Eurotunnel
Your final day takes you north from Châlons-en-Champagne across the open French countryside to Calais for your afternoon Eurotunnel crossing home.
Distance: 220 miles (355 km)
Highlights: French countryside, Eurotunnel crossing
Total Tour Statistics
Total Distance: Approx. 2,000 miles (3,200 km) including optional ride-outs
Countries Visited: France, Italy
Riding Days: Up to 10, with 2 optional rest days
Iconic Roads: Route Napoléon N85, Combe Laval balcony road, Gorges du Verdon rim roads
High Alpine Passes: Col de l’Iseran (2,764m), Col de la Bonette (2,715m), Col d’Izoard, Col de Vars, Col du Mont Cenis, Cormet de Roselend
National & Regional Parks: Vercors, Mercantour, Vanoise, Chartreuse, Bauges
Two-Night Stops: Vercors, Castellane
Navigation: GPS files and matching printed daily guide for every day
Dates: Your choice, June to September
What's included?
Self-Guided Route Napoléon, Comb Laval, Gorge du Verdon Motorcycle Tour Prices 2027
Rider and Pillion Package: £2,195per person (2 people sharing motorcycle and room)
Solo Rider – Twin Room: £2,495per person (1 motorcycle, shared twin room accommodation)
Solo Rider – Single Room: £2,995per person (1 motorcycle, private single room accommodation)
Two Riders – Separate Bikes: £2,495per person (2 motorcycles, shared twin/double room)
Return Eurotunnel Crossing: Return trip Folkestone-Calais on Eurotunnel (if the train and/or Folkestone isn’t convenient for you, please get in touch as we can arrange other crossings).
9 Nights Accommodation: Premium motorcycle-friendly hotels throughout the Tour
Daily Breakfast: Full breakfast each morning at all hotels to fuel your riding day
Motorcycle Parking: Some hotels charge for parking but this is included in your package
Hotel Leisure Facilities: Full access to swimming pools, spas, and fitness facilities at all hotels
Detailed Route Maps: Comprehensive route plans covering all Alpine passes and scenic roads
GPS Navigation Files: Pre-loaded GPS routes compatible with Garmin, TomTom, and smartphone apps
Daily Itinerary Guide: Detailed daily plans with sightseeing highlights, coffee stops, and lunch recommendations
What’s Not Included in Your Motorcycle Tour
Motorcycle Fuel Costs:
Road Tolls & Pass Charges:
Attraction Entry Fees:
Meals & Drinks not specified as included:
Travel Insurance & Breakdown Cover: Comprehensive motorcycle travel insurance including breakdown recovery and UK repatriation is mandatory but not included. We strongly recommend European breakdown cover from providers like RAC, AA, or specialist motorcycle insurers.
Self-Guided French Alps Motorcycle Tour – Frequently Asked Questions
How does a self-guided motorcycle tour work?
You choose your dates and we do the planning. We book and pay for your Eurotunnel crossing and all 9 nights of hotels in advance, so there are no vouchers to carry and nothing to arrange on the road. Before you leave, we email your GPS route files for every day, and a printed daily guide that matches them is posted to you, which includes a suggested packing list. Then you ride the route at your own pace, stopping wherever you like.
Why do tours start from June?
This route crosses some of the highest passes in the Alps, including the Col de l’Iseran at 2,764m and the Col de la Bonette at 2,715m. From June these passes are reliably open and the mountain weather is more settled, so you can start the tour on any date from June to September. Add your preferred start date to the booking form and we’ll confirm availability and book your hotels and crossing. Booking early gives the best chance of getting your preferred dates, especially in July and August.
What standard are the hotels?
You’ll stay in the same carefully selected motorcycle-friendly hotels used on our guided tour, including two-night stays in the Vercors and in Castellane. Breakfast is included every morning, and hotel parking is included throughout the tour.
What’s in the tour pack?
Your tour pack is the same one our guided riders receive. It includes GPS files for each day’s route, a printed daily guide that corresponds to those files with coffee stops, lunch suggestions and sights along the way, and a suggested packing list. It’s sent to you before departure so you have time to load the routes and get familiar with them.
Do I need to be good with a sat nav?
You’ll need to be comfortable loading routes and following them. The GPS files work with Garmin and TomTom devices and with smartphone navigation apps. If you’re new to route files, our sat nav set up guide walks you through the process, and we’re happy to help before you leave. The daily guide also describes each day’s route, so you’re never relying on the screen alone.
What happens if I have a problem while I’m away?
You can call us, and every tour has its own WhatsApp group so you can get advice quickly while you’re on the road. We don’t run a dedicated 24-hour helpline, so you must have your own European breakdown cover and motorcycle travel insurance. This is a requirement of our terms and conditions, and our insurance and breakdown guide explains what to look for.
What is the Route Napoléon?
The Route Napoléon, today’s N85, follows the route Napoléon took in 1815 on his return from exile on Elba, as he marched north towards Grenoble. For riders it’s a classic: fast, flowing bends, well-surfaced tarmac and beautiful Alpine and Provençal scenery. You’ll ride it on Day 5, over the Col Bayard and the Col des Lèques, to your two-night stop in Castellane.
What is the Combe Laval balcony road?
The Combe Laval is one of the most spectacular roads in France, carved into the side of a sheer limestone cliff in the Vercors, with tunnels through the rock and huge drops to the valley below. It’s known as a balcony road because it clings to the cliff face like a balcony. The road itself is narrow but well surfaced, so take it steadily and enjoy the views. You’ll ride it on the Day 4 ride-out from your hotel in the Vercors.
What’s the riding like in the Gorges du Verdon?
The Gorges du Verdon is one of the deepest canyons in Europe, with turquoise water far below and roads running along both rims. The roads are twisty and narrow in places, with plenty of viewpoints to stop at, so allow time and watch out for cyclists and camper vans in high summer. The loop is your Day 6 ride-out from Castellane, or you can explore the area on foot, by e-bike or on the Lac de Sainte-Croix instead.
How hard are the high passes?
The Iseran and the Bonette are high, but they’re well-surfaced roads that thousands of riders enjoy every summer. Expect hairpins, cooler temperatures at the top and spectacular views. Take your time, allow for photo stops and keep an eye on the weather before you set off each morning.
What happens if a pass is closed?
Closures in summer are rare, but mountain weather can occasionally close a high pass for a few hours. Check the conditions before you set off each morning. If a pass is closed, call us or message your tour WhatsApp group and we’ll help you with an alternative route.
Why does the tour go into Italy?
Crossing into Italy’s Susa Valley on Day 7 lets you link the Col d’Izoard with the Col du Mont Cenis and the Col de l’Iseran the next morning, two of the best Alpine passes on the tour, while adding a night in an Italian ski resort.
Are there any toll roads?
Very few. There’s a short motorway section at the start and end of the tour and a small section on Day 8, so budget around €30 in total for French autoroute tolls, which you can pay by card at the toll booths. The mountain passes on the route are free.
Do I need a Green Card for Italy?
No. UK riders don’t need an insurance Green Card for France or Italy. You do still need valid motorcycle insurance, so check with your insurer and breakdown provider that your full cover applies abroad. Carry your passport, driving licence, insurance documents and V5C logbook.
What’s the difference between this and the guided tour?
The route and hotels are the same, but on the guided French Alps tour you ride with a tour leader on set dates and three evening meals are included. The self-guided tour costs less, lets you pick your own dates and gives you complete freedom over when you set off.
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included every morning at all hotels. Lunches and evening meals aren’t included on the self-guided tour, which leaves you free to eat wherever you like. Your daily guide includes lunch suggestions along each day’s route.
How much riding is there each day?
Most riding days are between 185 and 250 miles, with the longer days on the journey south and back north, and shorter, more scenic days in the mountains. Days 4 and 6 are free days in the Vercors and in Castellane, so you can ride the Combe Laval and Verdon ride-outs or take time off the bike. And because it’s self-guided, you can set off as early or as late as you like and take as many breaks as you want along the way.
Are speed limits strictly enforced?
Yes. France has lots of speed cameras and strict enforcement, so watch out for the lower limits, often 30 or 50 km/h, when you pass through towns and villages.
Can I ride the tour as a couple or with friends?
Yes. The self-guided format suits couples and small groups of friends particularly well, as you can set your own pace and plans. We offer rider and pillion pricing, and pricing for two riders on separate bikes sharing a room. If you’re planning a larger group, get in touch and we’ll check availability.
Can I do the tour as a solo rider?
Absolutely. You can choose a single room or a twin room option. Riding solo on a self-guided tour means you set the pace entirely, and the WhatsApp group means help and advice are only a message away.
What type of motorcycle do I need?
Any reliable, well-maintained motorcycle is suitable. We generally suggest 500cc or above, although modern adventure scooters such as the Honda ADV350 are also capable. Your bike should be roadworthy, recently serviced and fitted with luggage for a trip of 10 days, with good brakes and enough tyre tread for around 2,000 miles of mountain riding. Our bike preparation guide covers tyres, brakes, chain and fluid checks before departure.
Can I use a different crossing?
Yes. If you’d prefer a ferry or a different crossing, tell us in the comments section of the booking form and start the tour from the first night’s hotel. We’ll deduct the Eurotunnel cost from your booking.
More Questions About Self-Guided Touring in the French Alps
What’s the weather like? Warm and often hot in Provence and the valleys, but cool and changeable on the high passes, so pack vented kit, waterproofs and base layers.
Is motorcycle parking included? Yes, hotel parking is included.
Do I need to carry hotel vouchers? No. Everything is booked and paid for in advance.
Do I have to ride the free-day ride-outs? No. Days 4 and 6 are completely optional.
What currency do I need? Euros in both France and Italy. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for coffee stops.
Is there anything to do in Castellane on the rest day? Plenty – hiking, e-biking, kayaking and boat hire on the Lac de Sainte-Croix, or simply relaxing in the cafés of the old town.
Can I extend the tour? Yes. Contact us to discuss adding extra nights before or after the tour.
Can pillions join? Yes. With two-night stops and optional rest days, the tour is comfortable for pillions too.
