Now includes an extra day to enjoy the ride south. This tour is a motorcycling celebration of everything that’s great about France. It promises stunning rides, superb gastronomy, and world-famous wine. All this combined with two days off the bike in the South of France and riding the Grand Alps!
FRENCH RIVIERA AND THE GRAND ALPS
At a Glance
Tour Dates
25 Aug 2027 05 Sep 2027
23 Aug 2028 03 Sep 2028
Duration
12 Days
Tour Starts in
Folkestone, UK
Tour Leaders
Travel Distance
Approx 2360 miles
Difficulty
Roads
100% Tarmac
Hire Bikes
Available
Price From
2695 £
Tour Overview
This unforgettable motorcycle tour takes you deep into the heart of France, combining thrilling roads, rich culture, and stunning scenery. Starting in Calais, we head south to Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne, where grand architecture and world-famous sparkling wine set the tone. From there, we ride through vineyard-covered hills to Bourges, a medieval city with a magnificent Gothic cathedral and a lively old town.
Next, we explore the volcanic landscapes of the Puy de Dôme and ride through the tranquil Livradois forest to our peaceful retreat in St Bonnet. Then it’s on to Arles, where Roman ruins and Provençal charm await. With two nights in the historic centre, you’ll have time to explore the UNESCO-listed amphitheatre and enjoy the relaxed southern atmosphere.
From Arles, we follow scenic coastal roads to Menton, a colourful town on the Côte d’Azur known for its citrus groves, Mediterranean flair, and proximity to Monaco. With two nights here, you can unwind by the sea, explore the old town, or enjoy more riding along the Riviera.
Then it’s into the French Alps for some of the most exhilarating motorcycling in Europe. The legendary Route des Grandes Alpes takes us over iconic passes including Bonette, Vars, Izoard, Galibier, and the towering Col d’Iseran. These roads offer dramatic views, thrilling switchbacks, and unforgettable high-altitude riding.
The journey continues through the peaceful Jura Mountains to Besançon, a riverside city with a rich history and impressive citadel. Our final night is spent in Sedan, where we stay in a unique hotel built into the walls of Europe’s largest fortified castle. After a farewell dinner, we ride back to Calais, completing a truly epic tour.
With a perfect balance of coastal relaxation, cultural exploration, and mountain adventure, this tour offers a premium motorcycling experience through the very best of France.
First class, helpful, friendly, and fun. Looking forward to the next one!
Tour Availability
| From | To | Days | Nights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
25-August-2027 |
05-September-2027 |
12 |
11 |
|
23-August-2028 |
03-September-2028 |
12 |
11 |
Motorrad Tours welcome all makes and models of bike on tour. We also have a range of BMW bikes that you can hire. All our hire bikes for Classic and European Explorer Tours are current model BMW’s complete with ABS, Heated Grips, Panniers, Top Box, Tank Bag, Inner bags for all boxes and a pre programmed BMW Navigator GPS included.
| Price option | Solo Rider Shared Room | Solo Rider Single Room | *Rider and passenger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riding Your Own Motorcycle | 2695 | 3595 | 4295 |
| Including an F800GS or F900XR Hire Bike | 4060 | 4960 | 5660 |
| Including an F900GS Adventure Hire Bike | 4190 | 5090 | 5790 |
| Including an R1300GS, RS or RT Hire Bike | 4320 | 5220 | 5920 |
| Including an S1000XR Hire Bike | 4385 | 5285 | 5985 |
| Including an R1300GS Adventure Hire Bike | 4515 | 5415 | 6115 |
| Including a K1600 GT Hire Bike | 4580 | 5480 | 6180 |
* Rider and Passenger price is for both people, not per person.
HIRE BIKES: If you are booking with a hire bike we will hand your bike over on the afternoon prior to the first tour day. This will give you a chance to get familiar with the bike, make any adjustments, arrange your packing and not waste any time on the first day riding.
Day 1 Our destination is the historic city of Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne and a true gem of northern France. With its grand Gothic cathedral and vibrant café culture, Reims offers the perfect blend of culture, charm, and comfort to start your journey in style
Day 2 Today’s route takes you deep into the heart of France’s wine country, cruising past the world-famous vineyards of Épernay and Sancerre. It’s a relaxed and scenic ride, almost entirely on quiet “D” roads, offering a true taste of rural France, rolling hills, charming villages, and endless vineyard views. Destination Bourges, this is motorcycling at its finest
Day 3 After a quick motorway run to cover some ground, we enter the stunning Puy-de-Dôme region, named after its iconic dormant volcano near Clermont-Ferrand. From here, it’s pure riding pleasure as we cross country through the Livradois forest, with sweeping views over wooded hills and winding roads that lead us to our peaceful hideaway in St Bonnet. It’s the perfect mix of pace and tranquillity
Day 4 Leaving our remote retreat in St Bonnet, we ride south through the scenic Massif Central. En route, there's an opportunity to visit the incredible Pont du Gard, a UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct that’s a true marvel. Our destination is Arles, famed for its Roman amphitheatre and rich history is our home for two nights
Day 5 Take a break from the saddle and dive into the rich heritage of Arles. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Roman amphitheatre, explore ancient ruins, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the old town’s cafés and markets. Whether you're into history, photography, or just relaxing in the sun, Arles offers the perfect day off the bike
Day 6 Today’s journey takes us from the historic charm of Arles to the sun-drenched elegance of Menton on the Côte d’Azur, where we’ll spend two nights soaking up the Mediterranean vibe. Along the way, enjoy one of France’s most spectacular rides through the Gorges du Verdon, with its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and thrilling curves
Day 7 Spend your day off the bike soaking up the charm of Menton, the ‘Pearl of France’. Stroll through the colourful old town, relax on golden beaches, or visit the famous Jardin Serre de la Madone for a peaceful escape. With Monaco on your doorstep, you can enjoy a glamorous evening at the casino or explore the harbourfront cafés and boutiques. With its warm climate, citrus groves, and stunning sea views, Menton is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
- Two nights in Arles
- Two nights in Menton
- UNESCO Listed Arles Amphitheatre
- Spectacular ride through the Gorges du Verdon
- Ride the iconic Col d’Iseran the highest paved road in the Alps
- Ride the Grande Route de Alpes
- Ride the Grande Route de Alpes
- Easier mileages mixed and relaxed days on the Riviera
Overall excellent culminating with making the last night of the tour exceptional. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it’s happened!
What's Included
- Pre tour pack including tour information, Michelin maps, route notes and GPS routes in Garmin/BMW format
- Electronic copy of the World of BMW Touring Essentials Book
- All accommodation as listed in the itinerary in 3 or 4 star hotels
- All breakfasts
- Welcome and farewell dinners (excludes beverages)
- One dinner one night in Saint Bonnet and in Valloire (excludes beverages)
- Motorrad Tours Tour Leader throughout the Tour
- LeShuttle Return Crossing
- Commemorative Shirt for all riders and passengers
- Expert advice and support throughout
- The protection of booking with a fully bonded tour operator
Not Included
- Fuel
- Lunches
- Dinners other than those listed
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not listed as included
