Alps Motorcycle Tours: Ride the French & Italian Alps in Style
Few Alps motorcycle tours can match the experiences that Guide My Ride has designed for you. From the glacier-lined passes of the French Alps to the stunning valleys of the Italian Alps, the region we cover provides an unbeatable combination of challenging roads, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.
Motorcycle touring through the French and Italian Alps is a bucket-list adventure, whether you want to lean into tight switchbacks or relax in a mountain café with stunning views of Mont Blanc.
Why Choose an Alpine Motorcycle Tour?
Stretching from Lake Geneva down to the Mediterranean Sea, motorbiking the French and Italian Alps combines a magical, cross-border blend of culture with mind-blowing mountain roads.
That’s right, you can actually ride over the Alps from one country to another, and experience different cultures. Our French and Italian Alps highlights are:
The legendary mountain passes that are shared between France and Italy.
Scenic diversity like traditional towns and villages, snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and Mediterranean foothills.
Two distinct cultures blend at the border where French alpine charm meets Italian warmth.
Culinary traditions on both sides that reflect centuries of mountain life.
Many riders opt for motorbike trips in the French Alps, with a detour into Italy for added variety, which is part of our Ultimate Alps Motorcycle Tour package.
Iconic Mountain Passes in the French and Italian Alps
The Alps are characterised by their legendary cols, which is the French term for "pass"—basically, a mountain pass. In Italian, this translates to "passo."
A "col" refers to a natural dip or saddle between two peaks in a mountain range. It represents the lowest point along a ridge or summit line that allows passage from one side of the mountains to the other. Cols are often where roads or trails cross the mountains, which is why they are so special to us motorcyclists.
The roads leading to the cols are winding and ascend above 2,000 metres, connecting valleys and even countries. You can experience breathtaking views and exhilarating climbs and descents, making it an ideal setting for motorcycle adventures.
Many of the French cols are renowned for the Tour de France, where cyclists strive to climb them as quickly as possible.
Below is a list of famous mountain passes that you will come across during your motorcycle tour in the Alps:
Col du Galibier (France)
Elevation: 2,642 m – Offers sweeping bends, high-altitude vistas, and views of glaciers.
Col de l’Iseran (France)
Elevation: 2,770 m – The highest paved pass in Europe, with alpine meadows and icy peaks.
Col de la Bonette (France)
Elevation: 2,715 m (loop road to 2,802 m) – Famous for open, panoramic riding above the treeline.
Col du Mont-Cenis (France–Italy)
Elevation: 2,083 m – A historic trade route with turquoise lakes and mountain panoramas.
Colle delle Finestre (Italy)
Elevation: 2,176 m – Known for its partially unpaved sections, a challenge for confident riders.
Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard (France–Italy)
Elevation: 2,188 m – A gentler crossing with beautiful scenery into Italy’s Aosta Valley.
Traditional Villages and Towns in the Alps
The villages and towns in the French Alps blend tradition with amazing scenery.
These areas celebrate Savoyard culture, with bustling markets, local cheeses, and stunning views everywhere.
In the Italian Alps, the villages blend Italian warmth, and you’ll find the spirit of Alpine hospitality in every rifugio and piazza, where riders stop for espresso or homemade pasta.
We’d love to show you the beautiful traditional villages and towns we explore while motorcycling these epic alpine roads. Here are just a few of our favourites.
Towns and Villages in the French Alps
Bonneval-sur-Arc is a traditional stone-built village that seems untouched by time, and it was voted the most beautiful village in France.
La Grave boasts quiet alpine charm with unparalleled views of La Meije.
Briançon is the highest city in Europe and has UNESCO-listed fortifications.
Annecy, with its canals and flower-lined streets
Chamonix, situated at the base of Mont Blanc, is renowned for its rich mountaineering history and vibrant atmosphere.
Towns and Villages in the Italian Alps
Susa, where you find Roman history, medieval streets, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Bardonecchia is popular in winter for skiing, lively in summer for motorcyclists.
Courmayeur, which you’ll find nestled beneath Mont Blanc, offers a mix of Alpine tradition and Italian style.
La Thuile, situated halfway down the route from Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard, is a charming town featuring small shops and restaurants.
Food and Drink Along Your Alps Motorbike Tour
Riding in the French and Italian Alps can make you very hungry, but not to worry, there are plenty of traditional mountain meals that are great for refuelling after navigating the winding roads.
In the French Alps, you can try hearty dishes like tartiflette, made from potatoes, bacon, and Reblochon cheese, and raclette, a melted cheese dish served with potatoes and cured meats.
When you stop for lunch in the Italian Alps, you can enjoy dishes such as pasta alla valdostana, a dish featuring cream, fontina cheese, and ham, or polenta served with wild boar stew. Of course, you can always opt for the popular choice of Italian pizza.
Additionally, don't forget to take a quick break for a strong Italian espresso!
Our Favourite Stops in the French and Italian Alps
Le Refuge 810 (TripAdvisor) - An absolute must if you are passing through Bourg Saint Maurice, run by friendly locals with all the delicious traditional cheese and meat on the menu.
Le Vieux Bourg - One of our favourites! Who can turn down a delicious pizza before heading up the Grand Saint Bernard pass?
Les Sapins - With its beautiful views from the large terrace, this lovely family-run hotel and restaurant, nestled in the small ski station of Manigod, is a regular lunch stop for us.
Le Baille a Berre - A great mix of food from local cheesy dishes to light snacks, this has to be our favourite place to eat when riding over in the Massif des Bauges.
What is the Best Time to Motorbike in the Alps?
The best months for motorcycle tours in the French and Italian Alps are from June to September, when most high mountain passes are open.
In June and July, riders can enjoy meadows filled with wildflowers set against the dramatic backdrop of snowy peaks. August offers long, sunny days that are perfect for high-altitude rides, although popular routes may be crowded.
September brings cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and a stunning array of gold and red hues in the trees. Sometimes, you can even see the first winter dusting on the highest peaks.
Outside the summer months, many mountain passes close due to snow. In the French and Italian Alps, the weather can change rapidly, so riders should be prepared for fluctuating conditions and cooler temperatures, even within a single day.
Riding Conditions During Alps Motorcycle Tours
Alpine riding often means experiencing multiple climates in one day. Riders should dress in layers, carry waterproof gear, and consider using heated grips on early-morning rides to stay warm.
Good brakes and tyres are essential for long descents, and awareness of gravel or livestock on the road is key to safety.
Safety Checks for Motorcyclists
Other points of safety to consider during your motorcycle tour in the Alps:
Always check the status of both French and Italian passes before riding, as closures can vary by region.
Be cautious of cyclists, particularly on the famous routes of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.
Additionally, Italian passes may be narrower than their French counterparts, so exercise extra caution on bends.
Alps Motorcycle Tours Are Totally Unforgettable
A motorcycle trip from the mountains of France to the beautiful valleys and rich culinary culture of Italy offers a diverse range of riding experiences. Each curve reveals a stunning view, and every stop brings a new taste, accent, or tradition.
For riders looking for the best motorcycle tour in the Alps, crossing between France and Italy is more than just a road trip. It’s an adventure that combines two countries, two distinct cuisines, and some of the world's best motorcycle roads.
Ready to join Guide My Ride? We reckon you are.
Alps Motorcycle Tour Packages
Guide My Ride offers three pre-designed Motorcycle Tour packages of the Alps, ranging from 5 to 12 days.
Bespoke motorcycle tours can also be organised, either by choosing a mix of routes available in the pre-designed packages or by developing a completely custom motorcycle trip with the team at Guide My Ride.
Alps Motorcycle Tours Cost
We offer three pre-designed Alps motorcycle tours for you to choose from, with prices starting at 1925€.
Alps Mini Break Motorcycle Tour
Experience the best of the French Alps with the Alps Mini-Break motorcycle tour, designed for those who want to make the most of a shorter holiday. Over five days, you’ll enjoy three full days of touring, with at least five hours of riding each day.
The Mini Break motorcycle holiday perfectly balances ride time with breathtaking views and the renowned roads for which the French Alps are renowned. If you're looking to explore the stunning highlights of the region in a limited timeframe, the Alps Mini-Break is the ideal choice for you.
The Best of the Alps Tour
Experience a week-long adventure in the Alps, starting at €2,200 per person. Our "Best of the Alps" package offers an unparalleled guided motorcycle tour that covers many of the iconic destinations on any motorcycle enthusiast's bucket list.
Our Best of the Alps week-long tour includes the most famous mountain passes and essential routes in the French Alps, Europe. We can’t wait to guide you on this unforgettable journey!
Ultimate Alps Motorcycle Tour
For riders aiming to maximise their motorcycle experience in the Alps, the Ultimate Alps Tour starts at just €3,850 per person for twelve unforgettable days in the French and Italian Alps.
Our Ultimate Alps motorcycle tour is aptly named and offers the longest rides, the longest days, and the most altitude gain. If you're interested in combining these features with some incredible, lesser-known motorcycle routes, then this tour is definitely for you.
The Ultimate Alps Tour focuses on ride time with minimal stops, making it a thrilling experience that won't leave you wanting more.
Bespoke Alps Motorcycle Tour
Prices for custom motorcycle tours vary according to the rider's requirements. If you're looking for something unique, we also provide the option to create a bespoke motorcycle trip for a minimum of four people.
Contact Guide My Ride to cost a bespoke Alps motorcycle tour.
