Seriously Good Motorbike Routes in France: The Ultimate Biker’s Guide
We don’t like to brag, but there are some seriously good motorcycle routes in France, and it could be a dream destination for your next motorcycle tour.
With its dramatic mountain passes, winding coastal roads, and picturesque countryside, France offers some of the best motorbike routes in Europe. From the high-altitude thrills of the Alps to the scenic vineyards of Alsace, France delivers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and incredible scenery.
When planning your two-wheeled adventure, this guide covers the top motorbike routes in France that every rider should experience at least once.
Route des Grandes Alpes – The Ultimate French Motorcycle Road Trip
The Route des Grandes Alpes is known as one of the most legendary motorcycle routes in the world - often referred to as the holy grail of motorcycle touring. Stretching over 700 km from Lac Léman aka Lake Geneva to the Côte d’Azur, this celebrated route will have you riding across 16 Alpine passes, including Col de l’Iseran (the highest paved pass in Europe at 2,764m), Col du Galibier, Col de la Bonette, and Col de la Colombière. Here’s a list of the mountain passes covered in the Route de Grande Alpes.
Col des Gets – 1,170 m
Col de la Colombière – 1,613 m
Col des Aravis – 1,486 m
Col des Saisies – 1,657 m
Col du Cormet de Roselend – 1,967 m
Col de l’Iseran – 2,764 m (highest paved pass in the Alps)
Col du Télégraphe – 1,566 m
Col du Galibier – 2,642 m
Col du Lautaret – 2,058 m
Col d’Izoard – 2,360 m
Col de Vars – 2,108 m
Col de la Cayolle – 2,326 m
Col de Valberg – 1,671 m
Col de la Couillole – 1,678 m
Col Saint-Martin – 1,500 m
Col de Turini – 1,607 m
Col de Castillon – 706 m
Yup, we know that there are 17 mountain passes on our list, and here’s why. The core route includes 16 cols. Some tour guides also add Col de Castillon (706 m) at the very end before Menton. Castillon is a small pass compared to the giants of the French Alps, but technically, it is the last col before you would reach the sea.
Lowdown of Motorbike Route
Best for: Mountain lovers and adrenaline seekers
Distance: 700 km
Highlights: Endless switchbacks, panoramic views, charming Alpine villages
Route Napoléon – Historic and Scenic Motorcycle Ride
Route Napoléon is the path that Napoléon Bonaparte took in 1815 after he escaped from exile on an island. He landed on the Mediterranean coast and from there, he marched north through the Alps towards Grenoble to regain power in Paris.
Today, the historic Route Napoléon goes from Golfe-Juan near Cannes to Grenoble (or the other way), and honestly, it is a must for bikers.
The motorbike route sweeps through mountains, forests, and gorges with excellent tarmac that feels purpose-built for our motorbikes.
Lowdown of Motorbike Route
Best for: Riders who want history and smooth bends
Distance: ~325 km
Highlights: Verdon Gorge detour, Alpine scenery, smooth flowing curves
Route Napoléon is one of the most famous motorcycle routes in southern France and a great alternative if you don’t want to tackle the whole of the Alps.
Alsace Wine Route – Scenic Motorcycle Tour Through French Vineyards
The Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d’Alsace) offers a gentler but equally rewarding experience. Running 170 km between Marlenheim and Thann, this route is full of rolling vineyards, medieval chateaux, and picturesque village.
Castles on the Alsace Wine Route
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg (Orschwiller)
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is the most famous castle in Alsace. It dates back to the 12th century and was rebuilt by Kaiser Wilhelm II in the early 1900s. You can enjoy panoramic views of the Vosges mountains and the Rhine plain.
Château de Kaysersberg (Kaysersberg)
Château de Kaysersberg is a beautiful but ruined castle that overlooks the charming wine village of Kaysersberg. It is free to visit and requires a short walk through the vineyards.
Château de Saint-Ulrich (Ribeauvillé)
Château de Saint-Ulrich is an impressive medieval ruin that stands above Ribeauvillé. It was once the home of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. You can reach it by a hiking trail. Ribeauvillé has three castles: Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg, and Haut-Ribeaupierre.
Château du Hohlandsbourg (near Colmar / Wintzenheim)
The Château du Hohlandsbourg large fortress, is partly restored and hosts exhibitions and medieval events today. It offers excellent views over Colmar and the Alsace plain.
Château du Haut-Barr (near Saverne, at the northern end of the route)
Known as the “Eye of Alsace,” Château du Haut-Barr provides panoramic views. It is built on three sandstone rocks connected by bridges.
Château de Fleckenstein (Lembach, northern Alsace – a short detour)
The striking ruins of Château de Fleckenstein are carved into sandstone cliffs. The site is family-friendly and features historical animations.
Château de Lichtenberg (Lichtenberg, northern Alsace – also slightly off the wine road)
Château de Lichtenberg is a medieval fortress that was modernised during the Renaissance and is now partly restored.
Many villages along the route, like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Obernai, have remnants of fortified walls and towers. You will feel the medieval charm as you explore.
Lowdown of Motorbike Route
Best for: Relaxed touring and cultural sightseeing
Distance: ~170 km
Highlights: Half-timbered villages, castles, vineyard-lined roads
It’s one of the best leisurely motorcycle rides in France, ideal for cruising and stopping to explore.
Corsica’s Coastal Roads – Motorcycle Paradise Island
Corsica is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, positioned southeast of France and west of Italy. Corsica is a wild and rugged destination, but the roads are perfect for a motorcycle tour.
The D81 route along the west coast provides breathtaking cliffside rides with continuous views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.
On the west coast, you will find fishing towns such as Porto, Galéria, and Girolata (accessible by boat/hike), which add splashes of colour and local life.
Lowdown of Motorbike Route
Best for: Riders seeking coastal drama and challenging bends
Distance: Varies – Calvi to Ajaccio is ~160 km
Highlights: Cliff roads, turquoise seas, mountain detours
Many motorbikers call Corsica the best motorbike destination in France thanks to its combination of coast, mountains, and quiet roads.
Route des Cols (Pyrenees) – Motorcycle Adventure on the Spanish Border
For a mountainous motorbike route in France with fewer crowds than the Alps, the Route des Cols in the Pyrenees is a hidden gem. Stretching 900 km from the Atlantic (Hendaye) to the Mediterranean (Banyuls-sur-Mer), it links 34 mountain passes.
Here are the twenty main cols you would cross on the Route de Cols:
Main Cols on the Route des Cols (west → east, Atlantic to Med):
Col d’Osquich – 500 m
Col de Marie-Blanque – 1,035 m
Col d’Aubisque – 1,709 m
Col du Soulor – 1,474 m
Col du Tourmalet – 2,115 m (the most famous of them all)
Col d’Aspin – 1,489 m
Col de Peyresourde – 1,569 m
Col du Portillon – 1,293 m
Col de Menté – 1,349 m
Col du Portet d’Aspet – 1,069 m
Col de la Core – 1,395 m
Col de Latrape – 1,110 m
Col d’Agnes – 1,570 m
Port de Lers – 1,517 m
Col de Port – 1,249 m
Col de Péguère – 1,375 m
Portet d’Envalira (Andorra, optional detour) – 2,408 m
Col de Puymorens – 1,915 m
Col de Portel – 1,433 m
Col de Jau – 1,506 m
Lowdown of Motorbike Route
Best for: Long-distance riders and mountain explorers
Distance: ~900 km
Highlights: Remote passes, a mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean scenery, and authentic villages
Route des Cols is an incredible, long-distance motorcycle route in France, offering rugged beauty and less traffic.
Dordogne Valley – Relaxed Countryside Riding
The Dordogne Valley is perfect if you prefer gentle riding with plenty of history and culture. Roads wind along rivers, past medieval castles and villages like Sarlat-la-Canéda and Rocamadour.
Chateaux Along the Dordogne Valley
Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is the archetypal medieval fortress, perched above the Dordogne. Now a museum of medieval warfare.
Château de Beynac is a rival of Castelnaud, towering above the river on sheer cliffs. Used in many films.
Château des Milandes is a Renaissance beauty, once home to Josephine Baker.
Château de Fénelon is a perfectly preserved fortress with its triple walls.
Château de Montfort is a dramatic clifftop stronghold, commanding the river bend.
Château de Hautefort is a bit further north, elegant and more Renaissance than fortress-like, but unmissable if you love châteaux.
Medieval Villages Along the Dordogne Valley Route
Domme is a bastide (fortified) town with panoramic views over the valley.
La Roque-Gageac has golden-stone houses squeezed between the cliffs and the river; it feels like riding through history.
Beynac-et-Cazenac sits at the foot of its great castle, with winding medieval lanes.
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is a village clustered under its mighty chateau.
Sarlat-la-Canéda is known as the jewel of the Dordogne, and is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Its Saturday market is a feast for the senses.
Carennac is a stunning riverside medieval village.
Turenne & Collonges-la-Rouge are at the edge of the valley, both full of noble houses and towers, with Collonges entirely built of red sandstone.
Lowdown of Motorbike Route
Best for: Scenic rides and cultural stops
Distance: Flexible loops (100–200 km)
Highlights: Castles, river valleys, and famous French cuisine
The Dordogne Valley is one of the most picturesque motorcycle routes in southwest France.
Brittany Coast (La Bretagne) – Rugged Motorcycle Ride by the Sea
In northwest France, Brittany's coastal roads feature rugged cliffs, expansive beaches, and lighthouses set against dramatic skies. One of the best routes takes you from Saint-Malo around the Emerald Coast to the Crozon Peninsula, which is arguably the most beautiful motorcycling detour in Brittany. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and winding roads with little traffic.
Be sure to visit other notable attractions on the motorbike route, such as:
Douarnenez, a vibrant port town with sandy beaches.
Pointe du Raz, often referred to as France's very own "Land's End," offers dramatic cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean.
Audierne and Loctudy, two smaller fishing towns that are quieter and more authentic.
Concarneau, known for its famous walled Ville Close (a medieval citadel island) and nearby sweeping beaches.
Lowdown of Motorbike Route
Best for: Coastal touring and wild landscapes
Distance: 200–300 km (flexible routes)
Highlights: Lighthouses, cliffs, seafood stops
It’s ideal for bikers looking for scenic motorcycle rides in northern France.
Loire Valley – Motorcycle Touring Through Castles and Countryside
The Loire Valley is the heartland of France's Renaissance, filled with stunning châteaux and vibrant sunflower fields. The roads are smooth and easy, perfect for leisurely touring through the rolling countryside adorned with wheat fields, forests, and poppies blooming along the roadside in spring.
On the motorcycle route, you'll encounter the Loire River, which is broad and shallow, featuring scattered sandbanks and islands, often populated by herons and fishing boats.
Experience the endless rows of vines in the Loire vineyards, where wines such as Chinon, Saumur, Vouvray, and Muscadet are produced. Additionally, keep an eye out for cave buildings, which are homes, wine cellars, and restaurants carved directly into the limestone.
Lowdown of Motorbike Route
Best for: History and culture lovers
Distance: 150–250 km, depending on route
Highlights: Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise castles
It’s one of the most beautiful motorcycle touring routes in central France, especially for riders who love history and architecture.
Practical Tips for Touring the Routes in France
Motorcycle Laws in France
When riding a motorcycle, it's essential to wear the right protective gear. You must have an ECE 22.05/22.06 approved helmet with four reflective stickers—one on the front, back, and both sides. CE-approved gloves are required, and while a hi-viz vest isn't mandatory while riding, you should carry one for emergencies. Though not legally required, wearing a jacket, trousers, and boots is strongly recommended and may be checked on some tours.
Speed limits vary depending on the type of road. On motorways, the limit is 130 km/h (110 km/h in wet conditions or for A2 license holders), while dual carriageways allow for 110 km/h. Main roads outside towns have limits of 80–90 km/h, and in towns and villages, limits are usually 50 km/h, sometimes dropping to 30 km/h. Always keep your headlights on while riding, and be mindful of the alcohol limits—0.05% for experienced riders and 0.02% for new ones. Lane splitting or filtering is generally banned.
You’ll also need to carry specific documents, including your motorcycle license, passport or ID, insurance certificate, and registration document. If you're riding a UK bike, make sure you have a GB/UK sticker. While carrying a high visibility vest and having a number plate measuring 21cm x 13cm is necessary, fines for road violations are strict, with police able to issue on-the-spot fines and even confiscate your license for serious speeding offences.
Best Season to Tour France
Each season has its charm, but from April through October, you’ll find the best mix of good weather, open passes, and lively towns. In winter, high-altitude routes close due to snow, and conditions are far less motorcycle-friendly.
Spring (April–June): The countryside bursts into colour, roads are quieter, and temperatures are comfortable for long days in the saddle. Perfect for the Loire Valley, Dordogne, and the wine regions.
Summer (July–August): Warm and vibrant, with long daylight hours. Great for high mountain routes like the Alps, Pyrenees, and Corsica because the passes are clear of snow. Coastal roads are stunning but can be busier with tourists.
Autumn (September–October): Perhaps the sweetest spot for bikers as vineyards turn gold, the weather is still mild, and the roads are empty again as camping cars retreat back to storage. Provence, Alsace, and the Dordogne are at their most atmospheric.
Avoid Motorways on Bikes
Tolls can be costly and tedious—stick to departmental roads for the best motorcycle touring.
Read our guide on Motorcycle Tolls in France
Accommodation
We encourage you to support local businesses in France, especially those marked as “Relais Motards,” which are friendly to motorcyclists. These places offer great accommodations, tasty local food, and a welcoming environment for riders.
You can also find biker-friendly gîtes throughout the country. These charming spots provide a cosy place to stay and a chance to experience the local culture. By choosing these businesses, you help the local economy and enjoy the best of France during your travels. Happy riding!
If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider our chalet in the Alps, where you’ll also have a motorcycle tour guide to help you explore.
Our Thoughts on the Best Motorcycle Routes in France
From the Alps to the Pyrenees, from vineyard trails to wild island roads, France offers some of the most diverse and rewarding motorcycle routes in the world.
Whether you want adrenaline-fuelled switchbacks or relaxed countryside cruising, these excellent motorbike routes in France should be at the top of your riding bucket list.
We may be biased as we live here, but we love the routes in the French Alps, and we’d love to guide you around with your motorcycle buddies.
Book a Motorcycle Tour with Guide My Ride
Planning a motorcycle trip in France can be overwhelming—there are so many incredible routes, hidden gems, and regional quirks. That’s where Guide My Ride’s pre-designed or custom guided motorcycle tours come in.
With a Guide My Ride motorcycle tour, you benefit from:
A fully guided experience, from start to finish
Local expertise, so you don’t miss secret backroads or authentic French villages
Hassle-free planning covering accommodation, route mapping, and must-see stops
The option of tailored itineraries designed around your riding style, schedule, and interests
Whether you want the thrill of the Route des Grandes Alpes, a vineyard meander in Alsace, or a complete motorcycle holiday across France, Guide My Ride ensures every detail of your perfect motorcycle tour in France is taken care of so you can focus on the open road.
