Fellow bikers, which one of you hasn't dreamed of hopping on your "steed" and hitting the open road to devour miles of asphalt, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and winding, twisty roads that give you a rush of pure adrenaline?
Tips for getting prepared
To turn this dream into reality, I’ve selected 7 incredible routes you absolutely have to discover on your bike. But before we dive into this overview of the most beautiful motorcycle rides in France, here are some essential tips and reminders to help you prepare for your road trip:
- First, plan the timing of your trip. Spring and autumn (the off-season) are the ideal times to saddle up your two-wheeler, as you’ll enjoy mild weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices;
- Next, put together a roadmap with a detailed itinerary so you don’t miss any of the most interesting spots;
- Also, remember to book your accommodation (B&Bs, inns, guesthouses, hotels, campsites, etc.) based on your route. A pro tip: by booking in advance, you’ll almost certainly snag better rates and discounts.
Now, regarding the key element of your road trip: your MOTORCYCLE:
- Remember to get your bike serviced (tires, brake pads, suspension, lights, oil level, etc.) and check all the settings right before you head out;
- Pack a basic repair kit (for example, a tire puncture repair kit);
- Consider luggage options that will make your life easier and add some comfort to your road trip (like a top case, saddlebags, tank bags, etc.);
- Finally, don't forget your essential personal gear (helmet, jacket, pants, reinforced boots, gloves), which must be safety-certified. If you have a little extra space, pack rain gear, cold-weather clothing, and airtight bags to protect yourself and your electronics in case of bad weather.
With the essentials of organization and safety covered, we’re all set for our tour of France’s most beautiful motorcycle rides, starting with Corsica, which many riders and reviews consider the true island paradise for bikers. So, dear fellow bikers, rev your engines!
1, Motorcycle road trip in Corsica
As the birthplace of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, the "Island of Beauty" constantly attracts tourists from all over the world, but that’s not all! It has also become a refuge and a go-to spot for many bikers who don't hesitate to ride long distances to reach the island and explore every last corner of it.
But why is this Mediterranean land so prized by bikers?
The main reason, according to our two-wheeled enthusiast friends: its INCREDIBLY DIVERSE TERRAIN, offering an alternation of sublime landscapes between sea and land and fantastic, winding roads to your heart's content.
From north to south, between the coast and the mountains, here are a few must-see spots in Corsica that will leave you speechless:
- In the north (west coast): Cap Corse, Saint-Florent, l’Île-Rousse, and Calvi. Not to mention the Porto-Corte Road and its famous valley, the Restonica Valley, known as a true playground and an excellent handling exercise for lovers of curves and twisty roads! Plus, when you arrive in Corte, a magnificent citadel, the Citadel of Corte, awaits you; you'll be amazed by its majesty and the way it’s built right into the giant rocks.
- Heading further south (still on the west coast): the Scandola Nature Reserve, the Calanques de Piana, Cargèse, Ajaccio, Propriano, and Sartène.
- In the south: Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio, and Bavella. And definitely don't miss the beaches of Santa Giulia and Palombaggia (east coast), arguably the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, if not the world, according to many bikers.
Warnings
These sites are all more beautiful than the last, but it’s worth noting a few precautions to avoid ruining your road trip:
- Starting with gas stations, which are rare on the island! It is highly recommended to list refueling points when planning your route and include them in your itinerary. And remember, gas is more expensive on the island than on the mainland, so make sure to budget enough for fuel.
- Herds and other wandering animals are very common on Corsican roads, and it’s not unusual to find yourself face-to-face with pigs, goats, or cows around a bend! Stay vigilant, especially on small mountain roads.
- Finally, it’s strongly advised to carry cash and a checkbook, as some sites and restaurants (especially deep in the mountains and inland) do not accept credit cards.
How to get to Corsica by motorcycle?
We’ve covered the legendary spots you can't miss for a dream motorcycle road trip in Corsica, but we forgot one major element to make this dream a reality: the FERRY to get to the island!
Four companies offer connections between the mainland and Corsica, departing from Nice, Marseille, Toulon, and other Italian ports like Genoa or Livorno: SNCM, Corsica Ferries, La Méridionale, and Moby Lines. You can arrive at any of the five Corsican ports: Bastia, Calvi, l’Île-Rousse, Propriano, or Porto-Vecchio. As for the crossing, it generally takes between 3.5 and 5.5 hours (depending on your departure/arrival ports and the age of the ship). Finally, one last thing: for a cheaper crossing, book well in advance (for more variety and better prices) and consider overnight travel (a trip of about 10 hours). Note that reservations can be made online via the ferry companies' websites.
With Corsica explored, let’s continue our motorcycle expedition toward the Provence, Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
2, Motorcycle road trip in Provence, Alpes-Côte d’Azur
If Corsica is a true favorite for all bikers, the PACA region has nothing to envy it for! Whether you prefer mountains or the sea, this multi-faceted region with its cinematic scenery is packed with a myriad of unique motorcycle routes that guarantee a complete change of scenery!
The question then arises: which route to choose? Fellow bikers, don't panic! I’ve selected a few gems that are truly worth the detour:
- A ride toward the Corniche d’Or, also called the Corniche de l'Estérel, between Fréjus and Mandelieu-la-Napoule (a gentle escape alternating between winding roads and slightly quieter departmental roads to enjoy the surrounding landscape);
- The Gorges du Verdon (known as the most beautiful canyon in Europe for its countless switchbacks, turquoise waters, mountain passes, and stunning views; this region is the promised land for any self-respecting biker);
- A ride through the Marseille Calanques (an explosive cocktail of tight turns and dreamlike landscapes hugging the sea);
- The Alpilles (a ride right through a mountain range where, while you won't find dizzying peaks, you will find gentle hills steeped in a rich historical and cultural past);
- The Route Napoléon, between Golfe-Juan and Grenoble (over 200 km of curves, climbs, and descents between land and sea that you have to do at least once in your life);
- The Prealps of Azur Regional Park (a sporty route perfect for adrenaline junkies looking for thrills on trails away from traffic);
- The Sisteron Loop, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (2 hours of total escape between endless twists and impetuous curves that will make you shiver with excitement, all in a rural atmosphere far from pollution).
Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list of every route to experience in the PACA region, but it gives you a glimpse of the treasures hidden in this part of France, where anyone looking to recharge and discover the unexpected will feel right at home.
3, Motorcycle road trip in the Pyrenees
Let’s change course now and set sail, or rather, hit the gas, heading west toward the Pyrenees region, which, like its cousin the Alps, is a place every seasoned biker must cross at least once in their life. Its top asset: its internationally renowned high mountain passes! Its primary quality: its excellent road network, offering endless possibilities for motorcycle tours!
In fact, here are a few ideas for legendary high passes to absolutely tackle during your motorcycle crossing of the Pyrenees:
- Col de Port;
- Col de la Core;
- Col de Portet d’Aspet;
- Col d’Aspin;
- Col du Tourmalet;
- Col d’Aubisque;
- Col du Soulor.
After devouring miles of curves, slopes, and climbs with breathtaking panoramas, there’s no doubt that crossing these passes will leave you with memorable souvenirs and make the Pyrenees a region you’ll be dying to return to!
4, Motorcycle road trip in Auvergne
According to the Bible, God created the World in seven days, God created the heavens and the earth, God created man in His image... Personally, I think God created Auvergne for bikers!
Indeed, with its endless curves, tight turns on dream-quality pavement, vast wild plateaus, enigmatic volcanoes, and majestic lakes that have shaped a stunning landscape over time, it seems that Auvergne and its roads were designed for the pure pleasure of riding.
In fact, any biker you ask will confirm it: "fantastic roads," "unbeatable playground," "open landscapes with beautiful vistas," "the road surfaces are particularly well-maintained"... In short, all these arguments from two-wheel enthusiasts suggest that the relationship between Auvergne and bikers is more than just a love affair, it’s a perfect match!
But while the curve-filled roads with excellent surfaces and dizzyingly beautiful panoramas make Auvergne the "Pantheon" of bikers, they also come here seeking that sense of freedom they struggle to find elsewhere, and the incredible cheese-based gastronomy that manages to get them off their saddles no matter what. Many bikers will tell you that beyond the pleasure of swallowing asphalt, this region, famous for its food, is also about devouring a good truffade or tasting a fine Saint-Nectaire between rides!
5, Motorcycle road trip in the Morvan
The Morvan? Has anyone ever heard of this region?
Yes, I have, because I’m from there and I’ve traveled it up, down, and all around! Okay, I admit, this remote land, lost deep in the vast pine forests of Burgundy, doesn't exactly make people tingle with excitement when you say its name. But believe me, if you’re looking for real thrills and want to test the lean angle of your bike, this particularly hilly region with its countless tortuous roads and sharp hairpin turns is THE destination you need. Trust me, having been a passenger myself on a motorcycle trip with my partner, I can tell you that this area, quite isolated from the rest of the world, is really worth the detour! Its wild character is what makes many bikers happy; they love being able to let their engines roar in peace and scrape their footpegs on roads punctuated by uncluttered loops! Furthermore, this region contains very pretty artificial lakes created in the 19th and 20th centuries to meet local water supply needs, which today also serve for electricity production and, above all, for regulating the waters of the Seine's direct or indirect tributaries. Among these large Morvan lakes, we count:
- Lac de Pannecière;
- Lac des Settons;
- Lac du Crescent;
- Lac de Saint-Agnan;
- Lac de Chaumeçon;
- Lac de Chamboux.
By the way, here is a link to my article that explains what there is to see and do in the Morvan.
Dear bikers, all that’s left for you to do is pack your swimsuits!
Swimsuits that will also be very useful in the Jura region, where sensational motorcycle circuits await you around small, wild lakes tucked between forests and valleys. Let's zoom in on this region.
6, Motorcycle road trip in the Jura and its lakes
Between France and Switzerland, between crystal-clear lakes and mountains, the Jura is a true paradise for those who love extraordinary panoramas and stunning views. Here is a summary of the most beautiful places to escape to on your bike:
- The Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France.
- Lake Geneva, which will lead you into Switzerland, from where you can later reach the Jura massif and France by stopping by small, wild lakes.
- The Gorges de l’Ain, which, with their picturesque and natural sites of stunning beauty, have nothing to envy their sisters in the Verdon!
- Lac Genin, also called "Little Canada," where you can grab a bite at a lakeside inn.
- The summit of Grand Colombier, an iconic peak of the Jura from where you can admire the Alps chain, including Mont Blanc.
In short, a region rich in natural jewels where unique and sensational motorcycle circuits await you!
7, Motorcycle road trip in Île-de-France
You were certainly expecting me to end my overview with the Jura, but I didn't want to leave you without talking about a region that is, to say the least, an unsuspected and stunning ideal playground for motorcycle rides: Île-de-France.
Where to ride a motorcycle near Paris?
A classic long ride that has made its reputation among a large number of bikers in the capital is the ride in the Chevreuse Valley, in the Yvelines department, which starts with a thrilling attraction: the 17-turn loop which, like at Disneyland, is to be done and redone as much as you like if traffic permits! The only downside on this road: the lack of visibility, which turns every fast descent into a game of Russian roulette where it’s not rare to find yourself face-to-face with the police’s radar gun!
This time, our virtual tour is well and truly over. It’s now time for you, fellow bikers, to hop on your bike and go rub your tires on these miles of asphalt with scenery and sensations that are simply mind-blowing!
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