The best bike rides in France: itineraries not to be missed

With its long roads winding through forests, the sea, or mountains, France is a stunning country for motorcycle enthusiasts! Treat yourself to the freedom of discovering it by planning your next road trip with us! Here are some of our tips:

Discover 5 motorcycle rides to do in France:

The Route des Grandes Alpes

The Route des Alpes is a legendary route for any biker in search of adventure and breathtaking scenery. Starting from Thonon-les-Bains and heading towards Menton, this road stretches over 700 km, skirting the Italian border and crossing no less than 17 majestic mountain passes such as Iseran, Galibier, and Vars. Every turn offers a new breathtaking view, from snow-capped peaks to lush green valleys. This journey is not only a challenge for riding enthusiasts, but also a great way to discover the natural beauty of the Alps. With winding roads and incredible panoramas, the Route des Alpes promises an unforgettable experience for all motorcycle lovers. Get ready to enjoy a trip full of discoveries and thrills on your BMW K1600!

The Route Napoléon

The Route Napoléon is a mythical route for bikers seeking discovery and history. Stretching from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble, this iconic road follows the path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte during his return from Elba Island in 1815. Crossing the Southern Alps, it offers a variety of landscapes, from majestic mountains to picturesque valleys. Riders of the BMW R1300 GS will appreciate the numerous curves and the quality of the roads, perfect for dynamic riding.

The Gorges du Verdon

The Gorges du Verdon, often called the "Grand Canyon of Europe", offer an exceptional setting for a motorcycle ride. The winding roads that border the gorges provide an exhilarating riding experience, especially on the BMW R1250 GS. With tight turns and breathtaking views, you’ll feel like you're riding through postcard-worthy landscapes. The turquoise blue of the Verdon River contrasts with the limestone cliffs. The Provence sun will make your ride even more enjoyable.

The Route des Grands Crus (Côte-d’Or)

The Route des Grands Crus, nestled in the heart of the Côte-d'Or, is a true gem for wine lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts. The small winding roads you'll ride with your BMW R1250 RT will take you through charming villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges, letting you discover our French heritage. Take the opportunity to do some wine tourism—you’ll surely find a place for sharing and conviviality. But don’t forget to drink responsibly!

The Route des Crêtes

For an unforgettable adventure, there's nothing like a motorcycle ride through this iconic road—you'll discover a wide range of landscapes from mountain peaks to lush valleys, offering a complete immersion in the natural beauty of the region. The tight curves and breathtaking viewpoints make this road a real playground for thrill-seeking riders. Located in the Vosges mountains, it passes through iconic spots such as the Grand Ballon and the Col de la Schlucht.

What are the steps to plan a motorcycle road trip?

Set the duration:

• How many days do you have for your adventure?
• When would you like to go? (check the weather, school holidays, etc.)

Choose the region:

• Which region to explore on a motorcycle road trip? (Alps, Pyrenees, Provence...)
• What kind of route? (winding roads, coastal roads, heritage sites...)

Map out the itinerary:

• You can create your roadbook (planning tool) to best prepare your itinerary, or check out online routes shared by other members of the biker community to follow in their tracks.

Prepare your gear:

• Have your motorcycle serviced
• Plan your luggage (saddlebags, top case, waterproof bag)
• Think about the essentials: insurance, reflective vest, motorcycle license, emergency numbers, emergency contact

What are the useful accessories for a motorcycle road trip?

Motorcycle protections: an essential asset for your safety

Falls or accidents can unfortunately never be ruled out during a motorcycle ride. Since your safety is a priority, we invite you to discover the various protections on our site. Helmets, gloves, reinforced jackets, pants with built-in protection, special boots — you'll find everything you need to hit the road with peace of mind.

With all this motorcyclist equipment, your motorcycle ride will turn into a lovely journey. You're all set to embark on a great adventure on the roads of France. All that's left is to take some great photos!

BMW Motorrad connected devices:

To best prepare for your departure, we recommend downloading BMW Motorrad Connected: an app that lets you plan your destinations, import your routes, and have complete monitoring of your motorcycle.

This application is compatible with the ConnectedRide GPS, which works with motorcycles from 2014 onwards, and will allow you to discover the most beautiful roads in France while making navigation easier. To complete your gear and treat yourself, you can also add and connect the ConnectedRide smart glasses.

And because we always end up packing extra things "just in case" when we go on a trip, check out our selection of luggage that will allow you to carry everything you need safely.