This tour is designed for riders who want to experience some of France’s most dramatic balcony roads at a measured, rewarding pace. The route flows south from northern France into the Vercors, with a four-night base stay allowing repeated rides along iconic cliff roads and gorges. The journey continues toward the Verdon region for another relaxed base stay, combining high roads, deep gorges, and a coastal run into Monaco, before a gentle return north.
The early days are shaped to guide you smoothly toward southern France rather than rush you there.
After leaving Calais, the route builds steadily toward the Vercors, allowing you to settle into the ride before the roads tighten and the scenery deepens. A four-night base stay provides time to explore balcony roads like Combe Laval and the surrounding gorges without daily packing.
The second base in the Verdon region opens the door to deeper southern landscapes, dramatic canyon roads, and a memorable run down to Monaco, before easing back north for the final journey home.
This tour is for riders who enjoy precision, scenery, and roads that demand attention without demanding speed.
It suits experienced road riders who are drawn to dramatic landscapes, technical riding, and the satisfaction of flowing along narrow balcony roads carved into the rock. Riders who appreciate shorter, well-shaped days and the chance to return to the same hotel to ride a region properly.
If you enjoy riding where the road and landscape feel inseparable, with time to pause, explore, and absorb the surroundings, this tour will suit you well.
It’s ideal if you:
• Want to ride France’s most iconic balcony roads and gorges
• Prefer base-hotel stays with no daily packing
• Enjoy technical routes balanced with relaxed pacing
• Value thoughtful planning with freedom on the road
This tour offers immersion rather than mileage, and rewards riders who take their time.
Your journey begins with the crossing into France before riding south toward the historic town of Bourges. The ride is straightforward and comfortable, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the tour. After arrival, the evening offers time to explore the old town, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the roads ahead.
Leaving Bourges, the landscape gradually begins to rise as the route carries you south toward the Vercors region. Rolling countryside gives way to limestone cliffs and forested plateaus as the mountains appear ahead. By afternoon you arrive at L’Auberge de la Croix, your base for the next four nights and the perfect starting point for exploring the famous balcony roads of the Vercors.
Today introduces the dramatic character of the Vercors. The ride through the Gorges de la Bourne follows the river beneath towering cliffs before climbing toward Col de la Machine and the extraordinary Combe Laval road. Carved directly into the rock face, this balcony road delivers one of the most unforgettable rides in France. The route loops back through quiet villages and forest roads to return to the Auberge.
Another day exploring the region’s remarkable cliff roads. You return to the spectacular Combe Laval before discovering the Gorges du Nan and the quiet mountain road of Chemin du Revoux. The riding alternates between tight balcony sections and open valley stretches, offering a perfect mix of technical riding and sweeping alpine scenery.
Today’s ride explores another side of the Vercors. The route climbs toward Presles before threading through the dramatic Tunnel des Écouges, a narrow passage cut into the rock that adds a real sense of adventure to the day. Quiet mountain roads and hidden valleys complete the loop before returning once again to the Auberge.
Leaving the Vercors, the journey continues south through changing landscapes toward the Verdon region. The route passes over Col Rousset before descending through valleys and alpine villages on the way to Castellane. Here you settle in for four nights at the Hotel Nouvel du Commerce, perfectly positioned for exploring the spectacular Verdon Gorge.
Today’s ride heads into one of the most dramatic landscapes in southern France. The road through the Gorges du Cian and Gorges de Daluis winds between towering red rock cliffs that glow in the sunlight. The route continues through Beuil and Saint-André-les-Alpes before looping back toward Castellane through quiet mountain roads.
Today the mountains meet the Mediterranean. The route climbs Col de Vence before descending toward Monaco, where you have time to explore the famous harbour, streets, and Grand Prix circuit. After soaking in the atmosphere of the Riviera, the road climbs back into the hills toward Puget-Théniers before returning inland.
One of the true highlights of the tour. The Verdon Gorge delivers dramatic cliffs, sweeping viewpoints, and roads that cling to the edge of Europe’s largest canyon. The famous Route des Crêtes offers breathtaking views down into the gorge before the route continues through La Palud and surrounding villages, completing a memorable loop back to Castellane.
Leaving the southern Alps behind, the route begins the journey north toward Dijon. The mountains gradually soften into rolling countryside as the day progresses. Arriving in Dijon for the final night, there is time to stroll through the historic centre and enjoy a relaxed dinner after the week’s riding.
After breakfast, it’s time to depart Dijon and begin the journey home via your chosen port or train crossing. The tour comes to a close, leaving memories of cliff-edge balcony roads, deep gorges, Mediterranean horizons, and some of the most dramatic riding landscapes France has to offer.
1. Documents: Make sure you have all necessary documents, including your passport, motorcycle license, V5C logbook, insurance certificate, and MOT certificate. If your license is a paper one or issued in certain regions (like Gibraltar, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man), you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
2. Insurance: Verify that your insurance policy covers riding in Europe. Many policies include basic EU cover, but it’s wise to check for any additional requirements or limitations. You might also want to consider European breakdown cover with repatriation.
3. Helmet Laws: A helmet is mandatory in all EU countries, and it must meet the ECE 22.05 standard. Ensure your helmet is compliant to avoid any issues.
4. High-Visibility Vest: Always carry a high-visibility vest on your bike in case of emergencies.
5. Lane Splitting: Lane splitting (riding between two lanes of traffic) is legal in some countries but not in others. Check the local laws of the countries you’ll be visiting.
6. Local Laws and Customs: Familiarise yourself with the traffic laws and customs of each country you’ll be riding through. This includes speed limits, alcohol limits, and any specific motorcycle regulations.
7. Emergency Equipment: Carry essential emergency equipment such as a first-aid kit, tool kit, and spare parts. It’s also a good idea to have a mobile phone with a local SIM card for emergencies.
8. Planning and Navigation: Plan your route and use a reliable GPS or map. Knowing the local language or having a translation app can also be helpful.
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Guided tours have been cancelled for 2026. Self-guided tours are still available, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. We are looking ahead to 2027 and hope to welcome visitors back for guided tours then. Thank you for your understanding.