Overview
Riding through the Alps by motorcycle often means having to choose one region because of the diversity of landscapes. Here, you have nothing to give up: this journey follows the entire Alpine range, from Évian to Annecy, passing through Provence and the Drôme.An itinerary designed for lovers of winding roads, grand panoramas, authentic villages, and generous gastronomy.
Highlights
- Starts and ends in Thonon-les-Bains
- Guided motorcycle tour through the French Alps and Provence
- Ride iconic mountain passes and scenic alpine roads
- Professional tour leader and support vehicle throughout the journey
- Enjoy cultural stops and curated route experiences along the way
- Luggage transport and technical support are included during the tour
- 10 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels
- Airport transfers are included for arrival and departure
Itinerary
Day 1: Thonon-les-Bains
Arrival of participants and hotel check-in. Free time to visit Thonon-les-Bains and the shores of Lake Geneva, official starting point of the Route des Grandes Alpes. Group briefing and welcome cocktail.
Day 2: Thonon-les-Bains - Aime
Departure from kilometer 0 of the Route des Grandes Alpes. Crossing of the Aravis Massif and ascent of the Col de la Colombière, the Col des Aravis, and the Col des Saisies. Passing through the Beaufortain Valley, the Cormet de Roselend, and the Chartreuse du Reposoir, before reaching Aime. - Distance: 217 km / 135 miles
Day 3: Aime - Briançon
Legendary day on the summits: Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved mountain pass in Europe, and passage by the Tignes Dam. Discovery of the Vanoise National Park and the listed village of Bonneval-sur-Arc. Ascent of the Télégraphe, Galibier, and Lautaret passes before arriving in Briançon, a fortified town. - Distance: 205 km / 127 miles
Day 4: Briançon - Puget-Théniers
A grand day via the Col de la Bonette, the highest road in Europe. Crossing of the Queyras, the Château de Queyras, and the Col de Vars. Spectacular road through the Mercantour National Park and passage at the Châtelet Bridge. Arrival in Puget-Théniers. - Distance: 236 km / 147 miles
Day 5: Puget-Théniers - Menton
Magnificent Cians and Daluis Gorges, then descent toward the Mediterranean. Discovery of the Col de la Madone de Gorbio, and the listed villages of Peille and Sainte-Agnès. Arrival in Menton, between mountains and sea, for the official end of the Route des Grandes Alpes. - Distance: 172 km / 107 miles
Day 6: Menton - Verdon Gorges
Heading toward the Var hinterland: listed village of Biot, Lake Saint-Cassien, and the Corniche d’Or road of the Estérel. Ride north through the Haut Var region to Lake Sainte-Croix, gateway to the Verdon Gorges. - Distance: 216 km / 134 miles
Day 7: Verdon Gorges
Panoramic loop around the Verdon: south bank, Mescla viewpoint, Route des Crêtes, listed village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and Bargème. A day 100% dedicated to landscapes and curves. - Distance: 140 km / 87 miles
Day 8: Verdon - Propriac
Ascent through the Opédalette and Nesque Gorges. Passing through the Colorado of Rustrel, Simiane-la-Rotonde, and Banon. Ascent of Mont Ventoux, then crossing of the Luberon and the Valensole Plateau. Overnight near Vaison-la-Romaine, in the heart of Provence. - Distance: 234 km / 145 miles
Day 9: Propriac - Vercors
Route between Provence and the Northern Alps: the Provençal Baronnies, the listed village of Montbrun-les-Bains, the Toulourenc Gorges, and the Col du Rousset. Entry onto the Vercors Plateau, a land of contrasts and history. Stop at the village of Aulan. - Distance: 225 km / 140 miles
Day 10: Vercors - Thonon-les-Bains
Final day of riding through the Chartreuse Massif and the Bourne Gorges. Passing through Pont-en-Royans, the Revard viewpoint, Lake Annecy, and the Combe Laval. Return to Thonon-les-Bains after crossing the Chablais. Closing dinner. - Distance: 292 km / 181 miles
Day 11: Thonon-les-Bains
End of the stay and departure of participants after breakfast.
Ride Details
- Bike
- personal or rental bike
- Mileage
- 1,937 kilometers / 1,204 miles
- Daily rides
- 140 - 292 kilometers / 87 - 181 miles
- Riding gear
- not included: helmets, jackets, gloves
- Meals
- all breakfasts, welcome aperitif, and closing dinner
What's included
- 10 nights' accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels with breakfast
- A Ride in Tours accompanying guide
- Digital travel booklet
- GPX file for GPS or smartphone use
- Hotel parking
- Welcome aperitif and closing dinner
- For rental vehicles: Unlimited mileage, insurance, 9 days of rental from the tour departure point
Not included
- Travel to and from the start/end of the tour
- Airport transfers (organization on quotation)
- Any other meals not included in the trip
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Fuel and tolls
- Equipment (helmets, jackets, gloves)
- Optional travel insurance
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3- or 4-star hotels.
Getting There
You begin on the Grande Route des Alpes and its legendary passes (Galibier, Iseran, Bonette) before descending toward the Mediterranean. The Nice hinterland then reveals its hilltop villages – Sainte-Agnès, Èze, Peillon – and the exclusive charm of Monte Carlo. The route continues along the Estérel Corniche, the Verdon Gorges, then the ascent of Mont Ventoux, before crossing the Baronnies, the Ver
