Best Motorcycle Roads in France: The Ultimate Guide

France is a motorcyclist’s paradise. Mountain passes, deep gorges, coastal cliffs, and rolling countryside deliver a concentration of riding variety that’s hard to match anywhere in Europe. With over 3.5 million registered motorcycles in the country, it’s no surprise that certain French roads have become genuine pilgrimage routes for riders worldwide.

Here’s a selection of the most remarkable itineraries, each with the practical details you need to plan your next trip.

The Route des Grandes Alpes: the holy grail of motorcycle touring

This is arguably the most famous motorcycle road in France, and for good reason. The Route des Grandes Alpes (RGA) links Thonon-les-Bains on the shores of Lake Geneva to Nice (or Menton, depending on the variant) on the French Riviera. It covers 720 km with roughly 17,000 metres of cumulative elevation gain, crossing 17 mountain passes including 6 above 2,000 metres.

The star attractions include the Col de l’Iseran (2,770 m, the highest paved pass in the Alps), the Col du Galibier (2,642 m), the Col d’Izoard (2,360 m), and the Cime de la Bonette (2,860 m), one of the highest paved roads in Europe. Each pass has its own character: the Izoard features an almost lunar landscape through its Casse Deserte section, while the Galibier offers sweeping 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding peaks.

Practical info

Distance: approximately 720 km
Recommended duration: 4 to 6 days to fully enjoy it (around 120 to 180 km per day)
Season: mid-June to late September (the highest passes like the Iseran sometimes don’t open until July)
Accommodation budget: EUR 50-100 per night in guesthouses or hotels
Tip: fill up whenever you can, as fuel stations are sparse in some mountain areas. Pack warm layers even in summer, as temperatures can drop by 20 degrees Celsius between the valley floor and a pass summit.

The Route Napoleon: history at the handlebars

The Route Napoleon (RN85) stretches approximately 325 km from Golfe-Juan on the Cote d’Azur to Grenoble at the foot of the Alps. It follows the path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 during his return from exile on the island of Elba. Opened in its current form in 1932, it’s marked by imperial eagle signs along its entire length.

The route delivers a striking contrast of landscapes. You start with Mediterranean sand at Golfe-Juan, climb through the perfumed hills of Grasse (the world capital of perfumery), then tackle the pre-Alpine terrain with dramatic sections near Castellane and its towering cliff, before reaching Sisteron and its imposing citadel. The stretch between Grasse and Castellane is particularly engaging, with a tight sequence of bends, cambers, and views towards the nearby Gorges du Verdon.

Practical info

Distance: approximately 325 km
Recommended duration: 1 to 2 days
Season: year-round (the road stays open in winter, barring occasional snow)
Combine with: the Gorges du Verdon, just next door (see below)

The Gorges du Verdon: Europe’s Grand Canyon

Often called the Grand Canyon of Europe, the Gorges du Verdon offer a jaw-dropping spectacle: a nearly 25-kilometre-long canyon with limestone cliffs plunging up to 800 metres, and a turquoise river far below. The road that hugs the rim of this gorge is an absolute must-ride.

The main loop covers approximately 140 km starting from Castellane, following the D952 on the right bank and the famous Route des Cretes on the left. The Route des Cretes (D23) is a 23 km circuit from La Palud-sur-Verdon that traces the canyon rim with dizzying viewpoints, tunnels carved through rock, and hairpin bends that alternate between adrenaline and awe.

Practical info

Distance: approximately 140 km for the full loop
Recommended duration: 1 full day
Season: April to October (the Route des Cretes may close in winter)
Warning: fill up in Castellane or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie before entering the loop, as there are zero fuel stations inside the gorge. In peak summer, start early to avoid crowds of campervans.

The Corniche des Cevennes: a ride through time

Less well-known than the Alpine routes, the Corniche des Cevennes is a hidden gem. This panoramic road stretches roughly 60 km from Florac (Lozere) to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, cutting through the heart of the Cevennes National Park, a UNESCO-listed site.

Originally built on the orders of King Louis XIV to monitor troop movements during the Wars of Religion, it’s now a ribbon of tarmac winding between chestnut forests, deep valleys, and bare ridgelines. The corners are technical without being treacherous. The pace is more contemplative than on the big Alpine routes, and that’s exactly its appeal: no crowds, no campervans, just you, your bike, and a preserved wild landscape.

Practical info

Distance: approximately 60 km
Recommended duration: half a day to a full day (with stops)
Season: March to November
Combine with: the Gorges du Tarn and the Gorges de la Jonte nearby for a full weekend in Lozere

The Pyrenees passes: the other great traverse

If the Alps have their Route des Grandes Alpes, the Pyrenees offer the Route des Cols Pyreneens, an itinerary of roughly 940 km linking Hendaye on the Atlantic coast to Cerbere on the Mediterranean. The full route chains together more than 40 passes and crosses wildly varied landscapes: the vivid greens of the Basque Country, the towering peaks of the Hautes-Pyrenees, the almost lunar terrain of Ariege, and the Mediterranean vibes of the Pyrenees-Orientales.

The Col du Tourmalet (2,115 m) is the showpiece. The highest paved pass in the French Pyrenees, it’s legendary thanks to the Tour de France. The climb via the D918 from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan delivers a succession of hairpins and valley views. At the summit, a statue of Jacques Goddet, a historic figure of the Tour, greets visitors. The cols d’Aubisque, d’Aspin, de Peyresourde, and du Portet d’Aspet round out the offering for altitude-seeking riders.

Practical info

Distance: approximately 940 km for the full traverse (or 50 to 120 km for a day ride around the Tourmalet)
Recommended duration: 4 to 7 days for the full crossing
Season: June to October (some passes close with the first snowfall)
Tip: the Spanish side is accessible from several border passes and often features emptier roads that are equally spectacular

The Route des Cretes d’Alsace: vineyards and Vosges forests

A complete change of scenery. This panoramic route stretches about 89 km along the ridgeline of the Vosges mountains, offering alternating views over the Alsace plain on one side and the wooded Vosges valleys on the other. It’s typically ridden from Cernay (south) to Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (north), passing through the Grand Ballon (1,424 m, the highest point in the Vosges), the Col de la Schlucht, and the Markstein.

Originally created for strategic military purposes during World War I, it’s now a popular motorcycle route prized for its flowing bends, accessible mountain scenery, and food stops. The fermes-auberges (mountain farm inns) along the route serve hearty meals: Munster cheese, blueberry tart, and local wines. It’s the ideal itinerary for a relaxed day ride with no major technical difficulty.

Practical info

Distance: approximately 89 km (more if combined with the Route des Vins)
Recommended duration: 1 day
Season: April to November (watch for morning and evening moisture in forested sections)
Combine with: the Route des Vins d’Alsace (170 km from Marlenheim to Thann) for a full weekend

The Gorges de l’Ardeche: accessible adventure

The D290, known as the tourist road of the Gorges de l’Ardeche, links Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardeche over roughly 30 km. Opened in the late 1960s, it runs above the gorge and delivers spectacular views of the cliffs, the river, and the famous Pont d’Arc, a 60-metre-tall natural stone arch carved by erosion.

The road is well-maintained and dotted with viewpoints designed for photo stops. The pace is gentler than on the big mountain routes, making it suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike who simply want to enjoy the scenery. It’s also an excellent day-ride option from Lyon or the Rhone Valley.

Practical info

Distance: approximately 30 km
Recommended duration: half a day (more with swimming stops)
Season: year-round, though spring and autumn are the most pleasant (fewer crowds than summer)

Cap Corse: Corsica in concentrated form

Finally, no list of French motorcycle roads is complete without Cap Corse. This 125-kilometre loop starting from Bastia circles the northern tip of the island, hugging the coastline with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, colourful fishing harbours, and Genoese watchtowers perched on headlands.

The route passes through the village of Barcaggio (the northernmost point of Corsica), then descends toward Saint-Florent via Centuri and its picturesque fishing port. The roads are narrow and twisting, but the relative lack of traffic (especially outside peak season) and the raw beauty of the landscape make it one of the finest loops in Corsica. Allow a full day to ride it without rushing.

Practical info

Distance: approximately 125 km
Recommended duration: 1 day
Season: April to October (avoid July-August for the busiest roads)
Access: ferry from Marseille, Toulon, or Nice to Bastia

General tips for a motorcycle road trip in France

Whichever route you choose, a few basic rules apply. Check your bike before departure: tyres, brakes, fluids, chain. In the mountains, carry gear suited to temperature swings, even in summer. Pack waterproofs regardless of the forecast. Fill up whenever you see a fuel station, especially in remote areas. And above all, set a sensible pace: these roads are not racetracks, and their beauty is best savoured at moderate speed.

One final tip: most of these routes are far more enjoyable outside peak season (July-August). The months of May-June and September-October often deliver the best conditions: clear roads, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful light for photographs.

Conclusion

France offers a variety of motorcycle itineraries that’s hard to beat in Europe. From the Alpine summits of the Route des Grandes Alpes to the Vosges ridgeline, from the Gorges du Verdon to the Corsican coastline, every region has its standout roads. What matters most is taking the time to enjoy them. Plan your route, check your bike, and let the road carry you. That’s what motorcycling is all about.