France & Switzerland

FRENCH ALPS EXPERIENCE

Start/End: Munich | 10 Travel Days / 9 Nights | 3200 km Total, 215-480 km /day

Fri Aug 8 to Sun Aug 17, 2025

Experience the Majestic Passes along the Route des Grandes Alpes

Join me on a 10-day journey through the heart of the French and Swiss Alps, combining iconic routes, breathtaking canyons, and thrilling balcony roads. This tour covers 19 of the Alps’ Top 50 passes, including highlights along the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes and unique gems like the Verdon Canyon and dramatic cliffside roads that reveal some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes.

Each day brings new adventures as we ride high-altitude passes, explore vibrant mountain villages, and take in the beauty of deep gorges, turquoise lakes, and winding cliffside roads. This journey is designed for those who crave both the classic and hidden treasures of the Alps, from Col de l'Iseran to the scenic Gorges de Daluis and beyond.

For those coming from further away or who simply want to experience the Alps on a top-notch bike, we offer rental options on premium adventure models from BMW and KTM.

With carefully curated routes and expertly guided support, this tour is crafted to deliver the ultimate French Alps experience, blending challenging rides, jaw-dropping scenery, and unforgettable memories on Europe’s most scenic roads.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Munich Arrival Day - Welcome to Munich! Arrive, settle in, and prepare for the adventure ahead. In the evening, meet your fellow riders, pick up your rental bike, and join us for a group dinner where we’ll discuss the journey and get to know one another.

Day 2 (475 km): Munich to Gotthard Our journey begins with a long stretch on the Autobahn, covering ground quickly as we head through Germany and into Switzerland. South of Chur, we’ll leave the highways behind for the twisty, scenic roads leading to the day’s highlight: the San Bernardino Pass, known for its sweeping curves and Alpine vistas.

Day 3 (260 km): Gotthard to Megeve Today, we ride the historic Tremola road, famed for its cobbled switchbacks and breathtaking views. Ascending the Furka Pass, we’re treated to more epic mountain scenery before continuing west past Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in Europe. We’ll end the day in the charming Alpine town of Megeve.

Day 4 (262 km): Megeve to Briançon This is a classic day on the Route des Grandes Alpes, featuring legendary passes like the Cormet de Roselend, Col de la Madeleine, Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer, and the Col du Galibier. These mountain passes offer stunning panoramas and a mix of thrilling ascents and descents through some of France’s most famous roads.

Day 5 (280 km): Briançon to Valberg Our journey continues with the breathtaking Col de l’Izoard, known for its unique rock formations and lunar-like landscapes. We’ll cross Col de Vars and Col de la Bonette, one of Europe’s highest paved roads. The day ends with a scenic ride through the red rock walls of Gorge du Cians, a stunning natural wonder.

Day 6 (270 km): Valberg to Castellane Today we dive into the striking red-hued landscapes of Gorges de Daluis. We’ll wind along cliff-hugging roads around the famous Verdon Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of Europe," with its stunning turquoise waters and steep cliffs. Expect countless curves and fantastic views before we arrive in Castellane.

Day 7 (212 km): Castellane to Pra-Loup Starting the day with the balcony road Clue de Saint-Auban, we ride along cliffside routes with sweeping views. Re-entering the Route des Grandes Alpes, we’ll cross the scenic Col de Cayolle. This is a shorter day, allowing for a relaxed afternoon in Pra-Loup to rest and take in the Alpine surroundings.

Day 8 (276 km): Pra-Loup to La Rosière We begin with the south side of Col de Vars, a beautiful and twisty ascent, followed by the impressive Col du Mont Cenis. Our day ends with the majestic Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved pass in the Alps, surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, before reaching the charming mountain town of La Rosière.

Day 9 (260 km): La Rosière to Goms Today, we’ll tackle two iconic passes named for Saint Bernard: the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard and the higher Col du Grand Saint-Bernard. The optional Nufenen Pass adds an extra adventure for those wanting one last thrilling climb before we arrive in Goms for the night.

Day 10 (480 km): Goms to Munich Our final ride takes us over Grimsel Pass and Susten Pass, with an optional ascent of the scenic Klausenpass for those who want to add an extra mountain challenge. We’ll return to Munich for a late afternoon bike drop-off, ending this unforgettable journey with a farewell to our fellow riders and new friends.

Tour Profile

This guided motorcycle tour blends thrilling and scenic riding, crafted for those who seek a mix of challenging roads and breathtaking views. Each day features approximately 5 hours of net riding time in the mountains, with high-altitude passes, sweeping curves, and cliffside roads that keep every rider engaged and inspired. Ideal for intermediate riders, the route offers a balance of winding roads, hairpin turns, and moderate climbs. With a well-structured pace, riders of varying experience levels can enjoy the journey to the fullest. For those looking for a more spirited ride, select stretches allow opportunities to take on the passes at a quicker pace, adding an extra element of freedom and exhilaration. With expertly planned routes, scenic pauses, and a supportive group atmosphere, this tour provides an immersive, unforgettable experience, delivering the perfect combination of technical riding and stunning landscapes around every turn.

Skill Level: Intermediate

This tour requires at least an intermediate skill level; riders should be comfortable navigating winding roads, handling hairpin turns, and passing traffic on mountain passes. While riders with varying experience are welcome, participants should have some familiarity with challenging terrain to fully enjoy the journey. One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to improve your riding skills, no matter your current level. I’ll be there to offer tips and guidance along the way, helping you build confidence and refine your technique as you tackle some of this trips most thrilling roads. For more advanced riders, many sections of the tour allow you to take on the road at your own pace, so you can push your limits. Our group structure ensures everyone rides at their comfort pace, making this tour a rewarding experience for all skill levels.

Group Riding

One of the most rewarding aspects of this tour is the shared experience of riding with like-minded enthusiasts. There’s something special about exploring the open road together, conquering mountain passes side by side, and sharing the day’s highlights over dinner each evening. Many riders find that the friendships formed on tours like these last well beyond the final day, creating a sense of camaraderie that adds a whole new dimension to the journey. Riding in a group does require a bit of give and take, as everyone’s safety and enjoyment depend on mutual respect and a spirit of cooperation. By embracing the group dynamic, you’ll not only enhance your own experience but also contribute to an unforgettable adventure for everyone involved.

Difficulty

Travel Time per Day

Sightseeing

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Booking Details

The tour price includes comprehensive planning, a dedicated tour guide throughout, accommodations, and breakfast each day. You will stay in carefully selected 3- and 4-star hotels, each chosen for its unique charm, location, or historical significance. Breakfast is included, and we will either dine at the hotel or have nearby options, giving you the chance to savor local cuisine after a day on the road. You will also receive GPX data for each route to enhance your riding experience. I will be capturing parts of our journey on social media, sharing highlights on Instagram and in YouTube videos, so you will have memorable snapshots to look back on. For accommodations, booking is encouraged for shared double rooms, where you will be paired with a compatible roommate. However, single rooms may be available upon request—just reach out to inquire. This exclusive tour is limited to a small group to ensure a personalized and unforgettable experience.