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France & Switzerland

GRAND TOUR FRENCH ALPS

Start/End: Munich  | 13 Travel Days / 12 Nights   | 4200 km Total, 250-380 km /day 

Tue June 17 to Sun June 29, 2025

Explore Legendary Passes and Secret Roads in France

This 13-day guided motorcycle tour is your chance to experience the French Alps like never before. Covering all the major Alpine passes and venturing through some of Europe’s most breathtaking canyons, this tour is packed with exhilarating rides and awe-inspiring views.

 

From iconic routes like the legendary Col du Galibier and Col de la Bonette to the hidden balcony roads carved into the mountainsides, I will take you to places few riders ever reach.
Imagine weaving through narrow mountain passes, riding alongside sheer cliff faces, and marveling at the deep turquoise waters of the Verdon Canyon.

 

We’ll be chasing tucked-away gems, uncovering spectacular routes that are as thrilling as they are scenic, including the famous Gorge du Daluis and the unforgettable Combe Laval Road.


Whether you’re conquering the King of Alpine Passes—Col de l’Iseran—or cruising through the enchanting Gorges de l’Ardèche, each day is an adventure in itself, designed to showcase the raw beauty and diverse landscapes of the Alps.

 

For those coming from further away or simply looking to experience the ride on a top-notch machine, we offer the option of renting a premium adventure motorcycle, including models from BMW and KTM.

Join me for a journey filled with camaraderie, unforgettable scenery, and roads that will leave a lasting mark.


This is not just a tour; it’s the ultimate motorcycle experience in France.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Munich, Germany Settle into beautiful Munich and prepare for the adventure ahead! In the evening, meet your fellow riders, pick up your rental bike, and join us for a welcome dinner. It’s a relaxed start where you can get to know the group and get excited for the days ahead.

Day 2 (475 km): Munich to Gotthard Our journey begins in earnest as we head south, crossing into the Alps and tackling our first major pass: the stunning San Bernardino. With winding roads and towering peaks, today’s ride is the perfect introduction to Alpine riding, bringing us to Gotthard for a well-earned rest.

Day 3 (260 km): Gotthard to Megève Today, we take on the iconic Tremola Road and the famous Furka Pass, one of Switzerland’s most scenic routes. The cobbled hairpins of Tremola and the sweeping curves of Furka will leave you breathless as we descend into the charming Alpine town of Megève.

Day 4 (262 km): Megève to Briançon Prepare for a day of Alpine classics! We’ll cross the legendary Col de la Madeleine and the mighty Col du Galibier, both known for their challenging roads and panoramic views. It’s a day of high-altitude thrills as we make our way to Briançon, a historic mountain town.

Day 5 (280 km): Briançon to Valberg From Briançon, we dive into some of the most dramatic landscapes of the French Alps. Today’s highlights include the rugged Col de l'Izoard, the picturesque Col de Vars, and the towering Col de la Bonette. We’ll also ride through the scenic Gorge du Cians, with its deep red rock walls.

Day 6 (275 km): Valberg to Barcelonnette Today, we’ll explore the incredible Gorge du Daluis, known as the "Grand Canyon of France" for its stunning red rock formations. After that, we ride the famous Balcony Road Clue de Barles, a narrow, cliffside route that offers breathtaking views and a touch of adventure before arriving in Barcelonnette.

Day 7 (285 km): Rest Day in Barcelonnette Take a break or, for those still itching to ride, enjoy an optional day trip over Col de Cayolle and another ride over Col de la Bonette. This is your chance to relax or explore more of the French Alps at your own pace.

Day 8 (265 km): Barcelonnette to Sault Today, we head south toward Provence, riding through the famous Verdon Canyon. Known for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, Verdon is a highlight of any tour through the Alps. We’ll end the day in the picturesque town of Sault, nestled on the edge of Provence.

Day 9 (270 km): Sault to Sault A circular route today takes us up Mont Ventoux, the “Giant of Provence,” famous for its challenging ascent and stunning summit views. We’ll also explore the Gorges de l’Ardèche, with its winding roads and sweeping views over the rugged landscape.

Day 10 (285 km): Sault to Grenoble Get ready for a day of balcony roads, including the breathtaking Combe Laval, Route de Presles, and Gorges de la Bourne. These roads are etched into the cliffside, offering unparalleled views and a truly unique riding experience as we make our way to the Alpine city of Grenoble.

Day 11 (285 km): Grenoble to Rosier Another day packed with Alpine highlights! We’ll take on the D211A Balcony Road, cross the challenging Col du Glandon and the majestic Col de la Croix de Fer, before finally conquering the King of Alpine Passes, Col de l'Iseran. Each pass offers something different, from sweeping vistas to tight hairpins.

Day 12 (270 km): Rosier to Goms As we head back towards Switzerland, today’s route includes the Col du Petit-Saint Bernard and the historic Col du Grand Saint-Bernard. With picturesque towns and towering peaks, this ride is both scenic and thrilling, bringing us back to Goms for the final stretch.

Day 13 (490 km): Goms to Munich The grand finale! Our last day takes us across the impressive Grimsel and Susten Passes, two of Switzerland’s finest. It’s a final day of Alpine grandeur before we return to Munich for the tour’s end and a late afternoon bike drop-off. Time to say farewell—but the memories will last a lifetime.

Tour Profile

This 13-day tour through France is designed for riders who want to experience the full range of France’s stunning landscapes, from the high peaks of the Alps to the hidden canyons and winding balcony roads. With daily rides averaging 4-5 hours net riding time in the mounains, the tour combines iconic Alpine passes, scenic canyon routes, and charming countryside roads, offering a mix of both thrilling and relaxed riding experiences. This journey is ideal for intermediate riders who enjoy varied terrain, including hairpin turns, sweeping vistas, and narrow mountain roads. The pace allows time to soak in each region’s unique culture, with scenic stops for photo opportunities, local dining, and exploring historic landmarks. With carefully planned routes that showcase the best of France, this tour promises an unforgettable ride through some of Europe’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes.

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.

Services Included

  • All overnight accommodations (comfortable middle class hotels) in a double room

  • Breakfast every morning

  • Tour guide for the entire tour (English/German speaking)

  • Carefully curated tours for every day

  • Comprehensive tour package & GPX data

Optional Services

  • Motorcycle rental incl insurance​​

  • ​Klim Goretex riding gear, helmet and boots

  • Electronic airbag vest

Excluded

  • All services not mentioned

  • Gasoline for the motorcycle

  • Food in addition to included food options

  • Toll for certain roads

Tour Highlights