France by motorbike – the 10 most beautiful roads

You know, when it comes to Italy and France, that good rivalry that has always distinguished these two populations suddenly grows and, let’s be honest, perhaps we feel it even more since that fateful July 9, 2006 during the Final Italy-France of the World Cup in Germany. But when it comes to adventure and breathtaking views, borders collapse, cultures come together, and the Alps that separate us become two faces of the same giant.

There is only one path left that opens in front of us, ready to take us to incredible places. We’ve listened to our customers and these are their 10 favorite itineraries!

1. Cote D’Opale

In Normandy, overlooking the English Channel, a few kilometers from the Belgian border, travel back in time, touring the sites of World War II and D-Day between the high cliffs of Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez and, then continue to Calais and Dunkirk. Here, all the historical sites are worth a visit, from the Memorial de Caen to the Pointe du Hoc or the Sword Beach. But, Normandy also has many other beauties like the gigantic cliff of Notre-Dame, the Seine estuary, the Rouen loved by Monet and the Abbey of Le Mont-Saint-Michel.

2. Napoleon Route

The story continues with Napoleon’s Route, which retraces Napoleon’s footsteps as he returned from Elba and ended with the defeat at Waterloo. 111 km of spectacular views, well-cared asphalt and wide curves that join Antibes and Barrème, among the best to travel by motorcycle from April to October.
In short, a kind of Laguna Seca open to all. Nice and Cannes, which border Antibes to the east and west, are well worth a visit.

3. The Castles Of Bordeaux

Another spectacular motorcycle region is Burgundy, with well-paved roads and smooth curves between castles, vineyards, culture, and why not, even a good farmhouse to stop at. In the section between Cluny and Diogene, rural villages alternate with gentle hills, such as Colay and the Cormatin castle. The best time is spring, with nature in bloom, or autumn for lovers of good wine, to combine a tour of the vineyards during the harvest.

4. Upper Rhine

Alsace always amazes with the picturesque architecture of its villages, a unique charm that of its half-timbered houses, reminiscent of Central European landscapes. What better way than admiring it on top of the bike?
In addition to the architecture that manages to make us wander with our minds between Switzerland, Germany and England, there are also its bright colors. Just take the road between Riquewihr and Mulhouse, passing through Bennwihr, Eguisheim and Colmar, the French Venice.

5. Montvernier

We couldn’t help but leave with a bang. With its very narrow and steep streets that fold into 17 sharp curves that reach up to 1400 meters of altitude, Montvernier wins the record for “the most extreme road in France”. A nice challenge in the Rhône-Alpes region for the best motorcyclists, not far from the Italian border. The perfect place for nature lovers, being surrounded by natural parks: Des Ecrìns to the south, De La Vanoise to the east and Du Bercons to the west. Nearby Grenoble and Geneva, both less than 150 km away, are also worth a

6. Col Goal Of Ardeche

Among the most beautiful French itineraries we also find the Ardèche Gorges, an excellent alternative to mountain routes with their many curves and a dreamlike panorama concentrated in a few km. There are several viewpoints to admire the deep gorges carved out by the river.
The best time may be at the end of spring or the end of summer, to avoid the great tourist flow of summer. In the surroundings, it is worth visiting the Natural Park of the same name, the Pont d’Arc, the medieval village of Balazuc and the Combe d’Arc cave with its paleolithic paintings.

7. The Way Of Lavender

Traveling in Provence among landscapes of intense colors, he seems to enter a painting by Cézanne or Van Gogh. Meadows between green and ocher, blue skies and incredible expanses of lavender scented with a brilliant violet, not to be missed between June and July when flowering is at its peak. Perched on the hills hide picturesque villages, some lesser-known and more characteristic, such as the medieval stone Auribeau or the Provençal Castellet along the path that connects Cavaillon with Le Château du Bois.

8. Azurra Coast

Another spectacular route is that of the Costa Azurra, one of the most emblematic places in France. Medieval towns, lavender fields and its unmistakable turquoise blue sea. For motorcyclists, on the other hand, the numerous curves and slopes always make motorcycle itineraries around here pleasant. Thanks to its Mediterranean microclimate, the temperatures allow you to visit it at any time of the year, but the best is spring, when the colors of nature bloom, the temperatures are mild and the places are not overcrowded. Places to visit abound: the Principality of Monaco, Cannes, Nice, Saint-Tropez are just a few of the most famous.

9. Col D’Aubisque

From the East of France we headed towards the westernmost part, over the Pyrenees. This is where one of the most famous routes in the country is located: Col d’Aubisque. Made famous by the Tour de France, this pass has a series of bends that seem endless and challenging in terms of slope and altitude.
It is not surprising, but it is not underestimated either, preferably to face it between June and September. The closest attractions are undoubtedly Lourdes, where the Virgin appeared to little Bernadette, or Bayonne overlooking the Atlantic coast.

10. The Heart Of Corsica

Last but not least, nearby Corsica amazes with the Bavella with its pink granite spiers and stunning views. The crazy views alternate from Porto Vecchio to Sari-Solenzare and some stops are essential, such as the Camino de Piscia di Ghiaddu. Alternatively, the Calanchi di Piana are also among the main attractions on the island and the road between Cargese and Osani to reach them is too.