Frankreich-Reise: zwischen Alpenpässen, Vulkanen und wilden Küsten

Why does France offer such a variety of road trips?

France’s diversity is best experienced along its smaller roads. Within a few days, an itinerary can lead from the Mediterranean coast to Alpine summits, from a volcanic plateau into a wooded gorge or from a Normandy beach to a Breton harbour. This variety makes France one of Europe’s most complete road trip destinations.

• The Alps for the Route Napoléon, major mountain passes and high-altitude lakes.
• Normandy and Brittany for green countryside, historic beaches, cliffs and Atlantic harbours.
• Auvergne and the Cévennes for volcanoes, limestone plateaus and twisting mountain roads.
• Corsica, where the mountains plunge directly into the Mediterranean.
• Beaujolais as a setting for learning the fundamentals of off-road riding.

From the Mediterranean coast to the great Alpine passes

The French Alps offer a journey where every climb reveals a new landscape. From Cannes, The Alps by motorcycle through the great lakes region follows the Route Napoléon towards Sisteron, Briançon, Val-d’Isère and Chamonix before reaching Annecy. The route combines history, mountain scenery and some of the finest sequences of bends in France.

• Leave the French Riviera through the roads of the Prealps.
• Cross the Col d’Izoard through its striking mineral landscape.
• Ride between Alpine pastures and high mountain valleys.
• Reach Chamonix beneath the Mont Blanc massif.
• Finish the journey beside Lake Annecy.

For a longer adventure, Crossing the Alps through the mountain passes covers approximately 1,600 kilometres through France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany. The legendary roads of the Alps by motorcycle also focuses on iconic passes, linking Lake Geneva with the Stelvio and the Gotthard, Furka and Grimsel passes.

From Normandy’s history to the volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central

Western France provides a more flowing experience shaped by history and Atlantic light. From the Normandy plains to the Brittany coast connects the Loire Valley castles, the D-Day beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel and the Emerald Coast before reaching the Vendée. Over twelve days, the journey crosses several defining chapters of French history.

• Ride the peaceful roads of the Normandy countryside.
• Follow the D-Day beaches and their memorial sites.
• See Mont-Saint-Michel between land and sea.
• Explore Brittany’s cliffs, harbours and changing coastal light.

Further south, From the volcanoes of Auvergne to the Cévennes offers five days of riding through the Chaîne des Puys, the plateaus of the Massif Central and the gorges of the Cévennes. These roads may be less famous than the major Alpine passes, but their bends, villages and volcanic landscapes give them an especially appealing character.

In Corsica, winding roads connect the mountains with the sea

Corsica occupies a special place within a journey through France. Distances appear short on the map, but the terrain, narrow roads and countless bends require a measured pace. From Cap Corse to Bonifacio, every stage alternates between clifftop roads, forests, mountain passes and stone villages. Several motorcycle tours reveal different sides of the island.

• Corsica to the rhythm of its bends connects Piana, Niolu, Corte, Bavella and Bonifacio over seven days.
• In search of Corsica’s treasures offers a more complete crossing from Cap Corse to the southern cliffs.
• Along the roads of Corsica’s hamlets focuses on Sant’Antonino, Pigna, Castagniccia and Alta Rocca.
• Corsica between land and sea can be experienced as either a guided or self-guided journey.
• From Corsica to Sardinia by motorcycle extends the adventure to the roads of Gallura after the ferry crossing from Bonifacio.

These itineraries are designed by Nils, who is based in Bastia. His knowledge of realistic travel times, the most rewarding roads and seasonal traffic patterns prevents travellers from rushing their discovery of the island.

Experience France according to your riding style

A French road trip does not necessarily need to take the form of a major touring loop. In Beaujolais, the Off-road motorcycle training course offers three days of coaching on body position, balance, braking and the first simple obstacle crossings over different types of terrain.

• Choose a self-guided journey to keep your own pace with a prepared route and accommodation.
• Select a guided tour for long crossings or technically demanding regions.
• Choose a five-to-seven-day regional circuit when your time is limited.
• Allow nine to twelve days to explore Corsica or connect several territories.
• Select a training course when improving your riding skills is the main priority.

Travellers wishing to continue beyond France can choose Heading for the capitals of northern Europe, a cross-border journey towards the cities and landscapes of the continent’s north. Other formats can be compared within Planet Ride’s wider selection of motorcycle tours.

When is the best time for a road trip through France?

The best season depends on the terrain. Alpine roads are generally most enjoyable from late spring to early autumn, once the major passes have reopened. Brittany and Normandy can be explored from spring to autumn, although the weather is more changeable. In Corsica and southern France, May, June, September and October often provide mild temperatures and quieter roads.

• Check that mountain passes are open before beginning an Alpine itinerary.
• Bring reliable rain protection for routes along the Atlantic coast.
• Avoid the busiest periods for more relaxed riding in Corsica.
• Adapt each stage to summer heat in the south and altitude in the mountains.
• Leave time for villages, markets and regional specialities.

Why choose Planet Ride for a journey through France?

Being close to home does not make careful preparation any less important. Eric, Rodolphe, Nils and Alexane select itineraries suited to the season, the rider’s experience and the available time. Planet Ride reveals France away from its major roads through balanced stages and genuine local knowledge, whether crossing the Izoard, following the Brittany coast, travelling through the volcanoes of Auvergne or tackling Corsica’s winding roads.