Hidden France: Discover the Medieval Cities of the South

Our local expert partner, Laurent’s team will welcome you upon your arrival in Tours. After picking up your motorcycle, test your new ride in the streets of Tours and nearby areas. In the evening, check into your hotel and pass a leisurely evening in this ancient Gallo-Roman city.

Leaving the Loire region, you follow the Gartempe river to reach Limousin. On your way, you cross some more medieval castles followed by hillier areas dotted with historic villages and their old stone houses. You arrive with your motorcycle in Oradour-sur-Glane, an old village that was massacred during the Second World War and that now serves as a war memorial. After visiting the ghosts of this historic village, you take your bike to the town of Uzerche, with its chateau that overlooks majestically over the town. You stay overnight in a quaint hotel in town.

Take your motorcycle to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Sarlat region. Explore the charming medieval villages of the region. Visit the dominating château of Beynac village, meander the small streets of Domme lined with old houses, or explore Roque-Gageac perched on a cliff bordering Dordogne. Visit the suspended gardens of Marqueyssac or the prehistoric valley of Vézère, listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day is full of surprises!

Continue your motorcycle journey through the excellent heritage of southwest France. You explore spectacular village Rocamadour, also called the City of Faith, perched on steep, rocky cliffs. You leave Lot to ride across Quercy. You ride along winding roads between charming villages to arrive in Cahors with its Pont Valentré, a 14th century stone arch bridge across the Lot River.

You continue your motorcycle journey on the roads of southern France towards Millau. The excellent roads of this region are perfect for an enjoyable motorcycle trip. You arrive in Millau and visit the impressive Viaduct of Millau. This stunning cable-stayed bridge is the tallest bridge in the world and appears to be floating in the clouds. Enjoy excellent views of the valley of River Tam from this magnificent bridge. Millau is a beautiful town located at the confluence of Tam and Dourbie rivers. Enjoy the excellent vines and delicious cheese here and spend a relaxing evening in your charming hotel.

Today’s riding session is going to be even more adventurous than before. You ride across the Cévennes National Park and manoeuvre the turns of its gorges. You take the uneven but thrilling road of Malène till Sainte-Enimie where you take a small break. This small village, located in a narrow passage in the Gorge du Tarn, has perfectly preserved its medieval charm. Continue your motorcycle trip to Labeaume where you stop for the day. Check into your hotel and pass a relaxed evening in preparation for your adventure through the Gorges de l’Ardèche tomorrow.

After breakfast, you set out on your motorbike to hit the roads of Ardèche. A day rich in stunning vistas awaits! You ride on the beautiful roads of the gorge to arrive in Provence. Visit the famous Pont du Gard, the ancient Roman stone aqueduct built in three levels and classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO for its historical importance. Finally, you arrive in Avignon, an obligatory stop for anyone travelling in Provence! Enjoy the charms of this former papal city situated above the Rhone river. Check into your hotel and pass a leisurely evening, tasting some of the excellent culinary treasures like the alose à l’étouffée or the crespeou.

Enjoy your day in Avignon by taking your motorcycle to the top of Mount Ventoux rising up to 1,912 metres of altitude. Also visit the old town and the unmissable Palais des Papes (or the Palace of the Popes). You will have dinner with Laurent’s team in old Avignon and exchange your travel stories and experiences. Spend a relaxed evening in your hotel before your return journey the next day. 

End of your motorcycle trip to France. Train from Avignon to Paris.