Day 1

Thonon-les-Bains

Arrive in Thonon-les-Bains and settle into your hotel. The shores of Lake Geneva offer a first opportunity to enjoy the outdoors before the mountain riding begins. Explore the town or stroll beside the lake at the starting point of the Route des Grandes Alpes.

Take time to look through your travel guide and review the route for your first riding stage: tomorrow, you head for the mountain passes.

Day 2

Thonon-les-Bains – Aime

Your motorcycle journey begins at kilometre zero of the Route des Grandes Alpes. The Colombière, Aravis and Saisies passes introduce you to the mountain terrain. Between climbs, discover the Reposoir Charterhouse and the landscapes of the Beaufortain.

At the Cormet de Roselend, take time to stop and look back at the route you have covered. You then continue to Aime for the night.

217 km

Day 3

Aime – Briançon

Head towards Tignes and the Col de l’Iseran. Near the Vanoise mountains, the landscape opens onto sweeping slopes and peaks. Bonneval-sur-Arc offers a village stop between mountain stretches. The route continues over the Télégraphe, Galibier and Lautaret passes. After a day at altitude, explore the streets of Briançon’s fortified old town.

205 km

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Day 4

Briançon – Puget-Théniers

The Queyras region and its castle accompany the first miles of today’s ride. The Col de Vars, the Châtelet Bridge and the Bonette crossing shape a day when the mountains remain close to the road. Through the landscapes of the Mercantour, ride between rocky peaks and valleys. As you descend towards Puget-Théniers, the atmosphere changes. The south draws closer.

236 km

Day 5

Puget-Théniers – Menton

The Cians and Daluis gorges bring a new palette of colours to the journey. Red rock lines the road before giving way to the hills of Menton’s hinterland. Peille, Sainte-Agnès and the Col de la Madone de Gorbio mark this final stage towards the coast. In Menton, you reach the Mediterranean and the end of the Route des Grandes Alpes. In the evening, extend the day with a walk along the waterfront.

172 km

Day 6

Menton – Verdon Gorge

Leave Menton for a stage between the Mediterranean and Provence. Biot, the Corniche d’Or and the red rocks of the Estérel introduce new landmarks along the route. The sea accompanies part of the day before you turn inland. Lake Saint-Cassien and the roads of the Haut-Var lead you towards Lake Sainte-Croix. You have reached the gateway to the Verdon.

216 km

Day 7

Verdon Gorge Loop

Today, return to the same accommodation after a loop around the gorge. Along the southern rim and the Route des Crêtes, bends alternate with viewpoints. At the Mescla viewpoint, switch off the engine and take in the scale of the landscape. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Bargème complete this day of riding and village visits. A shorter stage leaves plenty of time for stops.

140 km

Day 8

Verdon Gorge – Propriac

Ride through the changing landscapes of Provence: the Valensole Plateau, the Luberon, the Oppedette Gorge and the ochre landscapes of Rustrel.

In Banon and Simiane-la-Rotonde, the stone-built villages invite you to step off the bike for a while. The Nesque Gorge and the climb up Mont Ventoux bring a new dimension to the day. Overnight in Propriac, near Vaison-la-Romaine.

234 km

Day 9

Propriac – Vercors

Gain altitude again as you ride through the Baronnies Provençales. The Toulourenc Gorge, Montbrun-les-Bains and the village of Aulan punctuate the route. Gradually leave the landscapes of Provence behind and approach the mountains of the Vercors. The Col du Rousset marks the transition: the road climbs, the views stretch further and the plateau welcomes you for the evening.

225 km

Day 10

Vercors – Thonon-les-Bains

Your final riding day is also the longest of the trip. Combe Laval, the Bourne Gorge and Pont-en-Royans extend your journey through the Vercors. The route then takes you through the Chartreuse mountains, past the Revard viewpoint and Lake Annecy. After crossing the Chablais, return to Thonon-les-Bains and the shores of Lake Geneva. Enjoy one last evening beside the lake and reflect on the roads you have travelled.

292 km

Day 11

Thonon-les-Bains

Your trip ends after breakfast. Leave Thonon-les-Bains with memories of mountain passes, village stops and changing landscapes. From Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, then through Provence and the Vercors, you have discovered the many faces of motorcycle touring in France.