Interview with Laurent, a Motorcycle Travel Specialist in France (2026)

For more than 25 years, Laurent has been mapping France the way riders like to experience it: on the secondary roads, at human pace, with time for culture and real encounters. Based near Tours, he designs motorcycle travel experiences in France for an international audience—everything from classic loops to multi-month European journeys.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Laurent: My name is Laurent. My agency is based in France, near Tours, in the Loire Valley. I’ve ridden in many countries—Europe, North America, South America—but France remains my home base and my heartland. I genuinely enjoy sharing it with riders from abroad and showing them how diverse the regions can feel when you ride them properly.

After more than 25 years on French roads, I’ve been able to validate route choices that match what most riders really want: not just “good riding”, but a journey with meaning. That’s also why I point travelers toward routes like these handpicked itineraries—they’re built around places you’ll remember, not just kilometers.

What makes your agency different from others in France?

Laurent: I’m very clearly oriented toward international riders. Some are looking for the “France classics”; others are long-haul travelers who want to build a European ride over several months. In both cases, my job is to remove friction—language, logistics, timing—so they can focus on the ride and the destination.

What’s your story—how did you come to create motorized trips?

Laurent: The idea dates back to 1994 during my first solo roadtrip in the USA. But it only became reality in 2012, after I returned from a one-year ride from Alaska to Patagonia on a BMW 1200GS. Friends in the US pushed me to do it—and they became my first clients.

France made perfect sense: the country has an incredible network of backroads. If you’re willing to leave the main routes, there’s always something new. That’s why I often recommend experiences built on quiet, scenic secondary roads—like this ride between Normandy plains and the Brittany coast: a route that proves France is made for motorcycles.

What bikes do your travelers ride with you and Planet Ride?

Laurent: I offer BMW 1200 GS and 650 GS because they’re the most requested. Comfort, balance, and real-world practicality on French tarmac—especially when your days include everything from tight village lanes to fast sweepers.

I also have a Royal Enfield Classic and retro LML scooters. The Enfield choice is personal, but it’s also strategic: it opens up a different kind of France—more nostalgic, slower, more about sound and rhythm than speed.

In your view, what makes riding in France “unmissable”?

Laurent: The motorcycle is not the center of the trip. The destination is. We want riders to remember the culture, the history, the gastronomy, the heritage—because that’s France. Spending eight hours a day riding “just to ride” misses the point.

A good French roadtrip is built like a sequence: a morning of riding, a proper stop for a local lunch, a short afternoon stage, and time to walk a town center before dinner. That’s where the country opens up.

What’s the real difference between a “simple trip” and a motorized trip?

Laurent: The motorcycle creates contact. It’s a powerful connector: locals talk to you at fuel stops, in cafés, at viewpoints—regardless of age or social background. It’s immediate, and it changes the tone of the journey.

Your favorite place in France?

Laurent: The climb to Mont Ventoux. The panorama up there is unforgettable, and the ascent itself is a real rider moment—long, progressive, and rewarding. My strongest roadtrip memory remains that one-year Alaska-to-Ushuaia ride in 2011: a long-time dream achieved.

But honestly, my favorite place is still the one I haven’t ridden to yet.

A word for future Planet Riders?

Laurent: Adventure starts outside your front door. Wherever you go, take the road, look ahead—toward the horizon—and let yourself be surprised by what it brings.

2026 updates for planning a motorcycle roadtrip in France

• Timing and fatigue: On French backroads, average speed is lower than people expect (villages, tractors, tight bends). As a rule, plan shorter riding days and keep margin for stops—your days feel fuller and safer.
• Reservations: In peak periods (late spring to early autumn), charming small-town hotels can fill fast in high-demand areas (Alps, Provence). If your route includes “must-stop” towns, secure nights earlier.
• Low-Emission Zones (LEZ): Several French cities use restricted traffic zones. If your itinerary crosses major urban areas, verify local access rules before you arrive and plan bypasses when needed.
• Navigation: Build an offline backup (downloadable maps + GPX). In rural valleys and mountain areas, coverage can drop unexpectedly—especially when you leave main corridors.
• Heat management: Summer rides in the south can turn hot quickly. Hydration strategy matters: carry extra water, and schedule the most exposed riding earlier in the day.

Planet Ride pro tip (one that saves trips)

If a day looks “short” on the map, don’t automatically extend it. In France, the most memorable roads are often the slow ones. A well-cadenced stage—arriving mid-afternoon, parking the bike, walking the old town—beats a late arrival after pushing fatigue.

Mini-FAQ

Do I need a specific license to ride in France?

You need a valid motorcycle license recognized in France. For non-EU travelers, rules can depend on your country; check whether an International Driving Permit is required for your case.

What’s the best season for a motorcycle roadtrip in France?

Late spring and early autumn are often the sweet spots: comfortable temperatures, good daylight, and fewer crowds than midsummer—especially in Provence and the Alps.

Should I plan my route around highways?

Not if your goal is to experience France. Highways save time but flatten the journey. The secondary-road network is where France becomes tangible: landscapes, villages, food stops, and spontaneous encounters.