Claire Dufour - Travel writer & trail bike enthusiast

The most beautiful mountain bike routes in France

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Curves, altitude and fresh air: France is a paradise for bikers in search of mountain roads.

From the Alps to the Pyrenees, via the Massif Central and Corsica, the landscapes change, but the emotion remains the same: that of a perfect turn between heaven and earth.
With Good Motors, you can rent your motorcycle in several major cities (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Bordeaux...) and join these mythical roads in total freedom.

🔗 Discover all our departure cities on goodmotors.agency


1. The Great Alps Route

It's the absolute benchmark.
From Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, this 720 km crossing links Thonon-les-Bains to Menton, via Europe's highest passes: Galibier, Iseran, Vars, Bonette...
Ideal for a Honda Africa Twin 2025 or a Transalp, with its perfect torque for altitude.
🔗Renting a motorcycle in Lyon is the ideal starting point.


2. Cévennes and Mont Aigoual

Wild scenery, winding roads, deep gorges and breathtaking panoramas.
Between Florac, Valleraugue and Meyrueis, the twists and turns never tire.
🔗Renting a motorcycle in Montpellier is the ideal starting point.


3. Col de la Bonette (Southern Alps)

At 2802 metres, it's the highest road in Europe.
A mythical climb, between Jausiers and Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, with lunar landscapes and perfect tarmac.
Departure recommended from Nice or Marseille.


4. Central Pyrenees

Between Biarritz and Toulouse, the roads that cross the Aubisque or Tourmalet passes are made for lovers of pure riding.
💬 "It's an open-air playground" as the regulars of the Sud-Ouest road trip say.
🔗Booking a motorcycle in Toulouse gives you direct access.


5. Auvergne volcanoes

A lesser-known region, but a magical place to ride: quiet roads, gentle curves, and lunar landscapes around the Puy de Dôme and Lac Chambon.
Ideal for testing a lightweight, robust Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.


6. Southern Pre-Alps

From Sisteron to Castellane, the route winds its way through lavender fields and steep gorges.
A perfect itinerary for a relaxing weekend with a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
Accessible from Marseille Saint-Charles.


7. Gorges du Verdon

France's "Grand Canyon".
The crest roads and sublime corniche offer breathtaking views of Lac de Sainte-Croix.
A flagship itinerary departing from Nice.


8. The Vosges mountains

Less well known, but still a great way to spend a sporty weekend.
Fast passes, greenery and very little traffic.
To be explored with a Honda NX500 or Interceptor 650.


9. Jura

Winding roads, fir trees, turquoise lakes and total peace and quiet.
The Jura is the "zen" mountain, ideal for relaxed riding.
Departure recommended from Lyon.


10. Corsica, a biker's paradise

Mountains plunging into the sea, balcony roads, endless curves: Corsica remains a motorcycle dream.
Departure by ferry from Marseille or Nice.
You can rent your motorcycle on the mainland with Good Motors and embark directly.


Our tips for a successful mountain road trip

  • Check your equipment before setting off (gloves, helmet, warm clothing even in summer).
  • Keep your stages short: 200 to 250 km a day is enough.
  • Avoid passes at the end of the day (risk of humidity + fatigue).
  • And above all: enjoy. There's nothing like sunrise on the Galibier.



Why choose Good Motors for a mountain road trip?

✅ 24/7 self-service
✅ Insurance and assistance included
✅ Recent and well-maintained motorcycles
✅ Departure from 10 major French cities
✅ One Way option to return the motorcycle in another city

🔗Book now on goodmotors.agency

Photo credit :

Good Motors

Article written by :
Claire Dufour - Travel writer & trail bike enthusiast

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