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Motorcycle hire in France: how it works in 2026
Planning a trip to France and want to ride? Motorcycle hire in France has changed a lot in recent years: no physical agency, no cash deposits, no opening hours. You book online in a few minutes, pick up the bike near a train station or airport, and ride. The shift accelerated with the arrival of self-service rental, which parks the bikes as close as possible to travelers. In this guide we cover what really matters in 2026: the prices you can expect, the licence and deposit rules for visitors, the available formats, and the best cities to hire from.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle?
Prices depend mostly on three factors: engine size, rental length and season. To give you concrete numbers, at Good Motors a 125 like the Yamaha XSR 125 starts at €45/24h; a versatile A2 bike such as the Honda NX500 sits around €68/24h; and a big adventure tourer like the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin or the NT 1100 is around €97/24h. These are “from” prices, depending on duration of your rental.
Two levers strongly affect the final bill. First, duration: the longer you hire, the lower the daily rate - a multi-day rental works out far cheaper per day than a one-day round trip. Then, season: sunny spring and summer weekends are the most in demand, so booking early secures both the bike and the price. Live prices and availability are always shown on our catalogue.
Licence, age and deposit: what visiting riders need
The requirements come down to three points, and nothing more. First, a licence matching the engine size: an A2 or A for mid-size and large bikes, an A1 for a 125. Then a minimum age: hire generally starts at 18 on small bikes, a little higher on the big machines. Finally a deposit, a sum simply held on your card for the duration of the rental and released on return if the bike comes back in good condition - never charged.
Riders with a foreign licence recognised in France can rent - visitors from the EU/EEA and many other countries are eligible (with an International Driving Permit if the licence is not in French). And remember: you ride on the right in France. See our rental agreement and insurance pages.
Short-term, long-term or one-way hire
There isn't a single way to hire: the right format depends on your plan. Here is how to choose without hesitation.
- Short-term (1–7 days): ideal for a weekend, a road trip, or trying a bike before a possible purchase. The most flexible option.
- Long-term: designed for riders who want a bike for several weeks without buying - a temporary move, a work assignment, a long stay. The daily rate is noticeably softer.
- One-way: pick up in one city and drop off in another. Perfect for a true point-to-point tour, with no need to backtrack.
Where to pick up: Paris, Nice and the French Riviera
Good Motors operates in many cities, including Paris, Nice, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux, with pickup near stations and airports for travellers. The self-service model really shines when you travel: our bikes are parked as close as possible to TGV stations and airports, so you can step off the train and ride out straight away, with no detour to an agency. You book online before leaving, and the bike is waiting on arrival.
Best roads to ride in France
France is a rider's paradise, with a density of great roads that is hard to match in Europe, most of it within an hour of our pickup points. A few classics to whet your appetite: the Route Napoléon between Provence and the Alps, the Route des Grandes Alpes and its legendary passes, the Verdon Gorges and their clifftop Route des Crêtes, or the hills behind Nice with their hairpins up to Peille and the Col de Turini. The best approach is to hire close to your starting point, then link up the passes at your own pace.
For detailed itineraries, with GPS tracks and good addresses, take a look at Good Roads, our free guide to the finest riding routes in France.
FAQ
Can I hire with a foreign licence? Yes, under conditions - a valid licence recognised in France is required (with an International Driving Permit if it is not written in French). We cover it all in our guide for foreign visitors.
What is the minimum age? Generally 18 on small bikes, a little higher on the big machines. The licence matching the engine size is always required.
Is a deposit required? Yes, a refundable deposit is held during the rental and released when the bike is returned in good condition. It is a card hold, not a payment.
How do I book? Online in minutes from the catalogue, with real-time availability and self-service pickup.
