The best motorcycle roads in France
The short answer
France's best motorcycle roads are the Route des Grandes Alpes from Lake Geneva to Menton (about 700 km over passes including the Col de l'Iseran, 2,764 m, and the Galibier), the Route Napoléon (N85) from the Côte d'Azur to Grenoble, the Gorges du Verdon, and the Col de Turini above Monaco. The high passes are usually open from June to October.
France has everything: the highest passes in the Alps, canyons, coast roads and quiet country roads with perfect tarmac.
At a glance
| Road | Region | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Route des Grandes Alpes | Thonon-les-Bains to Menton | About 700 km, 16+ passes |
| Route Napoléon (N85) | Golfe-Juan to Grenoble | Fast sweepers, about 325 km |
| Gorges du Verdon | Provence | Canyon roads, lavender in July |
| Col de Turini | Alpes-Maritimes | Monte Carlo Rally hairpins |
| Cime de la Bonette | Alpes-Maritimes | Highest paved road loop in the Alps |
Route des Grandes Alpes
The classic: from Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva to Menton on the Mediterranean, roughly 700 km over the high passes of the French Alps. Highlights include the Col de l'Iseran (2,764 m), the Galibier (2,642 m) and the Izoard, with its moonscape of scree near the top.
Most riders take four to six days, stopping in Val d'Isère, Briançon and Barcelonnette.
Route Napoléon (N85)
The road Napoleon took from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble in 1815 is now one of France's best motorcycle roads: fast, flowing sweepers through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, with Castellane, Digne and Sisteron along the way.
Gorges du Verdon
One of Europe's largest canyons. The Route des Crêtes on the north side loops along the rim with viewpoints straight down to the river. Combine it with the south side road and Lac de Sainte-Croix. In July, the lavender fields of Valensole are nearby.
Col de Turini
Famous from the Monte Carlo Rally, the Turini climbs through tight hairpins and forest in the hills north of Nice and Monaco. Combine it with the Col de Braus and Sospel for a half-day loop from Nice.
Cime de la Bonette
A loop around the summit of the Bonette reaches about 2,802 m, often called the highest paved road in Europe. Ride it from Jausiers to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée.
Good to know
- Motorcycle riders in France must carry a reflective vest and wear CE-approved gloves.
- Lane filtering rules have changed several times. Check the current rules before riding.
Season
The highest passes, like the Iseran and Bonette, usually open in June and close in October. The Route Napoléon, Verdon and Turini ride from spring to late autumn.
Questions riders ask
How long does the Route des Grandes Alpes take on a motorcycle?
Most riders take four to six days for the roughly 700 km from Lake Geneva to Menton.
What is the highest road in France?
The loop around the Cime de la Bonette, at about 2,802 m. The highest pass is the Col de l'Iseran at 2,764 m.
When is the Route des Grandes Alpes fully open?
Usually from mid-June to mid-October, when the Iseran and Galibier are clear of snow.