Best of Southern France & Provence
Never-ending voyages through mosaics of history, art, food & wine… Joie de vivre in the south of France will leave us mesmerized for a long time.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Provence-the light prized by Impressionist painters; the lush flora and greenery which made the area the perfume capital of the world; the herbal fragrances which have influenced generations of chefs; the twisty lanes through tranquil villages.
Almost every destination is a two-night stop giving our riders the option to sip espresso, tour perfumeries, and explore art galleries, or to ride suggested day trips—or both. This is the first of our Motorcycle Vacation tours (6 REST DAYS), giving riders more down time for sight seeing, while leaving open the option for even more riding on those days.
Provence is our primary focus, starting in Nice, once the summer home of European elites along the seaside Promenade of the Cote d'Azure. We’ll visit Roman ruins, pamper ourselves with local cuisines and wines, look deep into the Verdon Canyon, stroll Luberon through villages, go vertical in Vercors, let Aix and Avignon charm us....We’ll also ride west of Provence to the ancient volcanic region of Massif Central.
Provence is everything you could want Europe to be. Join us for joie de vivre on two wheels in the south of France!
Tour overview
Road description
The whole tour runs on asphalt.
Highlights
Riding Provence, Gorge du Verdon, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Carcassonne, Luberon villages, Vercors, Pont du Gard, Millau Viaduct, Grasse
Countries:
France
Route
Mileage: 2.000 - 2.800 km (1.200 - 1.700 miles)
Mileage: 200 - 300 km (125 - 190 miles)
Tour starts / ends
Nice, France
Rest days
6; Avignon (2x), Aix-en-Provence, Sainte Enimie, Carcassonne, Embrun
Accommodation
Comfortable, very nice hotels, mostly 4****
Day by day
Previous
Next
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Arrival to Nice
Welcome to Nice and the Côte d’Azur.
We will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Before our 4 pm introductory briefing at the hotel, head to Promenade des Anglais and stroll on one of the most famous waterfronts in the world. Soak in the Mediterranean scent and marvel at the “La Belle Époque” heritage. Palm-lined avenues are home to grand villas and old hotels built at the end of the 19th century, a period of great political and social progress of French Society.
Nice - Aix-en-Provence
We start the day by following the Route of Napoleon with sweeping bends and altitude changes, which make this a spectacular ride. The center of the perfume industry since the 18th century, Grasse can awaken all your senses. The route continues via the amazing Grand Canyon du Verdon, akin to Arizona's Grand Canyon, deep, wild and beautiful. Scattered vineyards, olive plantations and lavender fields around us provide poetic scenery as we ride all the way to Aix. Staying in the center of the town will reveal all the hustle and bustle of Provence’s capital.
Rest day in Aix-en-Provence
Bustling and charming Aix-en-Provence (or simply, Aix) is our host for the day. And what a city it is! Nowhere else will you find a better display of l'art de vivre. Chic boulevards and tiny quaint streets filled with shops and cafes. Have an espresso on Cours Mirabeau, head to Ateliere Cézanne, the artist’s last studio, visit museums, pose on promenades and join the smartly dressed Aixois on their quest for a good life. Unlike other major sights in France, Aix does not have any ruin or major cathedral to offer. The town is a sight on its own!
Aix-en-Provence - Vercors
Heading north, we leave Aix and cruise through Luberon National Park to get a glimpse of charming villages like Gordes or Roussillion. Next, we ride over the Provence’s mightiest peak, Mont Ventoux, described by some as the hardest of all the Tour de France climbs. Good riding takes us all the way to Vercors Massif, also known as “The Fortress” or “The French Dolomites”. A group of limestone plateaus surrounded by 1000ft limestone cliffs holds one of the most interesting “balcony roads” in these parts of the world.
Vercors - Le Puy-enVelay
First thing in the morning, the road D76 is on the schedule! This tunneled, cliff-hanging road along the Combe Laval Canyon inspires with Alpine beauty and majestic panoramic views of Vercors. Our afternoon ride takes us across the river Rhone and west towards the Central Massif area. We spend the night in the dramatic and breathtaking town of Le Puy-en-Velay.
Le Puy-en-Velay - Cévennes NP
Today we head to Cévennes National Park, home to fun winding roads, forested landscapes, rivers and canyons. This is one of France’s most spectacular landscapes! Our destination is Meyrueis, a small medieval village, nestled between Mont Aigoual and Gorges de la Jonte.
Rest day in Cévennes NP
No churches nor olive gardens around? No problem! We came here for another reason—a much-welcomed off day. However, superb roads and ideal scenery are everywhere you turn, for those who want to stay in the saddle.
Cévennes NP - Carcassonne
We follow the river Tarn towards Millau and see the remarkable modern viaduct—the tallest in the world. It was built by the English architect Sir Norman Foster and French structural engineer Dr.Michel Virlogeux. Impressive sight indeed! Later in the day we reach Carcassonne, a magnificent fortified town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rest day in Carcassonne
A day for exploring the outstanding medieval fortified town of Carcassonne, built on a formation of rocks. It has been there for over two millennia and is today an attractive tourist town to visit. We’ll tour the impressive defense architecture with a 3 km long wall and 52 towers protecting the inner town, keeping La Cité safe and sound from outside invaders. Well, today mostly from the weather.
Carcassonne - Avignon
Our tour turns back east to Provence. The destination for the day is well known to everyone; it is Avignon. There will be great riding for the first half of the day, followed by some motorway to take us to Nimes. The mighty Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard is conveniently located for us to visit, just before entering the almighty Avignon.
Rest day in Avignon
Plunge into the town, for it has a lot to offer! Avignon was once even more important than Rome. In the 14th century, for nearly 70 years, the Pope’s seat was here. From 1309 to 1377, seven successive popes resided in Avignon. The grandest sight, the Palais des Papes, awaits you. The ancient cobbled streets, and the leafy squares with cafes invite you.
Rest day in Avignon
Jump in the saddle and ride out to explore Gordes or L’isle Sur le Sorge and nearby Luberon. Head south to Camargue National Park to catch a glimpse of flamingos in their ascent from the ground, and stop in famous Arles on the way back. For some Roman inspiration, the best preserved Roman theatre in the world lies in Orange. Or stay in Avignon and relax, it indeed is a great place to spend the day.
Avignon - Embrun
We leave inner Provence, heading northeast. It's all about the captivating scenery, sitting beneath the mountains of the Hautes Alpes and the northern edge of the Alpes de Haute Provence, overlooking the blue Serre-Ponçon Lake - a perfect stop for the day! In Embrun, we settle in for a one of a kind accommodation.
Rest day in Embrun
Absorb the serenity of your accommodation and your kind hosts here in Embrun, truly one of the most amazing places. Riding out is inviting as you can ride north to Briançon, another gem among French fortified towns. The fortress was built in the late 17th century by the foremost military engineer Vauban. Weather permitting, you can ride the beautiful road over Col d'Izoard mountain pass on your way back.
Embrun - Nice
We’ll start our way back to Nice for our final dinner and closing of the tour. The area still has good roads laid down for us, so keep your focus. The route grinds through the Lower Alps and Provence with nice curvy parts and over some lower mountains almost all the way to the coast.
Departure from Nice
Departure from Nice. All good things come to an end. With new experiences and memories, we'll say goodbye to our new friends and riders, wishing everyone a safe journey in their future endeavors with high hopes of meeting again.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival to Nice
Welcome to Nice and the Côte d’Azur.
We will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Before our 4 pm introductory briefing at the hotel, head to Promenade des Anglais and stroll on one of the most famous waterfronts in the world. Soak in the Mediterranean scent and marvel at the “La Belle Époque” heritage. Palm-lined avenues are home to grand villas and old hotels built at the end of the 19th century, a period of great political and social progress of French Society.
Day 2: Nice - Aix-en-Provence
We start the day by following the Route of Napoleon with sweeping bends and altitude changes, which make this a spectacular ride. The center of the perfume industry since the 18th century, Grasse can awaken all your senses. The route continues via the amazing Grand Canyon du Verdon, akin to Arizona's Grand Canyon, deep, wild and beautiful. Scattered vineyards, olive plantations and lavender fields around us provide poetic scenery as we ride all the way to Aix. Staying in the center of the town will reveal all the hustle and bustle of Provence’s capital.
Day 3: Rest day in Aix-en-Provence
Bustling and charming Aix-en-Provence (or simply, Aix) is our host for the day. And what a city it is! Nowhere else will you find a better display of l'art de vivre. Chic boulevards and tiny quaint streets filled with shops and cafes. Have an espresso on Cours Mirabeau, head to Ateliere Cézanne, the artist’s last studio, visit museums, pose on promenades and join the smartly dressed Aixois on their quest for a good life. Unlike other major sights in France, Aix does not have any ruin or major cathedral to offer. The town is a sight on its own!
Day 4: Aix-en-Provence - Vercors
Heading north, we leave Aix and cruise through Luberon National Park to get a glimpse of charming villages like Gordes or Roussillion. Next, we ride over the Provence’s mightiest peak, Mont Ventoux, described by some as the hardest of all the Tour de France climbs. Good riding takes us all the way to Vercors Massif, also known as “The Fortress” or “The French Dolomites”. A group of limestone plateaus surrounded by 1000ft limestone cliffs holds one of the most interesting “balcony roads” in these parts of the world.
Day 5: Vercors - Le Puy-enVelay
First thing in the morning, the road D76 is on the schedule! This tunneled, cliff-hanging road along the Combe Laval Canyon inspires with Alpine beauty and majestic panoramic views of Vercors. Our afternoon ride takes us across the river Rhone and west towards the Central Massif area. We spend the night in the dramatic and breathtaking town of Le Puy-en-Velay.
Day 6: Le Puy-en-Velay - Cévennes NP
Today we head to Cévennes National Park, home to fun winding roads, forested landscapes, rivers and canyons. This is one of France’s most spectacular landscapes! Our destination is Meyrueis, a small medieval village, nestled between Mont Aigoual and Gorges de la Jonte.
Day 7: Rest day in Cévennes NP
No churches nor olive gardens around? No problem! We came here for another reason—a much-welcomed off day. However, superb roads and ideal scenery are everywhere you turn, for those who want to stay in the saddle.
Day 8: Cévennes NP - Carcassonne
We follow the river Tarn towards Millau and see the remarkable modern viaduct—the tallest in the world. It was built by the English architect Sir Norman Foster and French structural engineer Dr.Michel Virlogeux. Impressive sight indeed! Later in the day we reach Carcassonne, a magnificent fortified town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 9: Rest day in Carcassonne
A day for exploring the outstanding medieval fortified town of Carcassonne, built on a formation of rocks. It has been there for over two millennia and is today an attractive tourist town to visit. We’ll tour the impressive defense architecture with a 3 km long wall and 52 towers protecting the inner town, keeping La Cité safe and sound from outside invaders. Well, today mostly from the weather.
Day 10: Carcassonne - Avignon
Our tour turns back east to Provence. The destination for the day is well known to everyone; it is Avignon. There will be great riding for the first half of the day, followed by some motorway to take us to Nimes. The mighty Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard is conveniently located for us to visit, just before entering the almighty Avignon.
Day 11: Rest day in Avignon
Plunge into the town, for it has a lot to offer! Avignon was once even more important than Rome. In the 14th century, for nearly 70 years, the Pope’s seat was here. From 1309 to 1377, seven successive popes resided in Avignon. The grandest sight, the Palais des Papes, awaits you. The ancient cobbled streets, and the leafy squares with cafes invite you.
Day 12: Rest day in Avignon
Jump in the saddle and ride out to explore Gordes or L’isle Sur le Sorge and nearby Luberon. Head south to Camargue National Park to catch a glimpse of flamingos in their ascent from the ground, and stop in famous Arles on the way back. For some Roman inspiration, the best preserved Roman theatre in the world lies in Orange. Or stay in Avignon and relax, it indeed is a great place to spend the day.
Day 13: Avignon - Embrun
We leave inner Provence, heading northeast. It's all about the captivating scenery, sitting beneath the mountains of the Hautes Alpes and the northern edge of the Alpes de Haute Provence, overlooking the blue Serre-Ponçon Lake - a perfect stop for the day! In Embrun, we settle in for a one of a kind accommodation.
Day 14: Rest day in Embrun
Absorb the serenity of your accommodation and your kind hosts here in Embrun, truly one of the most amazing places. Riding out is inviting as you can ride north to Briançon, another gem among French fortified towns. The fortress was built in the late 17th century by the foremost military engineer Vauban. Weather permitting, you can ride the beautiful road over Col d'Izoard mountain pass on your way back.
Day 15: Embrun - Nice
We’ll start our way back to Nice for our final dinner and closing of the tour. The area still has good roads laid down for us, so keep your focus. The route grinds through the Lower Alps and Provence with nice curvy parts and over some lower mountains almost all the way to the coast.
Day 16: Departure from Nice
Departure from Nice. All good things come to an end. With new experiences and memories, we'll say goodbye to our new friends and riders, wishing everyone a safe journey in their future endeavors with high hopes of meeting again.
Pricing
| Motorcycle | 2024 Price for the RIDER * Based on sharing a double / twin room |
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7.370 € |
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7.720 € |
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8.060 € |
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8.710 € |
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9.030 € |
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9.990 € |
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| Your own motorcycle | 6.190 € |
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| Passenger | 5.620 € |
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1.150 € |
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Book a single room with your tour. |
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7.50 % |
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Purchasing trip cancellation insurance allows customers to receive a refund for a tour when a customer must cancel a tour for reasons covered by this insurance. Trip cancellation insurance costs 7,5% of the total listed price of the tour, including supplements like motorcycle upgrades, single room requests, and passenger costs. |
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350 € |
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VIP & Super VIP Insurance For a fixed cost of 25 EUR per day VIP Insurance lowers your security deposit for the motorcycle, while Super VIP Insurance reduces your security deposit to zero (0 EUR) and costs 40 EUR per day. VIP and Super VIP Insurances are available on all our tours and rentals of 7 days or more. Riders must have at least 2 years of riding experiences and must be at least 25 or less than 75 years old to obtain VIP or Super VIP Insurance. Riders with less than 2 years of riding experiences are responsible for full motorcycle value. See the chart below:
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560 € |
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VIP & Super VIP InsuranceFor a fixed cost of 25 EUR per day VIP Insurance lowers your security deposit for the motorcycle, while Super VIP Insurance reduces your security deposit to zero (0 EUR) and costs 40 EUR per day. VIP and Super VIP Insurances are available on all our tours and rentals of 7 days or more. Riders must have at least 2 years of riding experiences and must be at least 25 or less than 75 years old to obtain VIP or Super VIP Insurance. Riders with less than 2 years of riding experiences are responsible for full motorcycle value. See the chart below:
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Best of Southern France & Provence includes:
- Late model motorcycle with lockable hard luggage and tank bags plus a Third party liability insurance and Comprehensive vehicle insurance.
- Experienced guide on a motorcycle.
- Support van for luggage, souvenirs, and 1 or 2 passengers.
- 15 nights accommodation in quality, mostly 4**** hotels.
- 15 breakfasts in the hotel.
- 9 dinners, mostly in traditional local restaurants.
- Airport transfers up to 5 days prior to the tour start, on the last day of the tour and one day after the tour.
- All maps with marked routes for the region being toured.
- Extensive tour booklet.
- GPS with all the routes uploaded.
Not included in the price:
Air ticket, dinners on rest days, most lunches, drinks, gasoline, tolls, personal spending, tips.
Tour Cancellation Insurance: more information HERE.
* 2025 prices will be set in October 2024. If the increase compared to the 2024 prices is more than 5%, you can cancel the tour without a fee until Oct 31, 2024.
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