The French Alps offer some of the most spectacular and demanding motorcycle riding in all of Europe. Towering col passes, hairpin switchbacks above the treeline, mountain villages clinging to cliffsides, and valleys so dramatic they feel unreal — this region is a rider’s paradise. Whether you have a single weekend or a full week to spare, the Alps reward every type of rider: touring enthusiasts, sport bike lovers, and adventure riders alike. In this guide, we cover the five best scenic weekend routes in the French Alps, with practical tips for making the most of each journey.
Route 1 — Route des Grandes Alpes: The Classic Alpine Experience
Distance: ~700 km (full route from Thonon-les-Bains to Nice)
Best weekend section: Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Briançon (~180 km)
The Route des Grandes Alpes is to motorcycle touring what the Grand Tour was to 18th-century aristocrats — the defining journey. This legendary route crosses 16 mountain passes from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, climbing above 2,000 metres at multiple points. The Col du Mont Cenis, Col de l’Iseran (the highest paved pass in the Alps at 2,770 m), and the Col du Galibier are among the unmissable highlights.
For a weekend ride, the Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Briançon section packs in the most dramatic passes per kilometre. Stay overnight in Briançon — a UNESCO World Heritage fortified city at 1,326 m altitude. Morning light on the surrounding peaks is extraordinary. Ensure your bike’s cooling system is in good shape — check out our [best coolant products for summer riding 2026] before tackling high-altitude runs.
Route 2 — Col du Galibier Loop: The Cyclist’s Col, Reclaimed by Moto
Distance: ~150 km loop from Valloire
Best time: June to September
The Col du Galibier at 2,645 m is one of the most iconic Alpine climbs. The approach from Valloire on the north side is a relentless sequence of perfectly paved switchbacks with enormous views across the Ecrins massif. The south descent into Briancon drops through the Col du Lautaret — a wider, faster road but equally beautiful.
This loop is achievable in a day but deserves a weekend so you can linger at the summit, explore the area’s side roads, and perhaps throw in the Col du Télégraphe on the way back. The road surface is generally excellent. Watch for cyclists and tour buses, particularly in July during the Tour de France period.
Route 3 — Gorges de la Vésubie to Col de la Bonette
Distance: ~200 km round trip from Nice
Best time: Late June to October
The Col de la Bonette (with its cime loop at 2,802 m) claims the title of highest paved road in the Alps. The approach through the Gorges de la Vésubie adds dramatic canyon riding before the road rises above the treeline and into a moonscape of exposed rock and sweeping 360-degree views. The final kilometres to the summit are often windy — dress in layers and make sure your [helmet fits securely].
This route sits within striking distance of the [solo coastal ride from Marseille to Nice], making it an ideal combination for a three or four-day trip.
Route 4 — The Route Napoléon (N85): History and Hairpins
Distance: ~325 km from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble
Best weekend section: Gap to Grenoble (~130 km)
Napoléon Bonaparte marched this route in 1815 on his return from exile on Elba. Today, the N85 is a classic moto route through Provence and into the Pre-Alps — less extreme than the high-altitude cols but offering a beautiful mix of lavender fields, gorges, and forested switchbacks. The section north of Gap through Lus-la-Croix-Haute and Monestier-de-Clermont is particularly rewarding. Excellent surface, strong café culture along the route, and stunning Durance valley views.
Route 5 — Col d’Izoard: A Hidden Classic
Distance: ~100 km loop from Briançon
Best time: June to October
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, the Col d’Izoard (2,360 m) is arguably the most beautiful pass in the entire French Alps. The north approach from Briançon climbs through stone forests and tiny mountain villages before emerging into the extraordinary Casse Déserte — a lunar landscape of eroded rock towers and scree at the summit. The south descent to Château-Queyras is equally dramatic and far less trafficked.
Before any long Alpine ride, ensure your bike is properly serviced — read our [brake pad inspection guide] and [how to change engine oil at home] to ride with full confidence.
Practical Tips for Alpine Riding
- Always check pass opening dates — many Alpine cols close due to snow until late May or early June
- Fuel up in larger towns; some mountain areas have very limited service stations
- Mountain weather can change rapidly — always carry waterproof gear
- Carry enough [moto camping equipment] if you plan to stay flexible overnight
- Respect livestock crossings — cattle on the road are common and unpredictable on higher passes
