5-Day French Alps Motorcycle Tour from the Riviera: Alpine Passes

You ride the same passes the Tour de France climbs, on roads built for the curves.

A 5-day motorcycle tour from the Riviera through the French Alps to Lake Geneva and back, riding legendary mountain passes, charming villages and some of Europe's highest paved roads. The route is designed by local riders and includes dinner each night. You arrange your own motorcycle and gear, and fuel is your cost. A guide leads in English, French or German.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: French and Italian Alps

• Visit national park with wildlife
• Lunch in mountain agriturismo in Italy
• Dinner at ski resort in Italy
• Overnight in chalet near Sestriere

Day 2: Ride around the Mont Blanc

• Ride spectacular mountain pass with glaciers
• Lunch in Aosta valley in Italy
• Overnight in hotel near Chamonix

Day 3: Reaching the Lake Geneva

• Visit starting point of Route des Grandes Alpes

Day 4: Experience epic Tour de France passes

• Ride most spectacular mountain pass

Day 5: Return via highest paved road

• Ride highest road in Europe

The experience

The ride starts at the Mediterranean and climbs into the Alps, crossing into Italy around Mont Blanc before turning back toward Lake Geneva. Each day follows a carefully routed path through the high passes that define Alpine riding: the kind of road where every switchback has a name and a history. You'll pass through ski resort towns like Sestriere and Chamonix, staying overnight in mountain chalets and hotels built for the altitude.

The five days are structured around the passes themselves, not around distance or time. Day one takes you into the Italian Alps and a national park; day two circles Mont Blanc with its glaciers and exposed views; day three reaches Lake Geneva at the official start of the Route des Grandes Alpes; day four tackles the Tour de France passes; day five brings you back down through Europe's highest paved road. Dinner is included each night, so the logistics of eating are handled once you're settled.

You'll need to arrange a motorcycle before you go (rental is not included), and bring or rent your own helmet, gloves, jacket and pants. Fuel is your expense. The guide speaks English, French or German and rides with the group. The minimum age is 18, and you'll need a valid motorcycle license.

What’s included

• Dinner each evening.
• overnight accommodations in mountain chalets and hotels.
• a live guide in English, French or German.
• a route through the French and Italian Alps designed by experienced local riders.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 19 Jun 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 22 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by RPM Riviera

Is this one for you?The ride demands a moderate level of physical fitness and comfort on a motorcycle for five consecutive days. The mountain roads are technical and the altitude is real, so this suits experienced riders who want challenging passes, not casual touring.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

What are the highest passes on this 5-day route?

The tour includes the most spectacular mountain passes of the French Alps and Europe's highest paved road. Day four focuses on the epic passes of the Tour de France, and day five brings you back down through that highest paved road in Europe.

Do I need to bring my own motorcycle or can I rent one?

Motorcycle rental is not included in the tour price, so you'll need to arrange and rent a motorcycle before departure or bring your own. You're also responsible for arranging your own helmet, gloves, jacket and pants.

What's included in the overnight stays?

Dinner is included each night. You'll stay in a cosy chalet near Sestriere on the first night and a cosy hotel near Chamonix on the second. Accommodations for the remaining nights are arranged as part of the tour.

How much does fuel cost on the 5-day tour?

Gasoline and petrol for your motorcycle are not included in the tour price and are your own expense.