Bourgogne-Franche-Comté · France
High Day 2/3 228 km 3h 35m 5,619 m
Motorcycle routes through France with free GPX
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté · France
High Day 3/3 162 km 2h 35m 2,361 m
Centre-Val de Loire · France
Low Day 2/2 141 km 2h 35m 771 m
Hauts-de-France · France
Medium 227 km 3h 35m 2,539 m
Grand Est · France
Medium 213 km 3h 25m 2,258 m
Grand Est · France
Low 209 km 3h 20m 1,441 m
Pays de la Loire · France
Medium Day 1/2 154 km 2h 25m 1,056 m
Centre-Val de Loire · France
Medium 260 km 4h 5m 1,474 m
Hauts-de-France · France
Medium 491 km 6h 50m 4,452 m
Free GPX downloads with a free account
France starts just across the Belgian border, and it rides differently the moment you cross it: long quiet departmental roads, open country, villages with a bakery and a church, and hills that turn into proper curves in the French Ardennes and the Vosges.
Below are routes that start in France or ride a good stretch through it. Check them on the map and download the GPX free for your sat-nav.
The French Ardennes and the Meuse
South of the Belgian Ardennes the valleys continue into France. Roads follow the Meuse past Givet, Revin and Monthermé, with steep wooded banks and curves that keep coming. Many routes here start in Belgium and cross the border without you noticing.
Photo: FrDr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Northern France: Avesnois, Thiérache and the Opal Coast
Northern France is quieter than its reputation. The Avesnois and the Thiérache are green hedge country with small roads, and the Opal Coast adds cliffs and sea views between Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez.
Champagne, Verdun and the Vosges
Further south, routes cross the vineyards of Champagne, the memorials around Verdun and the climbs of the Vosges. They suit a long weekend, or the first days of a trip further south.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Before you ride in France
Rural roads without a separator are limited to 80 km/h, or 90 km/h where the department has raised the limit. Carry your documents, and check the current rules for the cities on your route before you leave.
Rather draw your own route?
Plan your own ride through the region with the free route planner. Click along the roads you want to ride, then export the GPX for your sat-nav with a free account.
Open the route planner
Routes are shared by riders themselves. Always ride carefully, follow the highway code and local rules. You ride at your own risk.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best regions for motorcycle riding in northern France?
The French Ardennes and the Meuse valley, the Avesnois and the Thiérache, and the Opal Coast are the regions our routes use most. The Vosges add real climbs further south.
Can I ride into France on a day trip from Belgium?
Yes. Many routes start in Belgium and ride a loop through the French Ardennes or Northern France before heading back.
Which French regions suit a long weekend or a multi-day trip?
The Vosges and Champagne suit a long weekend. Burgundy, the Loire and Normandy come up in our multi-day trips.
Can I download routes in France for free?
Yes. Public routes on Motarva download free of charge, with a free account.
Take your routes with you
The Motarva app for iPhone puts the whole route catalog in your pocket: browse routes, save your favorites and ride them from your phone. Free to download.
