Motorcycle Tour of the Gorges of France + the Alpes-Maritimes
This Gorges + Alpes-Maritimes route is one of those experiences that define what it means to travel by motorcycle in the spirit of Soul Riders: true freedom, roads that demand your full attention and reward every turn, and a constant connection between rider, machine, and landscape. This isn’t just a connecting route; it’s a journey built around the idea of riding without haste, traversing the Mediterranean coast, the most iconic gorges of southern France, and the heart of the Alps. Each day is designed to combine pure riding with moments of rest, scenery, and group camaraderie—which is where the true essence of the trip really comes to life.
Soul Riders sees the motorcycle as a way to discover the territory from within, not from a distance. That’s why this route blends the Mediterranean, canyons, Alpine passes, and historic villages into a natural progression that gains intensity as the days go by. From the light of the Costa Brava to the rugged peaks of the Alpes-Maritimes, the journey weaves a narrative of transformation: each stage adds character, scenery, and shared experiences.
Itinerary for the Motorcycle Tour of the Gorges and the Alps
Stages of the Motorcycle Tour through the Gorges and the Alps
Stage 0. Arrival in Barcelona
Rider check-in, registration, and general briefing. First meeting with the group, explanation of the route, and mental preparation for the trip. The starting point marks the beginning of a shared experience where community is just as important as the ride itself.
Stage 1. Barcelona – Cadaqués
Departure for the Costa Brava, arriving in Cadaqués. Gentle curves, open sea, and the first taste of riding in a group. The Mediterranean accompanies us all day long until we reach one of the most iconic towns on the Catalan coast.
Stage 2. Cadaqués – Gorges de l’Hérault
Entering France through Roussillon to the Gorges de l’Hérault. The landscape shifts from the Mediterranean coast to an increasingly rocky and mountainous interior, with more technical and winding roads. A transitional day where the character of the French mid-mountain terrain begins to make itself felt, with more demanding routes and an increasingly wild setting.
Stage 3. Hérault Gorges - Avignon
A day of travel to Avignon. Smooth-flowing roads, Provençal countryside, and arrival in a historic city with a strong cultural and medieval character.
Stage 4. Avignon (Day Off)
An active rest day. Time to explore the city, recharge, perform motorcycle maintenance, and build team spirit.
Stage 5. Avignon – Verdon Regional Nature Park
We enter one of the trip’s most spectacular natural settings: the Verdon Regional Nature Park. The roads grow increasingly winding, with canyons and the first glimpses of vast landscapes.
Stage 6. Gorges du Verdon
A day devoted entirely to the Gorges du Verdon. Short but intense stretches, featuring lookouts, natural viewing platforms, and one of the most spectacular roads in Europe.
Stage 7. Verdon – Tende
A gradual climb through the Alpes-Maritimes region to Tende. A dramatic change of scenery, with mountain passes and more challenging roads.
Stage 8. Tende – Ponte Marmor
Enter Italy through less-traveled Alpine regions. Experience wilder landscapes and a sense of pure exploration on authentic mountain roads.
Stage 9. Ponte Marmora – Briançon
Arrival in Briançon, one of the highest fortified towns in Europe. High-altitude Alpine stretches and a distinct high-mountain atmosphere.
Stage 10. Briançon – Valloria
The descent into Italy takes you through small valleys and historic villages such as Valloria, known for its artistic character and rural setting.
Stage 11. Valloria – Isola 2000
Back up into the Alps to Isola 2000. A day of pure mountain riding, with constant changes in pace and altitude taking center stage.
Stage 12. Isola 2000 – Gap
Descent toward Gap. Fast valley roads combined with moderate climbs, transitioning into more open terrain.
Stage 13. Gap – Orange
Entering Provence on the way to Orange. The landscape shifts to flatlands, vineyards, and more leisurely roads.
Stage 14. Orange – Tarn
A long day’s drive to the Tarn region. Greener landscapes, less traffic, and a transition into canyon country.
Stage 15. Tarn Gorges
A full day in the Gorges du Tarn. One of the most spectacular stretches of the trip, with roads nestled between rock walls and the river.
Stage 16. Tarn – Carcassonne
Arrival in Carcassonne. A journey into pure history, with the famous medieval citadel as the highlight of the day.
Stage 17. Carcassonne – Andorra
Entering the Pyrenees on the way to Andorra. A shift in pace toward mountain terrain, with mountain passes and technical roads.
Stage 18. Andorra
A rest day in the Pyrenees. Shopping, maintenance, and preparation for the final leg. Farewell dinner for the trip.
Stage 19. Andorra – Barcelona
Final return to Barcelona. The journey comes full circle, with the feeling of having traversed three distinct worlds: the coast, the Alps, and the Pyrenees, all united by the same Soul Riders philosophy.
Price
Pilot: €10,000 Co-pilot: €7,000
Duration
20 days | 19 nights
Total distance
3,500 km (approx.)
Travel time
70 h
Accommodation
Single rooms
Included
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Motorcycle Rental
- Single room at select hotels
- Roadbook and guide
- Assistance along the route
- Basic insurance
- Soul Riders Experience
Not included
- Flights
- Fuel
- Tolls
- Personal Expenses
- Unspecified beverages
- Meals not specified
- Personal equipment
Important
- Maximum of 8 riders | 14 seats (for accompanying guests)
- Accessible level
- Balanced stages
- Frequently Asked Questions
Sign up for the European Alps Tour
The Soul Riders Transalpina is one of the most comprehensive experiences on the calendar. A motorcycle tour through the Alps designed for those who aren’t just looking to travel, but to experience the high mountains at their finest, in keeping with the philosophy of Slow Riding.
With limited spots and a long-distance tour format, this route is designed for experienced riders who want to embark on a long, challenging, and deeply rewarding journey.