Motorcycle Tours in France, Europe

The following are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If we haven’t answered your query please call or send an email.

1. Are the roads in South West France good for riding?
2. Do I need to speak French?
3. What standard of accommodation can I expect?
4. What documents do I need?
5. How do I get there?
6. Can you arrange airline reservations?
7. Do you arrange Airport transfers?
8. What is the best time of year to book one of your tours?
9. Are evening meals included in the cost of the tour?
10. How far do we ride each day?
11. How much riding experience do I need?
12. Do I have to stay with the Guide?
13. How much luggage can I bring?
14. What happens if I’m tired or don’t feel like riding?
15. What else do we do beside ride?
16. Are there any rest days?
17. How many riders will be in my group?
18. I would prefer to ride a different bike. Is that OK?
19. What if I damage the motorcycle. Are they insured?
20. What if my bike breaks down?
21. What should I bring?
22. What kind of information is available before the tour?

1. Are the roads in South West France good for riding?

With the same population as the Uk but a lot more space the roads are generally quieter. Road quality is generally very good and our routes combine the right mix of twisties, sweeping bends and straights

2. Do I need to speak French?

No. Members of our team speak French and most hotels we use speak good English

3. What standard of accommodation can I expect?

Our Standard package offers 2/3* standard accommodation offering in house restaurant and en suite facilities, whilst our deluxe package offers minimum 4* standard accommodation many with spa facilities and a high standard of French cuisine. Both Standard and Deluxe tours start and finish at Chateau D’Essendieras

4. What documents do I need?

Your Drivers license and Passport. Your credit card will be required to cover bike insurance excess. This is returned to you at the end of the tour providing the bike is not damaged.

5. How do I get there?

Please see our ‘How to get here’ page in the Useful Info section

6. Can you arrange airline reservations?

We do not book airline tickets for our customers as many prefer to use Air Miles or shop for competitive fares. For information on airlines go to our ‘How to get here’ page in the Useful Info section.

7. Do you arrange Airport transfers?

Yes, we pick you up and drop you back at the Airport if you have booked a guided or self guide tour.

8. What is the best time of year to book one of your tours?

Our tours run from April to September. We can’t guarantee the weather but the summer months are warm. The mountains of the Auvergne can be cool in spring and late summer.

9. Are evening meals included in the cost of the tour?

A la carte dining is included in the price at Chateau D’Essendieras on the first and last nights. For other nights you can eat in the hotel restaurant or we will provide suggestions and bookings at local restaurants depending on your tastes.

10. How far do we ride each day? 

Typically we ride between 150 miles and 200 miles/day. Remember, twisty roads can be tiring and the mileage in any day will reflect this. We also want to make sure you arrive at the hotel at a reasonable time in order to enjoy the facilities.

11. How much riding experience do I need?

You should be able to travel 150 to 200 miles on consecutive days.

12. Do I have to stay with the Guide?

No, you can travel at your own pace if you wish. Maps are provided and Satnav is available as an option

13. How much luggage can I bring?

A support vehicle accompanies the tour and guests can bring one large or two medium suitcases.

14. What happens if I’m tired or don’t feel like riding?

The support vehicle can comfortably accommodate non-riders.

15. What else do we do beside ride?

We provide information on other activities, including sightseeing and sites of special interest. Our chosen hotels also offer many activities.

16. Are there any rest days?

On the 5 Night Auvergne and 6 night Midi-Pyrenees tours riding is continuous with the exception of the first travel day where you are free to relax or participate in any activity on offer at Chateau D’essendieras. The 7 night tour includes a free day in Bordeaux.

17. How many riders will be in my group?

In order to provide the best level of personal service we limit the size of the groups to 10 motorcycles. Typical group size would be 6-8 riders.

18. I would prefer to ride a different bike. Is that OK?

Many of our customers request the BMW as it is ideally suited to the roads found on our tours. If you can, test drive one at your local BMW Dealer and see if you like it. We do understand that riders have motorcycle preferences. If you have a specific request let us know and we will see if we can accommodate your requirements.

19. What if I damage the motorcycle. Are they insured?

We provide motorcycle insurance, however you will be required to cover a excess in the event of damage to the bike.

20. What if my bike breaks down?

Mechanical failure is rare with the BMW. In the event of breakdown we will provide a replacement bike.

21. What should I bring?

Tours can travel through cool mountainous regions and warm valleys in the same day so suitable layered clothing together with waterproofs is advisable.

22. What kind of information is available before the tour?

Our information pack, including daily routes, sights, hotels and restaurants, will be with you at least two weeks prior to your tour.