Provence and the Riviera by motorcycle: Verdon, Ventoux and the Route Napoléon

The south of France has everything a rider looks for: sunshine for much of the year, mountain roads an hour from the sea and landscapes that change from valley to valley. These five routes can be ridden in a week from Nice or from Castellane, which sits in the middle of it all.

Gorges du Verdon

Europe’s largest canyon is the must-ride. The north rim, from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, has a viewpoint at every bend; if you have time, add the Route des Crêtes from La Palud.

Route Napoléon

The N85 between Grasse and Digne-les-Bains is probably the best road for fast bends in France: excellent tarmac, good visibility and little traffic outside July and August. It runs through Castellane, so it combines well with the Verdon.

Mont Ventoux

The “giant of Provence” can be seen from miles away. The climb from Bédoin goes from forest to white stone up to the observatory at 1,909 m. Watch out for the wind at the top and for the many cyclists.

Col de Turini

Above Nice, the Monte Carlo Rally pass is a string of narrow hairpins through the forest. Technical and great fun, an hour from the coast.

The Riviera corniches

For a gentler day, the corniches between Nice and Menton pass Èze and La Turbie, overlooking Monaco and the Mediterranean. Leave early to beat the traffic.

When to go

• Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) are the best seasons: pleasant temperatures and less traffic.
• The lavender blooms from late June to mid-July on the Valensole plateau, near the Verdon.
• The Ventoux summit road is usually closed from mid-November to April.
• In July and August the Verdon and coast roads fill up with campervans: start early.