MOTORCYCLE ROAD TRIP FROM THE ALPILLES TO THE VERDON, LUBERON & PROVENCE
Three gems of Provence in one exceptional tour for riders
Newsletter
THE TOUR AT A GLANCE
Next departure: Friday 26 March 2027 to Friday 2 April 2027. Start: near Nîmes — Finish: near the Lac de Sainte-Croix. Registration documents and booking are in French: if you need help, email us at monkeyprorider@gmail.com.
8 DAYS
Accommodation and meals included
APPROX. 1,250 KM
Back roads only
190 TO 280 KM
Per riding stage
1 DAY OFF
Rest or free time
FROM 8 PEOPLE
Guaranteed departure, in a small group
FROM 300 CC
With sufficient riding experience
INCLUDED
Professional guide, all accommodation, breakfasts, lunches (restaurants or picnics) and dinners
€1,280
1 rider + 1 motorcycle. Membership card required.
NEXT DEPARTURES
Friday 26 March 2027 to Friday 2 April 2027
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Departure is guaranteed from 8 participants
You can book this destination privately with an existing group (friends, club, dealership...). A quotation is then issued according to the number of participants
Start : near Nîmes
Bonus: We always meet on the evening before the first riding day, so everyone has time to arrive without stress. The tour price therefore includes this first night, a chance to get to know each other.
Finish : near the Lac de Sainte-Croix
Extra bonus: We part on the last day of the tour after breakfast. The tour price therefore includes a final night, so everyone can ride home calmly and well rested during the day.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOUR
Choosing us means opting for a turnkey motorcycle tour, an adventure led by a professional guide, carefully selected routes, quality accommodation, a friendly small-group atmosphere and the certainty of an authentic experience on the finest roads. Whether you ride an adventure bike, roadster, tourer or custom, our tours are designed to combine riding pleasure, discovery and safety.
Approx. 1,250 KM
Professional guide
from 300 cc with experience
Departure from 8 people
Pillion passengers welcome,
1 seat available behind the guide
All accommodation included
Breakfasts included
Lunches included (restaurants or picnics)
Dinners included
NO. OF DAYS
Experienced professional guide
All our tours are led by a qualified professional guide who knows the routes, the panoramic roads and the finest sites inside out. You ride with complete confidence while enjoying the best routes.
Accommodation and meals included
For maximum comfort, all the accommodation and meals in the programme are included in your tour. All you have to do is enjoy the road and the scenery.
Passengers welcome
Our tours are open to riders and passengers alike. Whether you travel alone or two-up, you get the same welcome and the same support.
A seat available behind the guide
A seat is always available behind the guide throughout the tour for a passenger travelling without their own rider. (Except OFF-ROAD tours)
Open from 300 cc
Our tours are open to all motorcycles from 300 cc, subject to sufficient riding experience. Safety and a well-matched group come first.
Small groups for a better experience
Departures are guaranteed from 8 participants. We deliberately keep groups small to ensure a friendly atmosphere, a suitable pace and personal support.
Tailor-made formulas for a VIP group
Like this tour, or interested in another destination? Contact us: we can organise your trip and guide you to the destination of your choice. Exclusive VIP formula for existing groups of 5 people or more. Contact us for a study of the destination, possible dates and a personalised quotation.
We are #ROULEURS – riders at heart. The #MONKEYPRORIDER tour concept is all about riding, bends and scenery. We make very few visits to castles, museums or heritage sites... Make sure you can ride about 250 to 300 km a day, several days in a row. Back roads only. Our pace and riding method allow most riders to take part, but too low a riding level could hold the group back and make it difficult to finish the stages in a reasonable time.
NOT INCLUDED
Fuel
Souvenirs
Personal expenses
Tolls and parking
Travel to/from the start
So that you can keep a precise control of your budget, the following are not included in the tour price:
The motorcycle and consumables
Fuel.
Extra costs such as parking and tolls.
Personal expenses.
Souvenirs.
Travel costs to reach the starting point or return home.
Any service, activity or option not expressly mentioned in the tour description.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY
SERGE R. ★★★★★ - Google review - 3 June 2026 -
Great atmosphere, beautiful roads, lovely accommodation and great food too – hard to beat 🧐😇. The Monkey tours are top, top 👍👍 (translated from French)
ALAIN P. ★★★★★ - Google review - 3 June 2026 -
I have taken part in Sunday rides, done 2 three-day trips and 1 one-week tour. Every time everything went well: a good atmosphere, friendliness and the joy of riding all together, safely. Don't hesitate, come along, you won't be disappointed. (translated from French)
MICHEL B. ★★★★★ - Google review - 10 September 2025 -
A first for me with Monkeyprorider: I rode the Route des Grandes Alpes in August and can only congratulate the organisation – a superb job on the routes, the accommodation and a great atmosphere, and above all a maestro, Thierry, as our guide. A superb experience and surely one of my best trips. (translated from French)
ANDRÉ M. ★★★★★ - Google review - 12 August 2025 -
A great group with fabulous organisation, whether for Sunday rides, weekend rides or even tours.
I've just ridden the RGA, the Route des Grandes Alpes. With a small group, a great atmosphere and good company. Our organiser and guide Thierry did flawless work. Everything was perfect. Don't hesitate to go on these tours. You can't be disappointed.
I'm going again as soon as I can. (translated from French)
KARINE B. ★★★★★ - Google review - 18 May 2025 -
Our small group of riders from different backgrounds rode in unison. We all made progress.
We discovered wonderful landscapes, and the organisation was top-notch. Rooms, meals, picnics... We were spoilt by the weather and enjoyed local dishes. Top for me!! (translated from French)
JEAN L. ★★★★★ - Google review - 16 October 2025 -
WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR SPECIAL
Everyone at their own pace, with the "drop-off" system
Routes for riders: bends come first
The #MONKEYPRORIDER atmosphere
Small groups
Riding tips
Our tours for riders are designed to offer an authentic, friendly experience suited to all levels. Everyone can ride at their own pace, without pressure, while enjoying the guide's support and exchanges with the other participants. Throughout the route, everyone shares their experience, riding tips and passion for motorcycles, creating a real group dynamic. We only run small groups to ensure a warm atmosphere, better cohesion and more flexibility on the road. This friendliness is part of the #MONKEYPRORIDER DNA and contributes to the recognised, much-appreciated atmosphere of our motorcycle road trips. Whether you are an experienced rider or a traveller looking for new adventures, you will find a human experience as rich as the landscapes you ride through.
PROGRAMME OF THE PROVENCE MOTORCYCLE TOUR
DAY 1 - 0 KM - WELCOME AND BRIEFING
We meet in the late afternoon at the first accommodation. A chance to get to know each other over a friendly dinner and to hold a briefing on the week ahead
DAY 2 - APPROX. 190 KM - ALPILLES AND LUBERON
This first riding day takes us across the little Alpilles massif: small but famous, with beautiful and surprising scenery. Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence… We then head for the Luberon, just as small and charming. We pass near Apt and climb back up to ride a few passes.
DAY 3 - APPROX. 260 KM - MONT VENTOUX, NESQUE, VALENSOLE
Heading for Malaucène to tackle Mont Ventoux from the north side, then the descent takes us straight to the Nesque gorges. We pass near Manosque and then cross the Valensole plateau, ending the day south of the Lac de Sainte-Croix.
DAY 4 - APPROX. 250 KM - LAC DE SAINTE-CROIX AND ARTUBY
Today we ride along the Lac de Sainte-Croix, then go round the south of the massif to reach the gorges via the Artuby bridge. A great ride along a ridge road with huge views in the second part of the day.
DAY 5 - 0 KM - REST DAY
Rest day… it's the holidays. No riding planned, but the guide will give you some great spots to visit or iconic hiking places. The most tired can laze on the beaches of the Lac de Sainte-Croix.
DAY 6 - APPROX. 230 KM - VALENSOLE AND ROUTE DES CRÊTES
We climb to the Valensole plateau, then turn off at La Palud-sur-Verdon to ride the Route des Crêtes. A few stops at magnificent viewpoints let us enjoy the sight of the vultures reintroduced in the area. Then on to the Lac de Castillon and back through the beautiful French countryside.
DAY 7 - APPROX. 280 KM - DALUIS GORGES AND ENTREVAUX
Today we go off the beaten track, with a great detour to the Daluis gorges and their 19 tunnels carved into the red rock. A detour to Entrevaux, a Vauban fortress, and back along the ridges because you can never get enough of them. The biggest stage of the week.
DAY 8 - 0 KM - END OF THE TOUR
We have breakfast and say goodbye. It's already over. Other adventures will bring us together again.
Depending on the season, hotel availability or the number of people registered (and their riding level), some constraints may require the guide to change the routes and/or overnight stops. The guide alone decides what is needed to keep to the timing, make the most of the planned stops and ensure the overall comfort of the group. These changes cannot be disputed.
TOUR VIDEOS… Coming soon
WHY CHOOSE THIS GUIDED MOTORCYCLE TOUR IN FRANCE?
Our motorcycle road trips are designed to offer an authentic, friendly travel experience suited to all levels. Everyone can ride at their own pace, without pressure, while enjoying the guide's support and exchanges with the other participants. Throughout the route, everyone shares their experience, riding tips and passion for motorcycles, creating a real group dynamic. We only run small groups to ensure a warm atmosphere, better cohesion and more flexibility on the road. This friendliness is part of the #MONKEYPRORIDER DNA and contributes to the recognised, much-appreciated atmosphere of our motorcycle road trips. Whether you are an experienced rider or a traveller looking for new adventures, you will find a human experience as rich as the landscapes you ride through.
PAYMENT METHODS
Bank transfer. Download the registration form and send it back to us. Our bank details are on the last page of the document.
RECOMMENDED
By card – secure remote payment. Download the registration form and contact us so we can prepare the payment link.
By cheque (French bank accounts). Download the registration form and send it back to us with your cheque(s).
CANCELLATION / REPATRIATION OPTION: #MONKEYPRORIDER recommends that you take out additional cover with a specialist provider such as Allianz Travel, AXA Assistance or Europ Assistance (non-exhaustive list, check online).
RECOMMENDED FOR REMOTE CARD PAYMENT: check with your bank. Some card packages include cancellation and repatriation cover.
All the terms of the travel contract are in the TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE (in French)
HOW MUCH DOES THIS MOTORCYCLE ROAD TRIP FROM THE ALPILLES TO THE VERDON COST?*
YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION BEFORE THE TOUR STARTS***
1 rider** + 1 motorcycle: €1,280
1 couple, 1 motorcycle** (-8%): €2,355
1 couple, 2 motorcycles** (-8%): €2,355
Passenger alone: €1,280
Payment in instalments possible. Balance due 30 days before departure
*The contribution to costs is used to pay service providers, hotels, restaurants, the guide's costs and fee, and all expenses related to the tour. Depending on the costs incurred, a balance may remain with the association, helping to fund its treasury, carry out projects and/or cover its fixed costs. The association is non-profit and makes no profit. **Solo riders share twin, triple or quadruple rooms depending on the accommodation. Couples have a double bed. Some special accommodation (mountain huts, ferry…) provides single beds and/or shared rooms for everyone. ***Tours are open to members only.
REGISTER FOR THE TOUR – GET THE REGISTRATION FORM
HOW TO FILL IN THE REGISTRATION FORM (IN FRENCH):
Fill in every page without exception. Tick all the necessary boxes. Initial each page. The date and signature are required at the end of the form. All pages must be returned. Any incomplete form and/or missing page will make the registration invalid.
For instalment payments, write down the amounts paid each month, as well as the deposit in the corresponding month. This registration form serves as the travel contract. Need help with the form in French? Email us at monkeyprorider@gmail.com.
PREPARING YOUR MOTORCYCLE TOUR FROM THE ALPILLES TO THE VERDON: THE GUIDE'S TIPS
The Alpilles, the Luberon, lavender fields and the Verdon gorges: this motorcycle road trip in Provence strings together sunny little roads. Here is our guide's advice to make the most of it. It complements the briefing your qualified guide gives every morning before setting off.
Riding in the Provençal heat
In summer, Provence heats up quickly. Drink at every break, choose ventilated gear and make the most of early starts to ride in the cool.
Read the gorge roads
Around the Verdon, bends follow one another with low walls and gravel. Look towards the exit of the bend, keep a moderate entry speed and leave room for oncoming vehicles.
Deal with tourist traffic
Motorhomes, cyclists and cars stopping for a photo: on tourist roads, anticipate and only overtake when visibility is perfect.
GO FURTHER
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Prepare well (articles in French): read our articles on reading a mountain road on a motorcycle, 12 rules for group riding and how to prepare a multi-day motorcycle trip.
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Gain confidence before the tour: our advanced road riding course works on vision, lines and braking on the road.
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Get a feel for the atmosphere before you go: join an association ride from Montpellier, Nîmes or Béziers, then join the #MONKEYPRORIDER association (in French).
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Other destinations: also discover the Vercors-Verdon motorcycle road trip, the Route des Grandes Alpes by motorcycle or all our guided motorcycle tours in France and Europe.
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Who is your guide? Meet Thierry Troadec and the #MONKEYPRORIDER team.
PROVENCE AND VERDON MOTORCYCLE ROAD TRIP: YOUR QUESTIONS
What level do I need for this motorcycle tour from the Alpilles to the Verdon?
You need to be able to ride about 250 to 300 km a day, several days in a row, exclusively on back roads. The tour is open from 300 cc, with sufficient riding experience. To arrive confident, our advanced riding course is excellent preparation.
How many kilometres, and where does the tour start?
The route covers about 1,250 km. Start: near Nîmes, finish: near the Lac de Sainte-Croix. We meet on the evening before the first riding day, so you can arrive without stress and get to know each other.
Can I bring a passenger?
Yes, passengers are welcome. There is even a seat behind the guide for a passenger travelling without their own rider.
Do I need to be a member of the association?
Yes. Tours are open to members only: membership of the #MONKEYPRORIDER association is required before departure. You can get your membership card online (in French).
What is included in the price?
All accommodation, breakfasts, lunches (restaurants or picnics) and dinners are included. Fuel, tolls, parking, personal expenses and travel to the starting point are at your own expense.
When is the next departure?
The next departure is scheduled from Friday 26 March 2027 to Friday 2 April 2027. Departure is guaranteed from 8 participants.
How many kilometres do we ride each day?
The riding stages range from 190 to 280 km, exclusively on back roads. The programme includes a rest day, with no riding required.
How much does the tour cost and how do I pay?
The contribution is €1,280 for 1 rider + 1 motorcycle, €2,355 for 1 couple on 1 motorcycle, €2,355 for 1 couple on 2 motorcycles and €1,280 for a passenger alone. Payment is by bank transfer, remote card payment or cheque. Payment in instalments is possible; the balance is due 30 days before departure.
Can the programme change?
Yes. Depending on the season, hotel availability, the number of participants and their riding level, the guide may adapt the routes or overnight stops to keep to the timing and ensure the group's comfort.
More info on more tours? GAZZZZS .......
Prepare your motorcycle road trip well
Before setting off on this tour, take a few minutes to read our advice (in French): how to prepare a multi-day motorcycle trip and 15 mistakes riders make before a big road trip. Not sure whether to travel alone or with a group? Our article travelling alone or choosing an organised group tour helps you make the right choice.
Want to feel more at ease on winding roads before you go? Discover our advanced road riding course, on your own motorcycle, and find all our destinations on the guided motorcycle tours page.