Massif Central & Rhone Alpes Motorcycle Tour 2023
Tour Overview
15 days / 14 nights from just €1499 per person
based on 2 people sharing a double room
what's included
This fabulous 15-day small-group hub tour ventures through South-West France, the Massif Central and the French Rhône Alpes.
You will stay at the beautiful Caday Rouge Chambre d’hôtes for seven nights and a further seven nights in quality hotels in the magical Massif Central and Rhône Alpes regions of France.
During this tour you will revel in the green valleys of the Lot, Dordogne, Célé and Vézère. You will visit historical landmarks, monuments and medieval chateaux whilst riding through the traffic-free roads of South-West France, enjoying its amazing green scenery. You will then ride east to the Rhône Alpes and Mont Blanc travelling through Causses du Quercy and Auvergne Natural Parks. We will continue through the Bauges, Chartreuse and Vercors Massifs, enjoying fabulous scenery and motorcycling. We then head west to the base of the Ardèch and the National Park of the Cevennes and Grands Causses.
This is the ultimate motorcycle touring experience giving you a delightful and memorable touring holiday you will never forget.
Book your place with the group and enjoy this unforgettable tour.
For those who don’t ride pillion, CRMT can offer a luxury support vehicle for the tour duration, please enquire.
skill level
Intermediate
Advanced
This escorted tour is suitable for proficient riders who can ride the distances stated in the itinerary. We will ride a maximum of 3,000 kilometres for the holiday duration. The tour riding days are good fun, very sociable and start at 9am to maximise your days’ tour enjoyment.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The tour starts and ends at Caday Rouge
- 14 nights superb accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis with private en-suite bathrooms
- Explore the south and south west of France including the Massif Central
- Escorted riding through the picturesque Nouvelle Aquitaine and Occitanie regions
- The ultimate chance to ride the south west, central and eastern regions of France
- Enjoy the Rhône Alpes and Vercors Regional Park
- Ride through the Ardèche and Cévennes natural parks
- Explore the beautiful green valleys of the Lot, Dordogne, Célé and Vézère
- Visit Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Rocamadour and Domme
- Visit historic Castles and Chateaux
- Luxury support vehicle option for your luggage and pillion or non-riders
- Service of a professional tour escort and 24-hour support and advice
- A fabulous workshop and motorcycle washing facilities
- Garage parking for your motorcycle whilst at Caday Rouge
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Saturday
Arrive and check in at Caday Rouge, settle in, relax and socialise by the pool and meet your new companions before dinner.
Day 2 – Sunday
This is the start of your touring adventure, and we head east towards Le-Puy-en-Velay, riding through the beautiful Regional Natural Parks of Volcans d’Auvergne and Livradois-Forez. Some fabulous riding to enjoy before checking-in at our hotel near Le Puy – 330 kms
Day 3 – Monday
We continue east to the amazing alpine town of Annecy riding through the Pilat Natural Regional Park before arriving at our hotel where we will stay for the next three nights. This is a great chance to see Lake Annecy flowing into Le Thiou river. This beautiful city is famous for its old town and cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-coloured houses and is perfect for this extended stay – 250 kms
Day 4 – Tuesday
A relaxing start as we prepare to experience a fabulous ride to Passy and Combloux which are a stone’s throw from the iconic Chamonix-Mont Blanc. This will be a fantastic, but demanding, riding experience for you to enjoy before we return to Annecy for our second overnight stay – 200 kms
Day 5 – Wednesday
After breakfast we saddle up and head southeast through the Massif des Bauges Natural Regional Park towards Beaufort, a commune in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. We will find the perfect spot for lunch surrounded by scenic and breath-taking views before returning to Annecy for our third and final overnight stay – 200 kms
Day 6 – Thursday
Another fabulous day riding. We leave Annecy, and head towards Aix-les-Bains and into the Vercors Massif for our first of two overnight stays in the beautiful commune of Villard-de-Lans in the Isère department – 150 kms
Day 7 – Friday
A well-deserved rest day and a great chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful town of Villard-de-Lans and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. A truly spectacular part of France to enjoy. We will enjoy a great sociable evening in the centre village with fabulous French cuisine before returning to the hotel – 0 kms
Day 8 – Saturday
We will start the day early and head southwest through the Vercors Massif to the beautiful town of Meyrueis, a commune in the Lozère department in southern France. It will be an enjoyable but demanding ride as we explore the magnificent Natural Regional Parks of the Ardeche and Cevennes – 350 kms
Day 9 – Sunday
Another enjoyable early start as we ride through the Cevennes and the magnificent Tarn & Jonte gorges heading to the amazing Viaduct of Millau, the tallest bridge at 343 metres, higher than the Eiffel Tower! After lunch we will head back to Caday Rouge for a relaxing evening – 300 kms
Day 10 – Monday
Today our tour takes us to the stunning villages of Tournon d’Agenais and Penne d’Agenais. We head South towards Agen and then onto Beauville, Montjoi, Lauzerte, Montcuq, Bélaye and then onto Château de Bonaguil, a magnificent 13th century fortified castle – 200 kms
Day 11 – Tuesday
An optional rest day and a chance to relax by our private pool. Or a ride out to the beautiful Château de Campagne in the Dordogne. Our scenic route will take us to the amazing and historic Abbey of Cadouin for lunch. We will then ride south to the famous bastide of Monpazier, then onto Chateau de Biron for a visit of this remarkable historic monument, before returning to Caday Rouge via the Chateau de Gavaudun – 140 kms
Day 12 – Wednesday
We continue your touring adventure as we travel into the Dordogne Valley to the beautiful bastide and fortified medieval town of Domme. We will visit the Abbey Nouvelle and a magnificent viewing tower with breath-taking views of the surrounding area. After lunch, we enjoy a tour of the historic Château de Beynac or the fun museum ‘La Rue du Temps qui Passe’ before returning to Caday Rouge – 200 kms
Day 13 – Thursday
Today we head east deep into the beautiful Lot Valley visiting Cahors, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Cajarc. We will stop at the 14th century Pont Valentré then onto Cajarc for lunch by the River Lot. We then head north into the Célé Valley visiting Marcilhac-sur-Célé and Cabrerets for some of the most scenic riding this region has to offer, before our return to Caday Rouge – 240 km
Day 14 – Friday
After breakfast we head to the medieval town of Pujols and then onto Monbahus and Lauzun before visiting the 16th century Renaissance Château de Monbazillac, which has been a listed historic monument since 1941. We will lunch in Issigeac before returning to Caday Rouge via the bastides of Villereal and Monflanquin and the commune of Montagnac-sur-Lède – 190 kms
DAY 15 – Saturday
Farewell and bon voyage, we are sure you have had a fantastic holiday and we would love to see you back here again for another tour.
CRMT can change the itinerary to suit seasonal opening times as required.
CRMT cannot be held responsible for any government Covid restrictions implemented during your stay.
AVAILABLE TOURS:
START DATES for 2023
All tours start on a Saturday:
March – 18th – fully booked
October – 14th, 28th
Additional 2023 dates may be available, please enquire.
2024 Pre-bookings available. Please enquire for more information.
Minimum 3 riders for the tour to proceed. Support vehicle option available.
Vercors Massif 2020
Here's some video footage taken on this tour in 2019
1 rider
Private double room
- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider
- your
motorcycle
1 rider
Private double room
- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider
- 1 CRMT Hired Motorcycle
1 rider
1 pillion
Private double room - Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider & 1 pillion
- your
motorcycle
2 riders
Private double room
- Bed and Breakfast
- 2 riders
- your
motorcycles
1 rider
1 pillion
Private double room - Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider & 1 pillion
- 1 CRMT Hired Motorcycle
2 riders
Private double room
- Bed and Breakfast
- 2 riders
- 2 CRMT Hired Motorcycles
*Half-board package available whilst at Caday Rouge. Please enquire for details.
*Half-board package: Includes breakfast and evening meal only. Drinks are not included.
1 rider
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider
- your motorcycle
1 rider
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider
- 1 CRMT Hired Motorcycle
1 rider, 1 pillion
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider & 1 pillion
- your motorcycle
2 riders
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 2 riders
- your motorcycles
1 rider, 1 pillion
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider & 1 pillion
- 1 CRMT Hired Motorcycle
2 riders
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 2 riders
- 2 CRMT Hired Motorcycles
*Half-board package available whilst at Caday Rouge. Please enquire for details.
*Half-board package: Includes breakfast and evening meal only. Drinks are not included.
WE ACCEPT PAYMENTS VIA CREDIT CARD OR PAYPAL
(ONCE WE HAVE CONFIRMED YOUR BOOKING YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITH A LINK TO OUR PAYMENT SECTION)
ACCOMMODATION
This small group hub-tour includes seven nights accommodation at the beautiful Caday Rouge chambre d’hôtes. You will also stay seven nights at other superb quality hotels during the tour. Enjoy your first overnight stay near Le-Puy-en-Velay in the Regional Natural Park of Livradois-Forez. Then to the Rhône Alpes and the city of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department for the next three nights. We then head to Villard-de-Lans in the Isère department situated in the Vercors Massif for two nights allowing for our first rest day. Our final overnight stay will be in Meyrueis in the Cevennes National Park.
Your accommodation at Caday Rouge is a beautiful stone manor house with a 19thcentury Quercy stone cottage. All the newly renovated bedrooms are all en-suite with private bathrooms.
Group bookings also have the availability to use our three-bedroom luxury holiday cottage with three double bedrooms and sharing 2 bathrooms.
These beautiful buildings are set within two acres of well-maintained tranquil gardens nestling peacefully in the serene countryside on the banks of the River Lot. There are various terraces around the house, cottage and large swimming pool for outside dining and socialising during the summer season.
Relax and enjoy our private large saltwater swimming pool after a great days riding. The terraces are equipped with parasols, sun loungers and seating for your comfort, enjoyment and socialising, so all you need to do is order your cool beverage from our licenced bar and revel in the tranquillity Caday Rouge offers.
No pets are allowed
FOOD
Every tour day includes a delightful continental breakfast to get you started.
Whilst at Caday Rouge we offer wholesome daily picnic lunches. We will lunch at some beautiful and secret places of natural beauty throughout these regions which allows you more time to ride and explore!
Evening dining is available at Caday Rouge in our beautiful restaurant where we prepare and serve superb high-quality home-cooked meals. Weather permitting and during the summer months you may dine on one of our many terraces within the tranquil gardens of Caday Rouge. A great way to spend a lovely evening after a fabulous days riding.
Our bar is available to all guests for alcoholic beverages including wines, beers and soft drinks, all offered at a very reasonable price.
We can offer a half-board option which includes breakfast and evening meal throughout your tour. Please enquire.
We offer a minibus shuttle service using our luxury support vehicle taking you to local nearby villages if you prefer to dine elsewhere.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- 15 days escorted motorcycle tour in South West France, the Massif Central and the French Rhône Alpes
- 14 nights superb accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis with private en-suite bathrooms
- Use of private swimming pool and all facilities whilst at Caday Rouge
- Service of experienced escorts with vast local and regional knowledge
- Full 24-hour support and expert advice
- Garage parking for your motorcycle whilst at Caday Rouge
- One booking secures a tour. There is no minimum number required to proceed
Options Available
- All-inclusive motorcycle tours
- Fly ride holidays
- BMW & Honda motorcycle hire
- Luxury support vehicles to carry your luggage and for pillion or non-riders
- Local airport and train station transfers
- Evening transport to local towns and villages whilst at Caday Rouge
- Hire of motorcycle safety-wear
- Custom and bespoke tours for group bookings
- Indulge in other activities at Caday Rouge Adventure Holidays
- A fabulous workshop and motorcycle washing facilities
- Laundry service
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Fuel & parking
- Road tolls
- Ferry or flights
- Any entrance fees to attractions
- Meals other than breakfast
- Drinks
- Personal insurance
- Helmets and protective clothing (available to rent subject to availability)
- Anything that is not in ‘Included’
Confirmation of Booking
Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. Confirmation of your booking will be sent to you by email. The balance of the payment is to be paid 90 days before your tour begins.
CRMT’s commitment to you: If you book one of our tours, we guarantee the tour will proceed. There is no minimum number required for any CRMT tour to go ahead.
Return of deposit: If for any reason you have to cancel your confirmed booking with CRMT, we will endeavour to rebook your place within the group. If this is successful, we will refund all your money paid to date, less any incurred expenses. The tour will have to be fully booked for this to take effect.
COVID Travel Restrictions: If you are unable to attend your booked tour due to COVID Government travel restrictions, we can reschedule your tour at no extra cost, subject to availability.
CRMT has the right to cancel any tour due to only unforeseen circumstances. If this happens we will return all funds paid.
please note
Note 1
If you hire a motorcycle from CRMT it may only be used during the tour days and whilst with the group. Our motorcycles are not for private use.
Note 2
If you hire a motorcycle from CRMT, a €1000.00 Excess Damage Cash Deposit is required before any riding takes place. You must provide a copy of your passport, a valid Driving Licence and International Driving Permit with the correct endorsements. All original documents must be provided on arrival. If you hire a motorcycle from CRMT the mileage is included within the hire price.
Note 3
• Spoken Languages: English, French.
• The maximum number of people in the group is 10.
• The maximum number of bikes in the group is 8.
• No minimum number for the tour to proceed.
• Airport & train station transfers available.
Note 4
If you are using your own motorcycle and a breakdown occurs, CRMT can return your bike to Caday Rouge. CRMT may also be able to assist in repatriating your motorcycle to some regions of Europe. A pre-determined date and cost can be confirmed subject to CRMT’s free time and when their tour season allows them.
Note 5
If you ride a motorcycle in France, you are required to wear a safety helmet with reflective decals and you must wear protective gloves. If you hire a CRMT motorcycle, it is obligatory to fulfil these requirements and laws.
If you are interested in this tour, please enquire for full details of the itinerary.
