Natural Wonders Tour

Join the clan as it migrates South in search of vast natural spaces & experience genuine motorcycle freedom on the way.

What's included ?
Included

Transportation from/to Paris (high-speed train and private bus shuttle)

All overnight stays in hand-picked boutique hotels and comfortable B&Bs (12 nights)

All breakfasts (12)

Three dinners and two lunches

Luggage transportation

Late model motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage & GPS

Fuel

Third-party liability insurance

Vehicle insurance

An experienced English & French speaking tour guide on a motorcycle

Support vehicle for roadside comfort during breaks and technical assistance

All parking fees, entrance fees and activities

The Totem Moto Tours Welcome Pack, including a detailed roadbook and the clan’s apparel

Not Included

Travel insurance & travel cancellation insurance (see Totem Moto Tours’ advice regarding travel insurance here)

All or part of the deductible fee in case of motorcycle damage

Transportation from/to your country of origin to/from Paris

The meals not listed as included

The riding gear (see Totem Moto Tours advises as to what to pack)

All personal expenses and all the expenses not mentioned as included

Tour specs
Tour specs
Maximum group size
x 5 bikes x 10 people + crew
Route difficulty

With an average of 140 miles and around 5 hours on the bike per day, the Natural Wonders tour goes at an intermediate pace. In the morning, the start time can be set as early as 8:30 am. The roads of the itinerary are paved all the way but can be quite sinuous and somewhat narrow at times in the mountainous areas.

Comfort

In terms of accommodations, we only select premium 3* or 4* boutique hotels & authentic, comfortable Bed & Breakfasts. For the best riding experience possible, our support vehicle will carry your luggage, which will be available to you at every break during the day.

Cultural immersion

The Natural Wonders tour has a clear focus on gorgeous landscapes and motorcycle-perfect scenic drives, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get acquainted with the locals during the many visits and activities included in the tour.

Scenery

Be ready to ride through some of the most majestic and preserved natural areas of France. Gorges? Canyons? Mountain passes? Volcanoes? All of the above, and then some. Don’t forget to pack a bunch of spare memory cards for your camera — or rolls of film, for the purists.

Duration
11 riding days
Distance
1500 miles
Distance
2500 km
Solo Rider Price

Price for one rider, including motorcycle rental, accommodation, fuel, activities, and everything specified in the What's included tab. Prices include tax.

9,610 US$
Solo Rider Price

Price for one rider, including motorcycle rental, accommodation, fuel, activities, and everything specified in the What's included tab. Prices include tax.

8 145 €
Passenger Price

Price for one pillion passenger, including accommodation, activities, and everything specified in the What's included tab. Prices include tax.

2,025 US$
Passenger Price

Price for one pillion passenger, including accommodation, activities, and everything specified in the What's included tab. Prices include tax.

1 715 €

Natural Wonders Tour is an homage to Mother Nature’s work,
an awe-inspiring contemplative roam.

Description

In harmony with the clan, reconnect with a nomadic lifestyle and hunt for panoramic treasures and endless horizon. Hold on to your handlebars as you enter deep, magnificent canyons and ascend the extinct volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys.

As a scout, you’ll have to find your way through the contorted gorges of the Tarn and Verdon and seek refuge in the untouched mountain villages of Mercantour.

After climbing rocky outcrops and riding in the shade of centennial forests, you can cool off in the pristine, crystal-clear lakes of Sainte-Croix and Serre-Ponçon. And when you’re ready, gather all your courage and confront the mighty Alps.

Highlights

Canyons, gorges & mountain passes

Rivers, lakes and caves

Provence and the foothills of the Alps

Volcanoes of central France

Totem Moto Tours Signature Activities

Natural Wonders Tour day-per-day

Day 0

Arrival in the Loire Valley

Hop in the TGV (high-speed train) and travel from Paris, where you landed, to the city of Tours, right in the center of the Loire Valley. From the train station, a private bus shuttle will take you to a memorable first night accommodation. Take some time to settle in and meet the rest of the clan at the welcome dinner.

The city of Amboise on the Loire river, France.
Day 1

Chasing the Creuse river

Get familiar with your bike heading south towards the medieval stronghold and historic city of Loches. Discover one of France’s most preserved lands by following the forgotten Creuse river across the Brenne natural park, and take in the Valley of Painters’ color palette, a major inspiration to the impressionists.

The Valley of Painters, France.
Day 2

Climbing volcanoes

Get some lean angle on the twisty roads of the confidentiel Gorges de la Sioule and witness the change of scenery as the clan approaches the highland region of the Massif Central. Climb the Puy de Dôme volcano, a 4,777-feet high lava dome, and at its summit, gaze at one of France’s prettiest panoramas. Finish off the day relaxing in Mont-Dore, an elegant winter sports base and spa resort.

The Chaîne des Puys, France.
Day 3

Lakes, dams, and gorges

Warm up your tires on your way to the remarkable Pavin lake, a hidden crater enclosed by a crown of pine trees. From the highest road pass in the Massif Central, a short hike to the top of Puy Mary will whet your appetite and reward you with a stunning view of the Cantal area. After lunch, follow the beautiful Lot gorges and discover its secluded villages and best-kept secrets.

Beautiful Lac Pavin in Massif Central, France.
Day 4

Landmarks and hidden gems of Aveyron

Take a leap of faith and ride on the breathtaking 1,104-feet high Millau Viaduct, the highest bridge in the world. Explore the narrow flower-lined cobblestone streets of a troglodyte village and contemplate the many imaginary skylines of the Cité de Pierre, a geological formation overlooking the Dourbie gorges.

The Viaduct of Millau, France.
Day 5

The Tarn valley gorges

The clan needs a rest. You can either take part in the Totem Poker Run, our exclusive scavenger hunt, scouting the area and discovering the local landmarks at your own pace. Or take it easy and enjoy the wonderful landscapes and scenic viewpoints of the Tarn valley gorges at your convenience.

The curvy roads of the Tarn gorges, France.
Day 6

The 1,000-turns stage

Leave the Tarn behind you and reach the authentic region of Ardèche in the morning. Observe the griffon vultures circling above you as you enter the Chassezac gorges and stop for lunch in the shade of chestnut trees in lively Les Vans. Gaze at the large natural Pont d’Arc bridge and, if you’re up for it, hurtle down the Ardèche gorges all the way to the Rhône river.

The impressive Ardèche gorges, France.
Day 7

Mesmerizing Provence

From the antique city of Vaison-la-Romaine, start climbing the Provence Giant, the 6,273-feet high, famous-amongst-bikers Mont Ventoux. From its summit, enjoy stunning panoramic vistas, then let the bike slide downhill towards the rolling lavender fields. Explore a former ocher extraction site in the Luberon and ride in a tight pack through the quiet hilltop villages and picturesque farms of the little-known Forcalquier region.

The summit of Mont Ventoux, the giant of Provence.
Day 8

Wonderful French Grand Canyon

Watching the turquoise Verdon River snake along the bottom of the dramatic ravine from the top of its plunging cliffs as high as 2,300 feet is unforgettable. Take some time to regroup in beautiful Castellane then follow the winding Galange stream to the red rocks and hand-dug tunnels of the Daluis gorges.

The Verdon gorges, the French Grand Canyon.
Day 9

Taking on the Alps

Keep on gaining altitude as you cross the Mercantour National Park on your way to the 8,907-feet high Bonette pass, the highest paved through route in the Alps. After a break in charming Barcelonnette, take a quick dip in the refreshing water of the gorgeous Serre-Ponçon lake, and have a look at its colossal 400-feet high earth dam.

The Cime de la Bonnette, the Alps, France.
Day 10

The spectacular roads of the Vercors

Face the rugged cliffs of the Natural Park of Vercors and climb the switchbacks of the Rousset pass to reach the scenic Vernaisson valley road. Get a two-wheel thrill in the narrow Bourne gorges and ride across lush alpine forests on the plateaus. Exit the Vercors via the dramatic Combe Laval formation and reach the Rhône river at Valence, our stop for the night.

The scenic road of Combe Laval, Vercors.
Day 11

Hidden charms of Ardèche & Haute-Loire

From Valence, take on the Massif Central once more on the winding valley road crossing the Vivarais mountains. In Le Puy-en-Velay, spend some time strolling through the steep, narrow streets leading to the cathedral. You will arrive in the dynamic and thriving city of Lyon in the afternoon, just in time to share the apéritif and a lively dinner in a traditional bouchon lyonnais.

Le Puy-en-Velay, France.
Day 12

Back to Paris

It’s time for the clan to split and for every brave to pursue his own quest. A comfortable TGV takes you back to Paris or straight to the airport, depending on your travel plans.

Time to say goodbye.

Activities included
in this tour

Volcano climbing
Geographic landmarks exploring
Boat ride
Wine & cheese tasting
Totem moto tours poker run
Season 2023
  • Available
  • Few places left
  • Sold out