Join the clan as it migrates South in search of vast natural spaces & experience genuine motorcycle freedom on the way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Price for one rider, including motorcycle rental, accommodation, fuel, activities, and everything specified in the What's included tab. Prices include tax.
Price for one rider, including motorcycle rental, accommodation, fuel, activities, and everything specified in the What's included tab. Prices include tax.
Price for one pillion passenger, including accommodation, activities, and everything specified in the What's included tab. Prices include tax.
Price for one pillion passenger, including accommodation, activities, and everything specified in the What's included tab. Prices include tax.
Natural Wonders Tour is an homage to Mother Nature’s work,
an awe-inspiring contemplative roam.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Activities included
in this tour
Natural Wonders Tour
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