The PACA region is a wonderful territory for motorcycle enthusiasts. A multitude of itineraries seem to be tailor-made to enjoy varied landscapes and exceptional beauty. Whether you take the classic routes or try to enhance the adventure with a little off-piste, there is plenty to enjoy in the one that is undoubtedly the sunniest territory in France. After having properly equipped yourself with clothes, helmet, motorcycle gloves and after having identified the best routes, it is time to set off to conquer the south of France!
The most beautiful roads in PACA for motorcycle riding
The PACA region displays landscapes that are often hilly, ideal when you want to spend your holidays on a motorcycle. They are an opportunity to travel up and down roads that, at the bend of a bend, reveal unforgettable panoramas, emblematic of a territory known for its landscape diversity. In the centre, there is a succession of hills and plateaus with a tendency towards limestone, in the north and east of the high mountain ranges and finally, in the coastal areas, Provençal plains whose rocky cliffs plunge into the sublime Mediterranean Sea.
By motorcycle, you can take the legendary Napoleon Route, which along the way takes you through medium mountain landscapes with many lakes, before stopping in picturesque villages such as Digne-les-Bains, Thorame or Sisteron, all of which have a rich historical heritage and are surrounded by an attractive natural setting. And what about the Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe, which offers spectacular views from the Mescla balcony and the Rancoumas lookout.
In the heart of the Regional Nature Park, you can discover remarkable fauna and flora, as well as a very beautiful architectural heritage with monuments such as the Saint-Victor church or the Pentagonal Tower. Another trip not to be missed is the road that takes you from Nice to Cannes, two of the Côte d'Azur's flagship cities. From Nice, we head towards the hinterland, thinking of stopping over in the medieval city of Entrevaux. Then come the Gorges du Cian and the intense red of the sublime rocks, before going down to Cannes and ending with a stopover on the sand of the Mediterranean beaches.
Take a break in a motorcycle relay, for a drink, a meal or for the night
It is always very exciting to ride a motorcycle and enjoy the feeling of freedom. But it is also necessary to ask yourself practical questions for meal, sleep and relaxation breaks. In PACA, many establishments have the status of biker relays, i.e. they are published in the Journal des Motards and they are eager to receive enthusiasts of large engines, according to a charter welcoming the biker and his motorcycle.
There are bars, restaurants, campsites and hotels where you can meet other enthusiasts and where it is not uncommon to have tools at your disposal in case of a problem on the machine. Today, an application is also available that shows you all the biker relay establishments listed by region, a description of the places, notices and the trajectory to follow to get there according to its GPS position. In Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, the Auberge de Lioux, the Gîte Motard Route 51 and the 915 in Vaison-La-Romaine, the Auberge du Parc in Orgon or Les Chênes in Sisteron are establishments that welcome motorcyclists with open arms.
Stores where to buy equipment and parts for your motorcycle
Even if the PACA region is sunny for most of the year, it is important to be well equipped to avoid getting cold when travelling and especially to drive in optimal safety conditions. Leather pants and jacket, gloves, helmet and sunglasses are the minimum. It may also be advisable to reinforce certain impact points, such as knees and elbows.
It is also necessary to have identified some stores where a part can be accessed in the event of a breakdown. Speedway in Aix-en-Provence or ShopMoto in Salon-de-Provence are among the stores where you can find what you need, get equipped and get help. And for those who prefer to order online, La Bécanerie in Avignon allows you to pick up any part during the day.