Speed limits in France
Unless otherwise stated, speed limits on French roads when riding a motorbike are as follows:
Motorways – 130 km/h
Dual carriageways – 110 km/h
Other roads – 90 km/h
Built-up areas – 50 km/h
Required documentation
When travelling by motorcycle in France, you must always carry:
A full, valid driving licence
Proof of insurance (third party or above)
Proof of ID (Passport)
Proof of vehicle ownership (V5C Certificate)
GB Sticker, if you don’t have a GB EU number plate
Crit'Air sticker if travelling through a Low Emission Mobility Zone
Helmets and hi-vis laws
In France, motorcyclists and their passengers are required by law to wear safety helmets with reflective elements. Make sure to fit reflective stickers before travelling - one on the front, one at the back and one on each side - if your helmet is without reflectors.
Motorcyclists and scooter riders are required to carry a hi-vis vest or jacket while riding in France. Police can issue an on-the-spot fine of €11 if you do not have one with you. A more serious fine of €135 can be issued if you are not wearing your hi-vis vest or jacket on the roadside or hard shoulder in the event of an accident or breakdown. Pillion passengers are not exempt and will face the same fines as the driver.
Lane splitting
As of January 2025, motorbike riders in France are legally allowed to ride between uninterrupted lines of traffic. However, it is only permitted on dual-carriageways and motorways with at least two lanes of traffic in each direction, where the speed limit is 70 km/h or more.
Lane splitting is only permitted when traffic is moving at a reduced speed. When the traffic is moving, the maximum speed for lane splitting is 50 km/h. If traffic is stopped, the speed limit is 30 km/h.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
Starting in October 2025, the EU plans to introduce the Entry/Exit system (EES). This is a new digital border system that will change the requirements for UK citizens travelling to Schengen countries, including France.
Under the new rules, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo, when you arrive in the country. This system will replace the current manual passport stamps for UK visitors arriving and leaving the EU.
If you’re planning on motorcycling around Europe and visiting several countries, always check the entry requirements for each location before you travel.
Top routes for motorcycling in France
France offers motorcycling holidays for every taste - from thrilling mountainous routes through the Alps, to gentle week-long France motorcycle tours through sleepy villages on quiet rural roads. What’s more, the French people are famed for their love of motorcycling and are typically very welcoming to bikes and bikers.
Discover some of the best motorcycle routes in France here.
Route des Grandes Alpes
Beginning in Thonon-les-Baines, on the shores of Lake Geneva, this 435-mile route passes through stunning mountain landscapes, including the highest pass in the Alps – Col de l’Iseran – which stands at 2770m.
It is considered one of the most challenging motorcycle routes in the country and is only open during the summer months due to the altitude. The Route des Grandes Alpes ends in Menton, on the south coast of France.
Col du Galibier
Known as the highest point in the Tour de France, this mountain pass stands at 2642m and is popular with cyclists and motorcyclists alike. The route connects Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne and Briançon via the Col du Télégraphe and the Col du Lautaret. Expect incredible snow-capped peaks and winding roads along this stunning Alpine route.
Route Napoléon
This 314 km-long route in southern France is perfect for history lovers, as it follows the path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 on his return from exile. It begins in Golfe-Juan and winds inland from the French Riviera, through the Alps to Grenoble, promising exceptional coast and mountain views.
Gorges du Verdon
For a shorter route, the Gorges du Verdon are a popular spot for motorcyclists in southeast France, following the path of the Verdon River. Along the way, you’ll ride over multiple bridges, where you can stop and take in the impressive landscape, which includes rugged cliffs and white-water gorges.
Pyrenees Mountain Passes
Separating France and Spain, this impressive mountain range has several mountain passes loved by motorcyclists. However, the Col du Tourmalet is one of the top routes on the French side. It’s also one of the highest paved mountain passes in the French Pyrenees, with an elevation of 2,115m. It connects Sainte-Marie-de-Campan and Barèges.
Motorcycling events in Europe
If you’re interested in attending one of the best motorcycling events in Europe, France is home to several, including:
MotoGP – A world-famous competition, held annually in France at the iconic Le Mans circuit, which attracts fans from all over the world.
Harley-Davidson Euro Festival – A music and motorcycling event in Port Grimaud, near Saint-Tropez.
Wheels and Waves – An event for fans of motorcycling, surfing, skating, music, and culture held in Biarritz.
