French Dirt Bike & Enduro Tour – Ride the Heart of France
A once-in-a-lifetime, small-group French dirt bike tour in the Massif Central – a 6-day guided enduro motorcycle tour across central France, riding singletrack, farm trails and volcanic plateaus, with everything organised from the moment you land. A true off-road motorcycle trip in Europe, built for riders from Australia, the US and beyond.
Why this enduro trip – and why France?
“We had no idea France could offer this level of terrain, history and variety.”
— What riders consistently tell us after the tour
This part of France – the Massif Central – is the birthplace of modern enduro. It is also one of the last truly open riding regions in Western Europe: endless forests, white valleys, high volcanic plateaus, and a rural culture where off-road motorcycling is still genuinely welcomed.
Our loop is a 700 km point-to-point French enduro tour across Central France: a journey through European history, the roots of off-road riding, and the deep rural culture that shaped both. You leave one morning, ride for five days straight, and return to the same basecamp having completed a full enduro pilgrimage in Europe.
What makes this different from any other riding destination
- The birthplace of enduro – ISDE, EnduroGP, Rand’Auvergne, Trèfle Lozérien. You are riding on the sport’s original terrain.
- Massive terrain diversity in one loop – dark forests, rocky climbs, volcanic ridges, medieval towns, wide-open plateaus and Roman stone roads. Every day feels different.
- Authentic rural France – ride on 2,000-year-old Roman routes, through medieval villages and past churches nearly 1,000 years old. Stone houses, torchis farms and regional cheeses you won’t find anywhere else.
- Premium comfort, real support – new enduro bikes, mousses (no flats), luggage vehicle, expert guide, hot showers and big farmhouse dinners. Serious riding without the rough edges.
- Safe, structured and stress-free – reliable logistics, fast medical access and stable mountain conditions. Ride hard without uncertainty.
Central France · Off the tourist map
Where you’ll ride in Europe: France’s best enduro terrain
Forget the Alps and the tourist postcards. You’ll be riding in the geographic heart of France – a quiet, authentic region that even most Europeans never visit.
This is the France behind France: ancient volcanoes, tiny medieval towns, stone farmhouses older than many countries, and the homeland of European off-road culture.
From our basecamp in the Livradois–Forez, the route heads south through landscapes that change dramatically day after day:
- Historic enduro valleys – ISDE, EnduroGP and decades of racing heritage: you ride where the sport was shaped.
- High volcanic plateaus – wide horizons, stone walls, roaming cattle and old farm tracks across open country.
- Wild Lozère – France’s emptiest department: deep valleys, remote passes and legendary Trèfle Lozérien terrain.
- Volcanic ridges near Le Puy-en-Velay – red soil, Roman stone roads, medieval pilgrimage history and views like nowhere else in Europe.
In five full riding days and nearly 700 km off-road, you don’t just cross a region – you cross a hidden Europe that most travellers never see.
Ride through enduro history
This isn’t just “nice singletrack”. You ride the same regions that shaped French and world enduro.
Brioude — The Final ISDT
In 1980, Brioude hosted the last-ever ISDT before the event was reborn as the ISDE the following year. Riding here means following the wheels of legends—on the same old-school terrain that marked the end of an era and the beginning of modern enduro.
Trèfle Lozérien – Lozère
The “French Six Days” – three days, three valleys, entries sold out in seconds. You’ll ride the same countryside, without needing race results or connections.
ISDE & EnduroGP Regions
Brioude, Langeac, Mende, Le Puy-en-Velay – names printed on world champion bibs. You’ll connect the dots between these places by dirt, not by highway.
This tour is a moving museum of French enduro – except you’re not looking at it, you’re riding through it.
6-Day French Dirt Bike & Enduro Tour — a 700 km loop across the heart of France
A true multi-day point-to-point enduro tour in Europe: every day moves you into a new landscape and a new story — from granite forests and resistance mountains to wild plateaus, volcanic cities and castle country — before you close the loop back at Basecamp.
Arrival — Lakeside Basecamp in the Bois Noirs
First contact with “holy ground” for French enduro.
Airport pickup if needed, transfer to our lakeside Basecamp near Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle, on the edge of the Bois Noirs forest. Bike setup, gear check, and a relaxed first dinner in the village — with granite soil and dark pine woods already waiting just above camp.
Bois Noirs → Brioude — Granite grip & Medieval valleys
From forest singletrack to one of enduro’s founding valleys.
Warm-up in the Bois Noirs: soft forest floor, granite outcrops and that famous “glued to the ground” traction. Then we flow south through Livradois-Forez, small villages and old stone streets, before finishing near Brioude — a historic valley tied to the 1980 ISDT/ISDE and to centuries of pilgrimage around the Basilica of Saint-Julien.
Brioude → Margeride → Aubrac — Legends & High plateaus
Beast of Gévaudan, WWII resistance, and big-sky cattle country.
We leave civilization behind and climb into the Margeride: the land of the Beast of Gévaudan and the Mont Mouchet resistance stronghold of 1944. Tracks cross open highlands, stone walls and isolated farms before reaching the volcanic plateau of Aubrac.
Night in a character-filled stone buron, with the local classic on the table: aligot & sausage, originally created to feed pilgrims on the road to Compostela.
Aubrac → Lozère / Mende — Trèfle Lozérien country
Wild valleys shaped by 40 years of classic enduro.
We drop off the plateau into Lozère, one of France’s wildest and most underrated departments. The route passes around Mende, home of the Trèfle Lozérien (created in 1986) — a race where amateurs and world champions share the same countryside, and where legends like Stéphane Peterhansel built their record.
You ride through deep valleys, old villages and varied singletrack that feel like a living “university of enduro”. Night in a carefully selected regional stay, comfortable and authentic.
Lozère → Le Puy-en-Velay → Livradois — Volcanic city & Roman roads
Lava needles, UNESCO pilgrimage city and 2,000-year-old stone roads.
Pace often feels faster here: flowing tracks, more open terrain and long views. We pass near Le Puy-en-Velay — a unique volcanic city with its lava needle Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe chapel (10th century) and a major UNESCO-listed starting point for Santiago de Compostela.
North of Le Puy, the route uses sections of Roman basalt roads that have carried travellers for almost 2,000 years. We finish in the Livradois area, in a comfortable traditional gîte (spa / sauna / hot tub / Nordic bath) with a guided French cheese tasting in English.
Livradois → Chalmazel → Bois Noirs — Castle lunch & EnduroGP trails
Medieval castle, then world-championship singletrack to close the loop.
We ride back through the Monts du Forez with a special stop at the 13th-century Château de Chalmazel for lunch — a real medieval fortress in the middle of the mountains.
The final loop dives back into the Bois Noirs, on and around terrain used in high-level French races and on some of the same ground as the 2019 EnduroGP World Championship. It’s the perfect way to finish: closing your own pilgrimage on tracks ridden by world champions.
Departure — Back from your Pilgrimage
Transfers, debrief, and the strange feeling of having crossed a whole country in 5 riding days.
Transfers back to the airport or train station. If you want to extend your stay in France (with your partner or friends), we can help with ideas and logistics — from extra riding days to quiet countryside stays.
Note: this itinerary is your real blueprint — and we often run it exactly like this. But we keep it alive: we fine-tune distances, pace and some overnights depending on the group and conditions. What never changes is the spirit: enduro heritage, nonstop variety, authentic rural France and smooth logistics.
Bikes, support & difficulty on your French enduro tour
This is real French enduro — singletrack travel through wild terrain — but it’s designed for riders who want a smooth, stress-free experience, not a survival test.
- Current-model bikes (MY2026): you ride latest-year enduro bikes, rigorously prepared for multi-day travel. With 11 years working directly with Beta factory, we know these machines inside out.
- New tires + mousses, every time: we don’t compromise the ride. Each bike starts with fresh tires and mousses for zero punctures and consistent traction — because the point is to ride, not waste time fixing flats.
- Support vehicles: two vehicles handle luggage, spares, mechanical support — and can provide strategic lifts if needed. You’re never left alone to “figure it out”.
- Distance: typically 120–200 km per day, adjusted to the group and conditions. Longer days are usually faster and smoother; shorter days tend to be more technical and slower.
- Difficulty (beautiful, not brutal): we choose tracks for their flow, scenery and variety — not for suffering. No one wants to push a bike all day. There may be optional technical lines here and there, but they’re never the core of the day.
- Group size: usually 7–12 riders — small enough to ride together, keep the pace smooth, and stay social.
If you’re unsure whether this trip matches your riding level, just message us. A quick chat helps make sure it’s the right fit — and that the group feels balanced from Day 1.
Food & lodging: real France, not postcards
You’ll eat and sleep where locals actually go – farmers, hunters, families – not in generic tourist hotels.
Handpicked regional stays — authentic & comfortable
Every night is a different slice of rural France: characterful regional houses (stone farmhouses, timber-frame homes, mountain lodges), chosen for comfort and charm — hot showers, proper beds, warm rooms, and places you actually want to spend the evening.
Food is part of the journey (not a detail)
You don’t “just eat to refuel” — you taste each region. Big breakfasts, long dinners, local specialties, and the simple French rhythm: ride → shower → sit down and enjoy. In France, the French gastronomic meal is UNESCO-listed, and you’ll understand why.
Signature “French Cheese Tasting” night (in English)
One evening is dedicated to a guided tasting of 30+ French cheeses, explained in clear English by a respected specialist known in the UK (regularly featured on BBC/podcasts). Fun, cultural, and genuinely unforgettable — the kind of night people talk about long after the riding.
Who this trip is for – and what riders say
Our first signature tour riders flew in from Australia for a true French enduro pilgrimage – and left promising to come back.
Geoff Ballard
Australian enduro legend · 13× ISDE Gold, 8× Silver · 23× Australian champion · AMA US Enduro & Hare Scramble champion · Member of the Order of Australia · 2025 French Enduro Pilgrimage rider
“If you’re thinking of travelling through or exploring France at some stage, and are as mad about riding new places and exploring the world on dirt bikes as I am, then I reckon forget the bloody Eiffel Tower or other jam packed tourist spots… Instead organise a tour with these guys at Dirt Adventure in this stunning part of their country, which just happens to also be the absolute heart area of French Enduro! I’ve just got off an awesome 5 day ride with these guys and had such a good time. Even when we had some rain it wasn’t bad at all, as it’s very granite based soil so still plenty of traction.”
Tim Scriven
Former pro desert racer · Ex Honda Australia rider · CEO of Scriven’s Racing · Australian tour guide for decades · 2025 French Enduro Pilgrimage rider
“WOW… what words can you use to describe this amazing experience. Antonio, Beth and Cédric put on an incredible ride and experience of France – the accommodation, the food (OMG), the organisation was second to none. The actual riding cannot be described as anything less than world class, what a variety. One of the best rides I have ever done. Cannot recommend the team at Dirt Adventure highly enough.”
Rod Kearn
ISDE Team Management – Motorcycling Australia · Father of a World Enduro rider · 2025 French Enduro Pilgrimage rider
“I just completed an amazing 5 day enduro tour with Dirt Adventure, hosted superbly by Antonio and Beth. We had ten competent riders in our group including several ex and current enduro racers. The route we were taken on was simply incredible… amazing valleys, high country over 1400 m, dark pine forests and old villages for fuel and food stops. If you have a passion for enduro and riding in some of the sport’s finest countryside, including renowned EnduroGP and ISDE locations, then this has to be the best riding experience you can have. Not just once in a lifetime, because once is not enough.”
Marty Brausch
Enduro rider from Western Australia · 2025 French Enduro Pilgrimage rider
“Thrill of a Lifetime Dirt Adventures Delivers! From start to finish, this was hands-down one of the best off-road experiences I’ve ever had. Riding alongside legends like Jess Gardiner, Geoff Ballard, and Jeremy Carpentier was surreal—they were not only incredibly skilled but also down-to-earth and welcoming. Our hosts, Antonio and Beth, were the heartbeat of the adventure. Their energy, organization, and genuine love for the sport made the day unforgettable. The bikes were perfectly maintained, and the gear was top-notch—no shortcuts, just quality. The trails were a wild mix of challenge and beauty. Twisting through rugged terrain, splashing through muddy tracks, and catching epic views along the way—it was nonstop excitement. We even stopped at a lookout that felt like something straight out of a movie. What really stood out was the vibe: relaxed, supportive, and full of energy. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned rider, they make sure you feel confident and have a blast. Highly recommend bringing a camera to capture the stunning scenery, the wild trails, and your massive grin—you’ll need all three. Already counting down the days until the next ride!”
Fixed 2026 departures — turn one week in Europe into a full off-road story
Only 4 departures for 2026. 12 rider spots per date.
When a week is full, it’s gone — we don’t add more seats because we protect the experience.
These aren’t “calendar options”. They’re hand-picked weeks designed to deliver the best version of this ride: the right conditions, the right flow, and a group size where everyone actually rides — not waits.
- 6-day guided enduro experience: Day 0 arrival + bike setup · Day 1–5 riding · Day 6 departure
- Quality-first format: small group, full support, premium comfort — zero “hope-for-the-best” logistics
- Optional race-weekend add-ons: arrive a little earlier, watch a major European event, then ride the birthplace of European enduro
A simple way to build a legendary week
Want to make it even bigger? Each departure sits next to major off-road weekends — perfect to arrive in Europe, settle into the time zone, soak up the atmosphere, then roll into basecamp ready to ride. Completely optional — the trip stands on its own.
- May 25–31: pair it with MXGP France (May 23–24)
- June 9–15: pair it with Erzberg weekend (June 5–6)
- July 20–26: pair it with EnduroGP France (Sainte-Agrève) (July 17–19)
- Oct 5–11: pair it with Motocross of Nations (Oct 3–4)
- Oct 12–17: optionally continue to ISDE Portugal right after
If you want 2026, pick your week early — once these 4 departures are gone, the next chance is 2027.
Start with French MXGP — then disappear into the backcountry
Arrive for the French MXGP weekend, then roll into basecamp on May 25. We ride Day 1 to Day 5, and you depart May 31.
Two-part enduro week: Erzberg Rodeo → French enduro pilgrimage
Watch Erzberg first, then trade crowds for quiet mountains. Arrive at basecamp on June 9, ride the pilgrimage, depart June 15.
Watch EnduroGP — then ride the real terrain behind it
Hit the Grand Prix weekend, then join us at basecamp on July 20. We ride July 21 to July 25, and you depart July 26.
The “full festival” option: MXoN → pilgrimage → ISDE
Land for MXoN, arrive basecamp on Oct 5, ride with us through the birthplace of enduro, depart Oct 11 — then continue to the ISDE in Portugal if you want the ultimate enduro holiday.
Price & what’s included in your French enduro tour
A fully supported, all-inclusive French enduro pilgrimage. You show up with your riding gear — we handle the rest.
- 6 days total: Day 0 arrival + setup · Day 1–5 riding · Day 6 departure.
- MY2026 enduro bike: prepped + protection + mousses (zero flats).
- Support: 2 vehicles for luggage, spares, mechanical help, strategic lifts.
- Fuel: all bike fuel included.
- Meals: all breakfasts & lunch & dinners + hydration & ride snacks.
- Drinks: aperitif + wine with dinner + post-ride beer (or soft drink).
- Lodging: comfortable regional places — stone houses, rural inns, small hotels.
- Experience: guided cheese tasting in English (30+ cheeses).
- Guides: English-speaking guides with deep local enduro + history knowledge.
Not included: flights, personal travel insurance, extra alcohol beyond what’s included, and extra nights before/after the trip.
Deposit secures your seat. We don’t add seats when it’s full.
Practical questions riders usually ask before booking
What riding level do I need for this French enduro tour?
This trip is for active enduro riders. You don’t need to be a racer, but you must be comfortable riding real European singletrack for 5 consecutive days.
- Experience: you’ve ridden off-road for years (even if you’ve had a break recently).
- Recent riding: ideally you still ride fairly regularly — and you’re confident you can handle a full week on the bike.
- Terrain: rocks, roots, ruts, mud, off-camber, small river crossings, and technical climbs shouldn’t scare you.
- Endurance: expect days around 140+ km (90 miles), mostly off-road/singletrack — typically 5–6 hours on the bike with breaks.
- Pace: it’s not a race — we ride at a controlled pace (often around 30–40 km/h average depending on terrain).
How many hours per day do we ride?
Typically 5–6 hours on the bikes per day, with regular breaks and a proper lunch stop. We ride with a destination in mind (it’s an itinerant trip), but we also keep enough margin to enjoy it — photos, viewpoints, villages, and a relaxed pace.
Some days are longer in distance but faster and easier (more flowing tracks and high-plateau sections). Other days are shorter in distance but slower and more technical (classic singletrack, rocks, roots, tighter terrain).
It’s traditional enduro: you’re not expected to push your bike for hours or “survive” the day — everything goes. But it’s still proper riding, and you’ll feel like you earned the evenings: time to shower, eat well, and actually enjoy the group each night.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This region is unusually forgiving in bad weather. The ground here is mostly volcanic and granite-based, so instead of deep mud you typically get a firm, “gritty” surface that often stays surprisingly grippy. It’s very rare to have the kind of sticky clay that ruins the riding — and the bikes don’t end up trashed.
If the weather turns genuinely uncomfortable (cold rain, strong wind, poor visibility), we adapt intelligently: we’ll drop altitude, switch to faster and easier tracks, shorten the day, or take a more direct line to reach the night stop in good conditions.
We also run support vehicles every day. If someone needs a break, gets chilled, or we want to reset the plan, the vans are never far — you’re not left out there. And yes: it’s still an adventure. Real weather is part of the story — we just keep it safe, smart, and enjoyable.
Can my partner join without riding?
Yes, in some cases. There are options for partners to join by car in certain sections or to meet you in selected towns. Ask us and we’ll see what’s realistic for your dates.
Which airport should I fly into?
The easiest option is Lyon (LYS) — a major international airport with the smoothest connections. Geneva (GVA) also works well. If you’re already in France, Clermont-Ferrand (CFE) is the closest (about 35 minutes from basecamp), but it’s not a major international hub.
You can also fly into Paris, then take a train to Vichy (or Lyon) and we’ll help you coordinate the final transfer.
What if I get tired or injured?
That’s why we run support vehicles and a small group. If you need to sit out a section or a day, we can adapt. You’re never abandoned on the trail.
Choose your dates — then just show up and ride
Only 4 fixed departures in 2026 · 12 riders max per date. When a date is full, it’s full — we don’t add seats.
Want to build a full European off-road holiday? Each departure is placed near major race weekends — optional extras if you want to watch the sport before riding its birthplace.