Guided motorcycle tour · Europe

Legendary Roads of the Pyrenees

5.0from 3 rider reviews

This tour at a glance

Days
18
Riding days
15
Kilometres
3,297
From
NZ$18,715
Next departure 9–26 Jun 2027

About this tour

An 18-Day Motorcycle Journey through Spain & France. Experience one of Europe's greatest motorcycle adventures as we explore the spectacular Pyrenees of Spain and France. Over 18 unforgettable days you'll ride legendary mountain passes, carve through breathtaking gorges, discover medieval villages, and experience the relaxed lifestyle, outstanding cuisine and warm hospitality that make this corner of Europe so special. From the iconic Col du Tourmalet and Col d'Aubisque to the towering Gorge du Tarn, every day has been carefully crafted to deliver incredible roads, unforgettable scenery and memorable experiences—shared with a small group of like-minded riders

18 Days | Barcelona to Barcelona | June 2027

Starting and finishing in vibrant Barcelona, this carefully crafted 18-day motorcycle adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Spanish and French Pyrenees before exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Gorge du Tarn and the rolling countryside of southern France.

The riding is simply exceptional. You'll experience many of Europe's most celebrated mountain roads, including the legendary Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aubisque, Col du Pourtalet, and a collection of lesser-known roads that are every bit as rewarding. Expect flowing mountain curves, perfectly engineered switchbacks, quiet country lanes and breathtaking alpine scenery that make every day in the saddle a highlight.

But this tour is about far more than the roads.

You'll wander through beautifully preserved medieval villages such as Besalú, Solsona and Carcassonne, explore the remarkable rock formations of the Gorge du Tarn, admire the engineering masterpiece of the Millau Viaduct, and enjoy authentic local cuisine in regions renowned for their food and wine.

Like every Open Road Motorcycle Tour, this journey is designed for riders who appreciate the complete experience. We travel in small groups, stay in carefully selected boutique hotels full of local character, enjoy relaxed evenings over exceptional regional food, and take the time to experience each destination rather than simply ride through it.

With experienced Kiwi tour leaders, quality motorcycles and every detail professionally organised, all you need to do is enjoy some of the finest riding Europe has to offer.

Whether you've always dreamed of riding the Pyrenees or you're returning to discover them all over again, the Tour de Pyrenees & Gorge du Tarn promises unforgettable roads, incredible scenery, wonderful food and friendships that last long after the journey ends.

  • 18 Days
  • 3 Countries (Spain, Andorra, France)
  • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (or more if you count them all)
  • Bucket-list mountain passes
  • Boutique accommodation throughout
  • Small groups

Ride. Explore. Repeat.

Map of the whole tour routeSee the route day by day

Included in your tour

  • 18 Nights in superb quality boutique hotels or comfortable mountain lodges
  • All breakfasts & most dinners (excluding rest days)
  • Your choice of Motorcycle from our fleet of modern well-maintained machines with top box and side panniers
  • 2 Experienced guides to show you the way
  • Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance
  • Airport/hotel transfers pre/post tour
  • Tour Map & Souvenir T-Shirt

Highlights

  • The vibrant city of Barcelona
  • Montserrat Monastery
  • Tourmalet, Aubisque and Pourtalet mountain passes
  • The beautiful medieval city of Carcassone
  • Gorges du Tarn & Gorges de L'Ardeche
  • Millau Viaduct
  • Cevennes & Causses National Parks
  • The thrilling roads of the Pyrenees
  • The incredible scenery of Spain & France

Not included

  • Air flights, personal travel insurance, lunch & dinner on rest days, toll fees, fuel & personal spending & any additional excursions not stated above

Day by day

Where each day takes you. Open a day for the roads, the stops and its map.

Day 1 of 18

Touch down in the vibrant Mediterranean capital and settle into our base hotel. After a chance to relax, step outside into one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Barcelona hums with energy — Gaudí’s whimsical architecture, tree-lined boulevards, lively tapas bars, and the shimmer of the sea. Whether you wander the Gothic Quarter, admire Gaudí's masterpieces or simply enjoy a glass of wine on a sunny terrace, today is about soaking up the atmosphere and easing into adventure.

  • Arrive Barcelona

Departure dates

Sending a booking request is free. We confirm your dates and bikes before any deposit.

What riders say about this tour

5.0 average from 3 reviews

Read every review
  • “If you're wondering whether to book an Open Road tour, stop wondering. Just do it. Lance and Sally from Open Road created what felt like a magic carpet ride through medieval villages, beautifully maintained back roads, and the iconic twisting alpine passes: their 18 Day Pyrenees and Gorges du Tarn. Every day seemed to reveal another spectacular landscape and magical village. The carefully chosen accommodation was exceptional—I often found myself reluctant to leave my room, a testament to the amount of research, experience and trial-and-error that must have gone into selecting such memorable places. One of the unexpected pleasures of group touring is the diversity of the people you meet—individuals whose paths you would probably never cross otherwise. I found myself laughing properly, more than I had in years. The banter was witty, surprising, occasionally shocking, and endlessly entertaining. After more than three decades working in government, where even a smirk at a politically incorrect joke could attract the threat of being sent on a reprogramming course, it felt wonderfully liberating. I could feel that part of my soul being restored. The trip also taught me a great deal about my riding ability and my fitness. Most riders quietly assume they’re at least average. I quickly discovered I was "Captain Slow", while the quickest rider in the group happened to be a champion track racer. At times I was told that I was holding the group back, which pushed me to improve. Under Lance's calm guidance I developed much greater confidence in modern tyres and cornering. I’m inspired to start doing track days to continue developing my skills. I also learned that recreational fitness does not necessarily translate into motorcycle endurance. I run regularly, use an elliptical trainer and keep reasonably fit, yet I discovered that consecutive full days in the saddle over nearly three weeks required a different kind of conditioning. My advice is simple: before a long motorcycle tour, spend as much time riding as you can. I am genuinely grateful to have shared this adventure with Open Road. Spending eighteen days talking motorcycles, learning, reflecting, sharing evening meals with fellow enthusiasts, riding a superb Triumph Tiger 1200 through some of Europe's most beautiful scenery, stunning architecture that either housed our accommodation or was backdrop to meals - and being looked after by such capable and caring tour leaders, Lance and Sally, made this one of the most memorable adventures of my adult life. Still wondering about doing a tour? Don't overthink it. Book the tour. The memories will last far longer than the hesitation.”

    Sean Connell · Australia
  • “Spanish and French Pyrenees Tour What a ride! Stuart and I have just returned from an epic adventure with Sally and Lance and a great group of new friends. We flew into Barcelona and picked up late model well maintained motorbikes provided by Triumph Spain - we were on a Triumph Tiger 1200 which was great. We rode well chosen routes, perfect for motorbikes, over the Pyrenees into France via numerous mountain passes,impressive gorges and a huge variety of winding rural roads - often not coming across another vehicle for miles. It sure was the real deal and hardly a tourist to be seen. Each day was a surprise. Accommodation was exceptional. Sally did an amazing job organising, from medieval cobblestoned villages to mountain 'chalets' with sumptuous breakfasts and top notch dinners included, focusing on local cuisine. (Some questionable unidentifiable things that the others gobbled up) Included Michelin star restaurant even! Great time of year to go before European summer holidays kick in and supposedly avoid the heat but we happened to strike an unseasonal heatwave. Just made the swimming pools and end of day refreshments even more well deserved. Right from the start we were impressed with Sally and Lance's organisation and communication... and their friendliness and warmth. They also took great care to ensure everyone was safe and well looked after along the way. The whole experience was wonderful and we're already looking at next year's adventure with Sally and Lance! If you get a chance.. do it! Join the Mitchell Gang You won't be disappointed. 😊”

    Sue Cowan
  • “Second tour with Open Road- Spanish and French Pyrenees motorcycle tour! After having an amazing time touring New Zealand with Open Road (see first review below), we were lucky enough to grab spots on a tour of the Pyrenees through Spain and France. Almost three weeks of riding Triumph Tiger adventure bikes through the most incredible scenery, from pin hair twisties across picturesque mountain peaks and meandering corners through lush farmland. Sally and Lance outdid themselves on this tour! The hotel choices once again were super unique with fantastic food and always plentiful stops for cappuccinos and Jamon sandwiches. You’re staying at small local hotels, no Marriott or Hyatt, and get to really enjoy the local food and people. We had olive oil tastings and stayed in a winery with optional tours and got lost on the most fantastic roads following beautiful waterways. Some days ran quite long, but there’s a sense of accomplishment when you realize all you’ve done in a day, and dinner is already set up to just show up and order. A true vacation where the most thinking you have to do is look where you want to go. Sally planned it so well we even got to see a Fire Run (carefoc) before leaving Barcelona! Ending the trip in streets filled with fireworks was the perfect way to say goodbye. The riding is definitely more challenging than that in the US with much narrower lanes and having experience riding on gravel would be a big help. It was a bit warm for our trip but the scenery easily helped to forget about it.”

    Gabrielle Weiss

Looked after off the bike too

We take you to corners of the Alps and the Pyrenees most visitors drive past, and the evenings are part of the tour: hotels we choose ourselves, regional cooking and good local wine and beer to go with it.

Questions before you book?

Seat heights, pillions, which island in February. Write to us, call, or send a WhatsApp and we'll get back to you.

Thanks,

Lance & Sally

Open Road Motorcycle Tours