Mediterranean Alps Extreme 4SA2503
None of us could really wait to finally set off, and then the moment arrived. Shortly after leaving Vence, the view opens up onto the blue Mediterranean Sea, sparkling at us from afar. And then comes one of the countless gorges, the “Gorges du Loup,” followed by a “col,” in this case the “Col de Cornille.” But the highlight is yet to come: the “Gorges du Verdon", one of the largest gorges in Europe. The Verdon River flows for 21 km, reaching depths of up to 700 meters, before emptying into the artificial reservoir known as Lac de Sainte-Croix. We recover from the countless impressions over lunch and continue our journey. Unfortunately, not together, as one of our participants wanted to try out how a Ducati Multistrada rides when fueled with diesel. While most of the group drove ahead to the hotel, some of us stayed with the unlucky fellow. But every cloud has a silver lining: this allowed us to meet a very helpful local resident and spend the remaining two hours climbing the mountain roads and canyons in complete darkness—a memorable experience.
Today we're going rollercoastering, up and down into the Vartal valley, mostly on lonely, narrow mountain roads that repeatedly offer breathtaking views of the surroundings. Shortly after our departure, we receive some good news: "The friendly local from yesterday has repaired the Ducati in his workshop, so we were soon back to full strength. Pass after pass and dreamy mountain village after dreamy mountain village, and so it continues until we reach our hotel in “Roquebilliere.”
Today, the Tour de France and the Monte Carlo Rally await us. Small, winding roads first take us south before we turn north and climb the famous Col de Turini. Every year, a stage of the Monte Carlo Rally, also known as the “Night of the Long Knives,” takes place on the Col de Turini. The Tour de France has also chosen this pass five times as one of its stages. In the afternoon, the Col de la Lombarde, one of the highest and most beautiful Alpine passes, takes us from France to Italy. A wonderful dinner awaits us in Vicoforte, in spectacular surroundings: a beautiful hall in a former monastery.
Today, something very special awaits us once again: a tour through the rolling hills of Piedmont and Liguria. We drive through small Italian villages on equally small roads, with olive groves and vineyards lining our route. One of the highlights is Parco Marcarolo, with its breathtaking views, another is the Ligurian coast, where our hotel in Rapallo awaits us.
Today is our only rest day – and after several demanding riding stages, the timing couldn’t be better. Some take the chance to unwind in Rapallo, a picturesque seaside town on the Ligurian coast. The beach invites you to slow down, feel the sand under your boots, and simply enjoy the dolce vita. Others wander through Rapallo’s narrow lanes, grab an espresso in a street café, or watch the boats rocking gently in the marina. But of course, there are those who just can’t stay off the bike – not when the legendary Cinque Terre is within reach. These five famous villages cling dramatically to the steep cliffs above the Mediterranean, and getting there by motorcycle is half the magic. The SS1, Italy’s iconic coastal road, delivers pure riding pleasure: endless bends, smooth tarmac, and constant views of the sparkling sea. It’s one of those routes where every curve tempts you to stop, take off your helmet, and just take in the panorama. A relaxed lunch at the small harbor of Riomaggiore rounds off the ride – fresh seafood, a cool drink, and the sound of waves against the rocks. As the afternoon sun glows on the colorful facades, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect way to spend a “rest day.” Because even when the engine is off, the spirit of the ride never really stops.
Curves, Coastlines, and Complete Freedom We continue to follow the Ligurian coast westward toward France, but instead of sticking to the main road, a few narrow side routes tempt us into the remote mountain regions of the Ligurian Apennines and the Ligurian Alps. This is where real riding begins – tight, endlessly winding ribbons of tarmac that twist through silent valleys and climb across rugged passes. Traffic? Virtually none. Not a single tour bus in sight – just us, the bikes, and the open road. Somewhere along the way, the Madonna di Guardia Monastery makes for the perfect coffee stop. An espresso with a panoramic view over the surrounding mountains – it doesn’t get much better than that. From there, the route keeps serving up one curve after another until, eventually, the scent of the sea returns and the landscape opens up again. By late afternoon, we roll into Finale Ligure, a charming coastal town bathed in golden light. Colorful houses line the promenade, waves glitter in the sun, and beneath our helmets, the smiles say it all. Because this was motorcycling at its absolute best.
Back to France – Through Passes, Villages and Riviera Views Today we ride back to France. Our route takes us across a series of remote passes in the Ligurian Alps, where the roads twist through rugged, silent landscapes that seem made for motorcyclists. In the picturesque medieval village of Zuccarello, we stop for a well-deserved coffee, the smell of espresso mixing with the mountain air. From there, we continue along fantastic motorcycle roads, climbing one pass after another. A narrow road leads us up to a lonely summit, and soon after we reach our lunch stop in Adagna, a quiet little spot tucked away in the hills. The afternoon brings a touch of glamour: a viewpoint overlooking Monaco, where we take in the sweeping views of the Riviera – and maybe spot a few Rolls-Royces, Jaguars, or Ferraris gliding along below. Later, we enjoy another coffee in Peille, a beautifully preserved medieval village hidden in the hinterland, before the final stretch takes us back to Vence – the place where this tour began and where it now comes to an end. It’s been a long and demanding journey, the riding intense at times – but the fun, the roads, and the memories have been absolutely unforgettable. The farewell evening was equally unforgettable – those amazing songs will echo in our memories for a long time to come.