The Pyrenees are still considered something of an insider tip among motorcyclists. That is exactly what makes them so special. Between Spain and France, a fascinating blend of spectacular landscapes, remote mountain roads, and almost endless sequences of curves awaits. Anyone who loves the Alps but is looking for less traffic and a more untouched atmosphere will find their personal paradise here.
Our journey begins in Badalona, just north of Barcelona. We leave the metropolis via the motorway as quickly as possible, leaving the dense city traffic behind us. Soon, we switch onto a winding country road that leads us into the Catalan hinterland. The first destination of the day is the impressive Monastery of Montserrat, dramatically perched high above the landscape and providing a spectacular introduction to our tour. From there, we continue deeper into the varied hills and valleys of Catalonia, where the roads become quieter and the curves increasingly tempting.
Already on the second day, we take a rest day – at least in name. Instead of putting our feet up, we use the opportunity to ride some of the region’s most beautiful motorcycle roads without luggage. Curve follows curve, while new panoramas open up behind every mountain pass.
We then continue through the Principality of Andorra and on into France. Here, the roads become even narrower, the valleys more secluded, and the riding enjoyment never ends. The French side of the Pyrenees impresses with its very own character: rugged, authentic, and wonderfully twisty.
A particular highlight awaits us in Carcassonne. We spend two nights in the famous fortified city and take time to explore its impressive medieval citadel. From there, we make an excursion into the mysterious Montagne Noire, the “Black Mountains”, whose winding roads seem tailor-made for motorcyclists.
On the way back to Spain, we follow in the footsteps of the Cathars. The spectacular Château de Peyrepertuse, perched on a rocky ridge, and the narrow Gorges de Galamus provide unforgettable impressions. We spend the final night just across the border before the last stage takes us back to the Mediterranean coast.
There, the GI-682 awaits as a perfect finale to the journey. Its unassuming road number reveals nothing of what lies ahead: one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe. Curves cling to steep cliffs, the sea sparkles far below, and every kilometer invites you to linger just a little longer.
The Pyrenees combine everything a great motorcycle tour should offer: fantastic roads, breathtaking landscapes, cultural highlights, and surprisingly little traffic. Once you’ve ridden here, it quickly becomes clear why this region is such a true dream destination for motorcyclists.
From our beautiful beachfront hotel in Badalona, we first head out of Barcelona via the expressways. Our first stop is the holy Montserrat, after which we continue into the hinterland, climbing up to the 11th-century Castle of Cardona before carrying on to Berga.
After lunch, the sky suddenly turns black without any warning, and before long we get soaked by a rain shower. The scenery around us is spectacular: steep rock faces, countless curves, no traffic at all—and everyone is laughing when we get caught in a second downpour later on. Our hotel out in the countryside, complete with a swimming pool, is now just a short distance away!
Some stay at our beautiful hotel today, while others decide to enjoy the rest-day ride on their motorcycles, which is truly outstanding both in terms of riding and scenery. Michael is interested in visiting the motorcycle museum, so we split up the group after crossing two beautiful mountain passes.
The museum is fantastic. The collection of motorcycles and memorabilia that has been gathered, lovingly restored, and continues to be restored is truly impressive!
The morning air is still cool as we set off towards Andorra, the shopping paradise of the Pyrenees, to tackle the Ordino Pass. Crossing the highest pass in the Pyrenees, the Col d’Envalira at 2,400 meters (around 8,000 feet), we leave Andorra behind and descend into France.
There, we ride over the famous Tour de France pass, the Col de Pailhères, surrounded by stunning scenery, before following a narrow single-lane road down the other side with its endless twists and turns. The canyon that follows is tremendous fun, featuring fast sweepers that demand 100% concentration.
By now, the temperature has soared to 40°C (104°F). After one more coffee stop, we shorten the route slightly to reach the beautiful city of Carcassonne and its magnificent medieval fortress a little earlier. For dinner, we make our way up to the castle walls and enjoy a wonderful evening within the historic citadel.
It promises to be another hot day, so our six motorcyclists make an early start to explore Pic Noir via narrow, forest-lined roads. From the top, right next to the Pershing II missile site :-) we're rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view!
Then it's back into the forest, following winding roads high above a conglomerate canyon before reaching the historic village of Minerve, where around 140 Cathars chose death in the 13th century rather than convert to the Catholic Church.
From there, we take faster roads, cross the Canal du Midi, and return to our charming little hotel in the old town of Carcassonne.
Meanwhile, the rest of our group enjoys a relaxing day exploring Carcassonne. Later, we all gather together in the shade of our quaint old-town alley, soaking up the atmosphere, sharing stories from the day, and enjoying each other's company. A perfect end to another wonderful day!
Wow, what a day! Just beyond Carcassonne, we leave civilization behind and enter the wilderness, with virtually no traffic on the narrow single-lane roads winding through the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees. After a short detour up to the impressive Fort Peyrepertuse, we continue through the spectacular Gorges de Galamus, where the narrow, exposed road has been carved directly into the cliffside, with a 300-metre drop right beside us.
Tilmann has prepared a picnic for us—a wonderfully refreshing surprise for our guests.
We then follow some faster roads towards Arles-sur-Tech, where another special highlight awaits: the Col d'Arles at 1,500 metres. Reaching the summit, we enjoy the cool mountain air and sweeping views into Spain. After another 20 kilometres of twisting mountain roads, we arrive at our wonderful hotel nestled in the mountains.
A fantastic dinner and a few drinks are the perfect way to round off an unforgettable day on the road. What a beautiful day!
Our final riding day begins exactly the way every motorcyclist dreams of: on a narrow, winding mountain road leading to Beget, a picturesque medieval village. The cool morning air, shaded forest roads, and the first sweeping bends immediately put us in the perfect mood for the day ahead.
From there, we continue to Olot, a lively town surrounded by rolling hills that are, in fact, ancient dormant volcanoes. Although Olot was completely destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1474, it has long since been rebuilt and is full of life once again. Here, we stop for our first coffee break of the day, enjoying a great cup of coffee before getting back in the saddle.
The route then delivers more of what we came for: fantastic twisty roads. We ride toward Banyoles before briefly joining the C-66. It isn't long, however, before we're back on smaller roads, carving through one exhilarating corner after another. Soon, the Mediterranean coastline comes into view.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols welcomes us with its beautiful sandy beach, relaxed atmosphere, and inviting seaside restaurants. As you would expect, fresh fish and seafood are the local specialties and the perfect choice for lunch.
The undisputed highlight of the day comes next: the legendary GI-682. Stretching for around 21 kilometers between Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Tossa de Mar, this breathtaking coastal road is widely regarded as one of the finest motorcycle roads not only in Spain but in all of Europe—and many riders would even rank it among the best in the world. Endless curves combined with spectacular views of the Mediterranean make this an unforgettable riding experience.
Eventually, though, even the best roads come to an end. For the final stretch, we take the motorway back to Badalona, where Holger is already waiting in the garage with a well-deserved cold beer.
After an unforgettable final day in the saddle, our tour slowly comes to a close. In the evening, we gather one last time over a delicious dinner, sharing stories, reliving the highlights of the trip, and perhaps already making plans for our next motorcycle adventure.
