Many riders love nothing more than taking their bikes on a European adventure, discovering new scenery and thrilling roads, and making lasting memories.
But while famous Alpine passes and Mediterranean coastlines often steal the spotlight, it might be worth ‘kick starting’ new adventures on less familiar paths this summer.
To help those enthusiasts searching for the road less travelled, at Carole Nash, we’ve revealed some of the top hidden gems in France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Happy riding!
France: Morvan Regional Natural Park, Burgundy
- Route Highlight: Avallon to Autun (via D906 and D980)
In the heart of Burgundy lies Morvan Regional National Park, a haven of rolling hills, lakes, and wooded trails. Unlike the busy routes of the French Alps or Pyrenees, Morvan’s 80km stretch from Avallon to Autun offers serene riding, gentle bends, and picture-perfect French villages.
More to Explore:
- Château-Chinon to Saulieu (D37 and D977) – A thrilling 50km ride with dramatic hill climbs and beautiful views of the Morvan Regional National Park.
- Quarré-les-Tombes to Vézelay (D36)– This lesser-known 30km route takes you through lush countryside to one of France’s most charming hilltop towns.
Spain: Sierra de Gredos, Castile and León
- Main Route Highlight: Ávila to El Barco de Ávila (via N-110)
Skip the Pyrenees on the Spanish border for the twisty, high-altitude roads of the Sierra de Gredos. The ride from medieval Ávila to the sleepy town of El Barco de Ávila, via Puerto de Peña Negra, comprises of 130km of mountain passes, dramatic cliffs, and hairpin corners.
More to Explore:
- Béjar to Candelario (DSA-190) – A short-but-sweet, twisting 5km ride into one of Spain’s best-preserved mountain villages.
- Hoyos del Espino to Navalperal de Tormes (AV-941)– Explore the edges of the Gredos Regional Park with quiet roads and breathtaking scenery in this 14km ride.
Belgium: Ardennes Backroads, Wallonia
- Main Route Highlight: Houffalize to La Roche-en-Ardenne (via N860)
While many stick to the main routes, real adventurers know the Ardennes hide some of Belgium’s most underrated motorcycling roads. The 25km route from Houffalize to La Roche-en-Ardenne runs through dense woodland and along the Ourthe River in a short but beautiful ride.
More to Explore:
- Bouillon to Vresse-sur-Semois (N95 and N945)– A winding 27km route through the Belgian countryside.
- Malmedy to Stavelot (via N68 and Route de la Ferme Libert) – A scenic 14km route near Spa-Francorchamps, with steeper inclines and historic charm.
Netherlands: Drenthe Heathlands
- Main Route Highlight: Assen to Dwingeloo (via A28)
Think the Netherlands is all flat and boring? Think again. In Drenthe, sweeping heathlands and quiet country roads make for surprisingly tranquil riding. The 31km route from Assen to Dwingeloo is ideal for a peaceful afternoon ride.
More to Explore:
- Hoogeveen to Westerbork (N374) – Ride past WW2 history sites and serene forest landscapes in this 20km route.
- Gieten to Borger (via N34) – Ride 12km along an uncrowded highway and stop to explore Berger’s prehistoric stone tomb, Hunebed D27.
Germany: The Eifel Highlands
- Main Route Highlight: Gerolstein to Monschau (via L10 - Nürburg and the Ahr Valley)
The Eifel region in western Germany is often overshadowed by the Black Forest or Bavarian Alps, but for riders, it’s a dream. From volcanic lakes to thrilling forest roads, the 116km route from Gerolstein to Monschau is packed with variety and even passes through Nürburg and the Ahr Valley.
More to Explore:
- Daun to Bad Münstereifel (via B51) – A twisting 64km road through volcanic crater lakes and quaint towns.
- Adenau to Cochem (via B257 – A 55km route dipping through valleys and picturesque Bavarian villages.
Ready to go?
Before setting off, be sure to check that your motorcycle insurance includes EU cover. All Carole Nash policies include EU cover unless otherwise stated, so you can ride with peace of mind wherever the road leads.
