Motorcycle Photography Tour Through France: In May 2026, I set off on a memorable motorcycle adventure through western France aboard my Suzuki V-Strom 800RE. Rather than rushing from destination to destination, the aim of this trip was simple: avoid the motorways, explore the countryside, discover charming towns, enjoy local culture, and capture photographs along the way.
Travelling on quiet country roads allowed me to experience a side of France that many visitors miss. From rolling farmland and historic villages to stunning Atlantic beaches and the dramatic coastline of Normandy, every day offered something new to discover.
Day 1 – Bournemouth to Vire
The journey began at 7:00 AM in Bournemouth. After an early ride to Poole Ferry Terminal, I boarded the ferry to Cherbourg, leaving England behind and heading for France.
Upon arriving in Cherbourg, I headed south through the Normandy countryside towards Saint-Lô. The roads were quiet, winding through green fields and picturesque villages. Continuing on to Vire, I settled into a small hotel near the railway station for the night.
After a long day of travelling, it was the perfect place to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 – Vire to Cholet
Following breakfast, I continued south through Flers and onward to Le Mans, famous for its legendary 24-hour endurance race. Avoiding the major roads, I enjoyed a relaxed ride through rural landscapes before reaching Saumur.
Saumur provided the perfect lunch stop. Situated along the Loire River, the town’s elegant architecture and relaxed atmosphere made it a highlight of the day.
In the afternoon, I continued to Cholet where I stayed overnight in a budget Bed & Breakfast. It was a comfortable stop and offered a good opportunity to recharge before heading towards the Atlantic coast.
Day 3 to Day 4 – Rest Days at Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
The next stage of the journey took me to Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez on France’s Atlantic coast. Here, I checked into a beautiful private Airbnb suite where I would stay for two nights.
With temperatures reaching around 34°C, I decided to slow the pace and enjoy some well-earned rest. The coastal town offered everything needed for a relaxing break: sandy beaches, local shops, cafés, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Sometimes the best part of a motorcycle journey is simply staying still for a while and appreciating the surroundings.
Day 5 – Arrival in Chanteloup
Leaving the coast behind, I rode inland to Chanteloup where I had booked a charming farmhouse for three nights.
The peaceful rural setting was exactly what I was looking for. Surrounded by fields and countryside, it provided a perfect base from which to explore the region while experiencing authentic French rural life.
Day 6 – A Day of Relaxation
Not every day on a motorcycle tour needs to involve hundreds of kilometres.
Day six was intentionally quiet. A short ride to a local supermarket for supplies was followed by a relaxing afternoon at the farmhouse. The opportunity to unwind, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and escape the usual pace of everyday life was one of the highlights of the trip.
Day 7 – Mont Saint-Michel and the Normandy Coast
This was one of the most memorable days of the entire tour.
The morning ride took me to Le Bourguais, where I enjoyed a walk along the beach and captured photographs of the coastline. From there, I continued to the world-famous Mont Saint-Michel.
Rising dramatically from the surrounding landscape, Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic landmarks. The combination of medieval architecture, changing light, and spectacular scenery provided countless photographic opportunities.
On the return journey to Chanteloup, I stopped in Avranches to explore the town and relax with a few drinks before heading back to the farmhouse for the evening.
Day 8 – Port de Diélette, Flamanville and Cherbourg
My final overnight stop was in Siouville-Hague, where I checked into a welcoming Bed & Breakfast.
After settling in, I spent the afternoon exploring the nearby coastal communities of Port de Diélette and Flamanville. The harbour at Port de Diélette offered beautiful maritime scenes, while the impressive Château de Flamanville provided another excellent photography location.
Later, I rode into Cherbourg for dinner and enjoyed a pizza overlooking the harbour before returning to Siouville-Hague for the night.
The following morning, after breakfast, I returned to Cherbourg and spent the day exploring the city, wandering through its streets and waterfront while taking photographs. As evening approached, it was time to board the ferry back to the United Kingdom, bringing the adventure to a close.
Reflections on the Journey
What made this tour special was not the distance travelled, but the journey itself. By deliberately avoiding motorways and choosing country roads, I experienced a slower and more rewarding side of France.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800RE proved to be an ideal companion, handling everything from coastal roads and rural lanes to long days in the saddle with ease.
Over eight unforgettable days, I explored historic towns, quiet villages, beautiful beaches, working harbours, and some of France’s most famous landmarks. Along the way, I captured hundreds of photographs and enjoyed countless moments that would have been missed from the fast lane of a motorway.
This journey was a reminder that motorcycle touring is not about reaching a destination as quickly as possible. It is about discovering the places in between.
