Off-road training in France level 1, Off-Road Training in France: Level 1, 2 Days
Adventure motorcycle training
Motorcycle trip France

Off-Road Training in France: Level 1, 2 Days

4.5 (11 reviews) 2 days · 93 miles $890
All motorcycle tours in France
Vintage Rides → Motorcycle Tours → France → Off-Road Training in France: Level 1, 2 Days
Alexane
Your motorcycle expert
Alexane
A passionate rider with 10 years of motorcycle travel experience, her blend of tourism background and love for motorcycling makes her a committed individual, ready to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
On the agenda

Our two-day off-road motorcycle training lets you learn, or brush up on, the fundamentals of off-road riding on a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Day one is coaching on private ground in the Beaujolais, near Lyon; day two puts it all into practice on a 93-mile (150 km) trail ride through the Beaujolais. It will serve you on everyday roads as much as on your next adventure. Whether you have already ridden with us, are planning your next motorcycle trip, or just want a weekend ride with friends, you are welcome at the Vintage Rides Academy. You can also explore our other motorcycle tours in France.

Short on time? Try our one-day course. Already confident on dirt? Move up to our level 2 off-road course.

Price
From $890,00 / rider
  • Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc rental.

  • Fuel.

  • Supervision on private training grounds: training day (Day 1) with an English-speaking French Motorcycle Federation-certified instructor.

  • Mandatory insurance: an insurance that covers medical expenses abroad.

  • A refundable deposit of $708 per motorcycle

  • Off-road equipment (full-face helmet, boots, reinforced gloves, etc.).

Book with peace of mind

  • Payment : A 50% deposit when you book and the balance 45 days before departure, by secure online payment. A $41 registration fee applies to your first trip with us only. Learn more
  • Cancellation : Fees depend on the date, from 15% of the price more than 60 days before departure to 100% less than 8 days before, plus handling fees. Learn more
  • Insurance : Medical and repatriation insurance is mandatory. Bring your own policy or take our partner's, at $24 per day. Learn more
  • Riding gear : Helmets and riding gear are not provided. Bring a DOT or ECE approved helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. Learn more
  • Traveling solo : You share a twin room with another participant, or book a single room for a supplement, subject to availability. Learn more
Important
Documents requested :
International motorcycle license if necessary
Motorcycle Driving License
Passport valid for the whole trip
Valid Visa, if required

This course is for off-road beginners and riders with little experience who are confident on the road. Couples are welcome (two per group at most): the passenger first rides with the instructor to learn the right moves. 8 riders maximum; proper off-road gear is mandatory.

Courses take place on private land and on small roads and easy tracks. There is no support vehicle: in case of an accident, participants or the instructor call the public emergency services right away. Trail conditions depend on the weather.

Two-day off-road training in France: your questions

Who is this course for?

For riders who are already confident on the road and want to discover off-road riding, or improve after a first experience: try an adventure bike, build confidence before a tour, take the next step. It is not a street-riding refresher. The group is limited to 8 participants, led by an instructor and guide certified by the French Motorcycling Federation, who teaches in English.

How does it differ from the one-day course, the 3-day course and Level 2?

The one-day course takes place on private land only. This 2-day course adds a day riding in the Beaujolais to put what you have learned into practice, with a night in a hotel. The 3-day course adds one more day of riding. Level 2 is for riders who have already done a Level 1 course.

What do the two days look like?

On day 1, meet at 8:30 a.m., briefing with the instructor, then a day on a private 4x4 ground in the Beaujolais: obstacles, side slopes, slow riding, braking and exercises adapted to your level. On day 2, a ride of about 93 miles through the wine villages and forest dirt roads of the Beaujolais, to apply what you learned the day before.

Which motorcycle, and which license do I need?

A recent Royal Enfield Himalayan 411. You need a motorcycle license and regular street riding. If your height makes you hesitate, talk to your travel advisor before booking.

Can I bring a passenger?

Yes, with two passengers at most per course. The passenger takes an active part: first riding behind the instructor to learn the right moves, then helping the rider correct theirs. The course costs $890 per rider and $490 per passenger.

How much does the course cost, and what is included?

$890 per rider and $490 per passenger. The price includes the motorcycle, gas, third-party motorcycle insurance, the instructor and guide, a night in a standard hotel and meals, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 2. Traveling solo, you share a twin room, or pay $59 for a single room. You pay for your riding gear, travel to the meeting point, a $708 deposit per motorcycle and, on your first booking with us, a $41 registration fee.

What riding gear should I bring?

Riding gear is not provided and it is mandatory: an approved full-face helmet, a jacket with back protection, reinforced gloves, high boots and pants with knee protection. Also bring rain gear and a water bottle or hydration pack; nets are provided to strap a backpack to the seat. The full list is in our help center.

Where is the meeting point, and how do I get there?

At 8:30 a.m. outside Sain-Bel train station (69210), west of Lyon, which you can reach by train from Lyon. The nearest airport is Lyon Saint-Exupéry. The night before the course is not included: if you come from far away, plan a night nearby the evening before. There is no support vehicle: if needed, the instructor calls the emergency services.

When do the courses run?

From March to November, on weekends, on fixed dates: the next dates and remaining spots are shown on this page. How demanding the dirt roads are depends on the weather in the days before, hence the rain gear in your bag.

How do I book?

Choose your date and book directly on this page, or call a travel advisor if you are unsure which format suits you. Spots are limited to 8 participants per course.

Reviews on this trip
4.5/5 · 11 reviews
I came for a level 1…

I came for a level 1 off-road course and I wasn’t disappointed. Lots of things...

Off-Road Training in France: Level 1, 2 Days

I did an introductory off-road weekend…

I did an introductory off-road weekend in the Beaujolais and it was a great experience....

We took part in an off-road…

We took part in an off-road course in the Beaujolais, an ideal region for an...

An instructive weekend that felt like…

An instructive weekend that felt like a real change of scene, right next door to...

We discovered landscapes and tracks we…

We discovered landscapes and tracks we didn’t know, even though we’re from the region. We...

A first day that was harder…

A first day that was harder than I expected, not much ‘fun’ but very much...

Off-Road Training in France: Level 1, 2 Days

Level 1 was of very high…

Level 1 was of very high quality, giving the basics of off-road riding with kindness...

Off-Road Training in France: Level 1, 2 Days

See all reviews (11)
France
Off-Road Training in France: Level 1, 2 Days
50% deposit
Cancellation and postponement with conditions
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