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.
Stage 1/2
Stage 2/2
93 miles
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.).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
