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

For riders who have already taken an off-road course, with us or elsewhere, and really ride off the pavement. It is a sporty advanced course: take the next step, gain speed and confidence standing on the pegs, and keep going through a long day on dirt roads. The group is limited to 8 riders, coached by an English-speaking instructor and guide certified by the French Motorcycling Federation.

Level 1, over one day, two days or three days, introduces dirt roads to riders who are comfortable on the street. Level 2 builds on that: more demanding drills, then a ride on tougher trails. If you have never ridden off-road, start with a Level 1 course.

Day 1 starts at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast, followed by a full day on a private 4x4 ground: obstacles, side slopes, slow and faster riding, standing at a steady pace, and drills shaped around what you want to work on. Day 2 is an off-road ride of about 93 miles, where the instructor also teaches you to read the trail and manage your energy.

Yes, this is a sporty course: the standing drills and the long ride on day 2 call for stamina. Mountain biking, trail running or running help a lot. Before you book, your travel advisor asks about your off-road experience, your fitness and your height, to make sure this level is right for you.

A recent Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, the same motorcycle as on the Level 1 courses, so if you have ridden with us before you will know it. You need a valid motorcycle license. If you have a question about seat height, ask your travel advisor.

Level 2 is designed for riders, each on their own motorcycle, at a faster pace than Level 1, where passengers are welcome. If you were thinking of bringing a passenger, talk to your travel advisor before booking: they will tell you what is possible or point you toward a Level 1 course.

$890 per rider. The price covers the motorcycle, gas, third-party motorcycle insurance, the instructor and guide, one night in a standard hotel, dinner on day 1, breakfast on day 2 and both lunches. Traveling solo, you share a twin room or take a single room for $59. Not included: riding gear, travel, a $708 deposit per motorcycle, medical expenses insurance (mandatory if you are not covered by French social security) and, on your first booking, a $41 registration fee.

Your own full gear: nothing is loaned and gear is mandatory. An approved full-face helmet, high boots, reinforced gloves, a jacket with back protection and pants with knee protection. At Level 2 you ride faster and for longer, so well-fitting gear makes a difference. Add rain gear and a hydration pack; nets hold your bag on the seat. Full list in our help center.

Near Lyon, at 8:30 a.m. on day 1; the exact meeting point is confirmed when you book. On day 2, the ride ends at our base in Anse, in the Beaujolais: plan your departure from 6 p.m. The nearest airport is Lyon Saint-Exupéry, and the night before the course is at your own expense. There is no support vehicle: if needed, the instructor calls the emergency services.

The season runs from March to November. No date is published on this page right now: ask your travel advisor when the next Level 2 course will take place. Other dates are possible on request to your travel advisor. With the group limited to 8 riders, it pays to reach out early.