Introduction
Waking up in Bouillon on the morning of Day 2, the air was crisp and smelled faintly of river mist drifting off the Semois. Yesterday had been about shaking off motorway fatigue, crossing the English Channel, and settling into our group rhythm across Belgium. Today, however, was where the emotional and scenic depth of our ‘Twisties & The Tuscan Sun’ journey truly began to unfold.
Our 230-mile itinerary for Day 2 took us south across the French border, sweeping through the rolling hills of Meuse and Lorraine toward the historic battlefields of Verdun. From there, we rode through vibrant French market towns, skirted around the forested hills of the Northern Vosges, paused beside quiet border lakes in Bitche, and crossed the Rhine into Germany. By nightfall, our motorcycles were resting beside a tranquil forest lake in the deep heart of the Black Forest at Hotel Langenwaldsee.
Spanning three distinct countries—Belgium, France, and Germany—Day 2 offered a profound balance between poignant historical reflection at Douaumont Ossuary and the sheer joy of riding smooth European backroads under a radiant July sky.
Today’s Route
Designing a route through eastern France and southwestern Germany requires balancing rich historical stops with roads that keep motorcycle riders smiling inside their helmets. Day 2 delivered exactly that blend across four varied legs:
- Morning Section (Bouillon to Verdun & Douaumont): Leaving the Ardennes behind, we pressed south into France along quiet departmental routes (D-roads). The terrain shifted from wooded river valleys into rolling agricultural plateaus before ascending into the heavily forested ridges surrounding Verdun.
- Midday Section (Verdun to Pont-à-Mousson): After an unforgettable stop at Douaumont Ossuary, we navigated east through the heart of Lorraine toward the Moselle River, pulling up for lunch at the historic Place Duroc in Pont-à-Mousson.
- Afternoon Section (Pont-à-Mousson to Bitche): We pushed northeast along fast, flowing forest sweepers through the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord, taking a restful coffee break by the lake in Bitche.
- Evening Section (Bitche to Freudenstadt): Crossing the Rhine River into Germany at Iffezheim, we climbed up into the Black Forest along sweeping, pine-scented mountain curves to reach Hotel Langenwaldsee near Freudenstadt.
The Ride
Riding out of our hotel after morning briefings, our tidy line of headlights swept smoothly through gentle morning mist hanging over rolling farmland. The cool morning air kept engines humming happily as we picked up the quiet French D-roads heading south. As tour leader, looking in your mirrors and seeing a group of confident riders navigating gentle S-bends with perfect spacing is one of the best feelings on the road.
As we approached Verdun, the surrounding landscape noticeably altered. Dense oak and pine forests crowded the road, and subtle earthworks—moss-covered trench lines, shell craters, and reinforced concrete bunkers—began to appear alongside the tarmac. We turned onto the quiet forest lane climbing up to the Douaumont Ridge.
Our primary morning stop was the Douaumont Ossuary. Standing in front of this colossal memorial is a humbling experience. The ossuary houses the skeletal remains of over 130,000 unidentified French and German soldiers who perished during the 300 days of the Battle of Verdun in 1916. Outside, thousands of immaculate white crosses stretch across the manicured green hillside in quiet repose.
We parked our bikes in silence near the memorial entrance. Walking through the quiet cloister inside, where sunlight filters through red stained-glass windows onto engraved marble walls, you feel the immense weight of European history. Standing together as a group of riders from different backgrounds, looking out over terrain where nature has swallowed the scars of war, was a deeply moving experience for everyone present.
The lantern tower of the ossuary rises 46 metres above the ridge, housing a bronze bell that rings out across the quiet valley. We spent over an hour visiting the museum exhibits, reflecting on history, and appreciating how fortunate we are today to ride freely across these once-divided borders.
Re-joining the bikes, we rode quietly south toward Pont-à-Mousson. The solemn mood gradually shifted back into therapeutic riding rhythm as warm afternoon sun broke through the clouds, warming the tarmac and illuminating the golden wheat fields of Lorraine.
By midday, we arrived in Pont-à-Mousson, pulling up in the heart of town at Place Duroc. Renowned for its unique triangular layout enclosed by 16th-century stone arcades, the square was buzzing with weekend life. We parked our bikes under the shade and found a welcoming outdoor cafe table under the arches.
Lunch in France is always a highlight on a Wild Roads tour. Freshly baked baguettes with local cheese and jambon, rich espressos, and sparkling water revitalised everyone. We relaxed, swapped stories about the morning’s ride, and soaked in the delightful atmosphere of French town life.
After lunch, our route swept east through the Vosges du Nord regional park toward Bitche, dominated by its imposing 17th-century citadel perched high on a sandstone rock. We pulled up alongside a calm, mirror-like lake for an afternoon coffee break.
The final stint of the day was pure riding perfection. Crossing the Rhine into Germany, the border was completely seamless. The tarmac quality stepped up, and the road began to ascend into the Black Forest (Schwarzwald). Dense evergreen pines shaded the tarmac as we enjoyed smooth third-gear sweepers and climbing hairpin bends. The scent of pine filled our helmets—a perfect reward after a memorable day on the road.
Rider Experiences
One of the best parts of guiding European motorcycle tours is listening to rider reactions at the end of the day. Over evening drinks on the terrace, everyone shared their personal highlights:
“Visiting Douaumont Ossuary was something I had wanted to do for years,” reflected Mark, riding his BMW R1250GS. “Seeing the thousands of white crosses in person puts everything into perspective. It made the rest of today’s ride through peaceful countryside feel even more meaningful.”
For Sarah on her Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, the afternoon climb into Germany was the stand-out moment: “The transition from rural French backroads straight into the tight, smooth climbing curves of the Black Forest was unreal. The road grip here is incredible!”
Dave on his Triumph Tiger added: “Stopping for lunch at Place Duroc felt like quintessential France. You can’t beat good coffee, fresh bread, and great company after a morning of sweeping backroads.”
Hotel & Evening
Our destination for Night 2 was the picturesque Hotel Langenwaldsee, hidden in a quiet forested valley just outside Freudenstadt in Germany’s Black Forest. Situated directly on the shore of a serene woodland lake, it is a favourite hideaway for motorcyclists.
After securing our bikes in the hotel’s dedicated parking area, we checked in and gathered on the lakeside terrace overlooking the water and surrounding fir trees. Dinner was an absolute feast of regional Black Forest cuisine—crispy Schnitzels served with mushroom sauce, pan-seared mountain trout, fresh spätzle, and authentic Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte). Paired with cold local Weizenbier and Baden wines, laughter and camaraderie lasted well into the evening as twilight fell over the lake.
Tomorrow
Tomorrow is Day 3, and the mountain twisties are taking centre stage! We will be heading south through the heart of the Black Forest, tackling sections of the world-famous B500 (Schwarzwaldhochstraße), sweeping past Lake Titisee, and crossing into Bavaria as we head toward the historic town square of Marktplatz and onwards toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the German Alps.
Expect spectacular high-altitude views, endless alpine curves, and crisp mountain air!
Ride This Tour Yourself
Dreaming of riding these historic battlefield routes, smooth French backroads, and legendary Black Forest twisties yourself? You can join us on our next European tour!
Explore the full day-by-day itinerary, detailed route breakdown, and upcoming dates on our official Twisties & The Tuscan Sun Tour Page.
FAQ
1. What makes visiting Douaumont Ossuary significant on a motorcycle tour?
Douaumont Ossuary is one of Europe’s most significant WW1 memorials, housing the remains of over 130,000 soldiers from the Battle of Verdun. Visiting on a motorcycle tour allows riders to experience the quiet beauty of the surrounding forest while reflecting on Europe’s history before continuing onto scenic riding routes.
2. What are the best motorcycle roads between Verdun and the Black Forest?
The departmental routes (D-roads) through Lorraine and the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord offer outstanding motorcycle touring. Roads around Pont-à-Mousson and Bitche feature light traffic, smooth tarmac, and sweeping curves that lead naturally toward the German border.
3. Is crossing the border between France and Germany easy on a motorcycle?
Yes, border crossings between France and Germany are seamless under the Schengen Agreement with no border checks or stops required. Riders can travel freely across borders, though you should always carry your passport, driving licence, bike registration, and insurance paperwork.
4. What riding gear is recommended for touring France and Germany in July?
Summer riding in Western Europe can range from warm 28°C sunny valley riding to cooler 18°C mountain passes. A versatile four-season or ventilated textile jacket with removable waterproof liners works best. High-quality riding boots and rain gear are essential for all continental tours.
5. Why is Hotel Langenwaldsee a great stop for motorcycle tours in the Black Forest?
Hotel Langenwaldsee near Freudenstadt offers motorcyclists serene lake views, secure motorcycle parking, exceptional regional dining, and direct access to famous Black Forest touring routes like the B500 Schwarzwaldhochstraße, making it an ideal motorcycle stopover.
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