Introduction: The Journey Begins

There is an undeniable magic to the pre-dawn hours before embarking on a long-distance European motorcycle adventure. At 04:30am in Folkestone, as a soft sea mist drifted off the English Channel, our group of riders gathered at the Eurotunnel terminal. Panniers were locked, dry bags strapped securely, and steaming cups of coffee held tightly in gloved hands. This was official—Day 1 of our flagship Twisties & The Tuscan Sun tour was under way. Over the next 15 days, we would carve our way across seven countries, taking on the Ardennes, Black Forest, Austrian Alps, Dolomites, Tuscan hills, and Western Alps.

Standing in the terminal lanes as the first amber glow of dawn hit the fairings of our bikes, the atmosphere was electric. We had a brilliant mix of riders in the group—some touring Europe for the very first time, others returning for another dose of Wild Roads camaraderie. As tour leader, there is no greater privilege than guiding a group of like-minded enthusiasts on a journey like this. Everyone was buzzing with anticipation, eager to board the train and get wheels onto French tarmac.

After a swift safety briefing and double-checking passport controls, we received our boarding call. The early alarm clock at 3:45am was long forgotten as a dozen twin and multi-cylinder engines fired up in unison. We rolled down the ramp and into the carriage, bound for Calais and our ultimate destination for the night: the medieval town of Bouillon in Belgium.

Today’s Route

Day 1 is designed as a smooth, engaging transit leg to ease riders into continental traffic while avoiding tedious motorways wherever possible. Leaving Calais, our route carved south-east through the historic Pas-de-Calais region towards Arras, crossed gentle agricultural plains, navigated quiet French country lanes, and crossed the Belgian border into the lush valley of Bouillon.

Covering approximately 197 miles across three countries in a single day provided the perfect blend of progress and relaxation. Northern France is ideal for getting comfortable on continental roads, with light traffic and long, sweeping bends that set a fantastic rhythm for the days ahead.

The Ride: French Tarmac and Flemish Charm

Disembarking the Eurotunnel shuttle at Calais is always a thrilling moment. Rolling out into the bright French sunshine, the air instantly felt warmer, and the sheer freedom of European touring took hold. Our initial leg carried us south-east along the autoroute before veering onto smooth departmental roads. By 11:48am, after two hours of effortless riding, we pulled into Carrefour Contact along Chaussée Brunehaut for our first official road stop.

There is a special charm to sitting outside a French village store on a warm morning, sipping cold drinks and enjoying fresh pastries while inspecting the bikes. The group was already clicking effortlessly, exchanging riding feedback and soaking in the sunshine.

We continued toward Arras, reaching the town’s famous Grand’Place around 1:30pm. Arras is celebrated for its magnificent Flemish-baroque architecture, featuring an expansive cobbled square encircled by 155 historic gabled townhouses. We parked the bikes along the cobblestones, grabbed a rich espresso at a sidewalk café, and took a stroll through the historic square. France was giving us a magnificent welcome.

In the late afternoon, we turned off the main routes onto tranquil secondary roads. Around 4:52pm, near Rue des Ormeaux close to the Belgian border, we pulled over along a peaceful country lane. Surrounded by open fields and rolling greenery, we took a moment to stretch our legs and listen to the quiet ticking of cooling exhaust pipes. It was a classic tour moment—quiet, scenic, and deeply satisfying.

Bouillon — End of Day 1

At 6:45pm, we crossed the border into Belgium and descended into the town of Bouillon. Tucked away in a deep, forested valley along the Semois River, Bouillon feels as though it was lifted straight from a fairytale. Dominating the ridge above the town stands Château de Bouillon, a towering 10th-century medieval fortress built high on a sharp bend of the river.

Sweeping down the hillside into town as the fortress loomed over the water was an unforgettable spectacle. The rumble of our exhausts echoed off ancient stone walls as we navigated the narrow cobbled streets along the riverbank to our hotel. Bouillon provided a magnificent, historic backdrop to conclude our very first day on the road.

Evening Highlights & Group Camaraderie

By 9:37pm, after settling into our rooms and shedding our riding gear, the entire group met in the hotel bar. Dressed in relaxed evening wear—with an England shirt proudly on display—we settled in to watch the World Cup match on the big screen with ice-cold Belgian beers in hand. The camaraderie after 197 miles on the road was fantastic, filled with story-telling, belly laughs, and shared enthusiasm for the days ahead.

Tomorrow: Into the Ardennes Forest

Tomorrow on Day 2, our journey moves into higher gear as we carve through the dense, sweeping forests of the Belgian Ardennes, cross into Luxembourg, and push toward the Black Forest in Germany. The roads will grow twistier, the scenery more dramatic, and the riding properly epic. Be sure to check back for Day 2 of Notes From The Road!

Ride This Tour Yourself

If reading about our journey from Folkestone to Bouillon sparks your desire for the ultimate European motorcycle adventure, why not take the handlebars yourself? Wild Roads Motorcycle Tours specializes in meticulously planned, fully guided European tours that handle all the logistics, routing, and hotel bookings so you can enjoy pure, unadulterated riding.

Our flagship Twisties & The Tuscan Sun Motorcycle Tour offers 15 incredible days exploring the finest riding roads in Europe—including the Ardennes, Black Forest, Austrian Alps, Dolomites, Tuscany, and Western Alps. Bookings for our 2027 departures are now open. Request your complete tour pack today to secure your place!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Eurotunnel crossing like on a motorcycle?

The Eurotunnel crossing from Folkestone to Calais is fast, smooth, and weather-independent, taking just 35 minutes under the Channel. Motorcycles drive directly into dedicated single-deck carriages where riders remain alongside their bikes for the short journey. Wheel chocks and kickstand blocks are supplied on request, ensuring a completely secure crossing.

Is Bouillon worth visiting on a motorcycle tour?

Yes, Bouillon is one of the most rewarding stops in southern Belgium’s Wallonia region. Located on a scenic loop of the Semois River in the Ardennes, it features excellent motorcycle routes, fantastic local cuisine, and the imposing 10th-century Château de Bouillon overlooking the valley.

What are the best roads through northern France by motorcycle?

Rather than sticking to major autoroutes, motorcyclists in northern France should explore the departmental road network (D-roads). Routes like the D939 through Pas-de-Calais offer smooth surfaces, rolling countryside views, light traffic, and historic town stops such as Arras.

How long does Day 1 of the Twisties & Tuscan Sun tour take?

Day 1 covers approximately 197 miles and takes 7 to 8 hours in total. This time accounts for the 35-minute Eurotunnel train transit, passport controls, morning snack break at Chaussée Brunehaut, an espresso break in Arras, and scenic rest stops before reaching Bouillon.

What countries does the Twisties & Tuscan Sun motorcycle tour pass through?

This 15-day tour passes through 7 nations across Western and Central Europe: the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, and Italy (including Tuscany and the High Alps).