Alps & Tyrol 2026: Through France, Belgium and the Black Forest – Day 2
Day 2 – 501km
Day two of our Alps and Tyrol motorcycle tour was always going to be a bit of a slog. We had a lot of ground to cover today, so there was no avoiding some faster roads to get us into position for the riding we really came for.
A Fast Run South Through France
We headed away from Arlon and made good progress south, using the toll free motorway through Metz and towards Nancy.
It's not always the most exciting part of a European motorcycle tour, but sometimes you've got to cover the miles. The reward is getting further into the journey and putting yourself in the right place for the better roads still to come.
Nancy provided a welcome opportunity for a coffee before we continued towards the Vosges Mountains.
Lunch in the Vosges
We stopped for lunch in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, where we reverted to the traditional French motorcycle touring staple — a good old boulangerie lunch.
The choice was ridiculous!
There was so much to choose from that they were like kids in a sweatshop trying to decide what to have. With all those pastries, breads, sandwiches and other French treats staring back at us, making a decision wasn't exactly easy.
But fuelled up and ready to go, it was time to get back on the bikes.
Towards the Rhine and Germany
From Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, we continued east, passing Colmar before crossing the fertile plains around the Rhine River.
The landscape began to change as we moved towards Germany, and eventually we crossed the border and started heading up into the Black Forest.
This was where the day's riding really started to come alive.
Riding the Famous B500 Through the Black Forest
The B500 through the Black Forest is one of those roads that motorcycle riders naturally look forward to.
Thankfully, being a Sunday, the road was relatively empty of traffic, making the riding particularly enjoyable. With far fewer cars getting in the way, we could settle into the rhythm of the road and enjoy the curves and scenery of the Black Forest.
After the earlier motorway miles, this was exactly the sort of riding we had been waiting for.
Sunset on Lake Constance
Eventually, we made our way down to Sipplingen, on the shores of Lake Constance, where we'd be spending the evening.
After 501km in the saddle, it was time to park the bikes and enjoy the surroundings.
Pizza and beer on the shore of Lake Constance was a pretty good way to finish the day, followed by a visit to a hip and trendy bar with something of an Ibiza beach vibe.
We're definitely in a very well-to-do part of Germany here, and sitting there watching the sunset with the locals was a great way to round off another big day on the road.
501km Done – The Alps Are Getting Closer
Day two was always about covering ground, and that's exactly what we did.
501km ridden, taking us from France through the Vosges and across into Germany, finishing on the shores of Lake Constance.
The motorway miles are behind us for now, the Black Forest has given us our first taste of some seriously enjoyable riding, and the Alps and Tyrol are getting closer.
Another day, another 500km in the bag. Bring on Day 3!
Comments