Simply put, the Route des Grandes Alpes is one of the greatest motorcycle road trips in the world, not just in Europe. More than 683 km (425 miles) of picturesque mountainside biking awaits, starting on the shores of Lake Geneva and ending at Menton close to the Italian border.

The most popular route takes two to three days to complete and connects 15 passes through charming villages and towns, including Col de L’Iseran – the highest pass in Europe. But the beauty of the Route des Grandes Alpes is you don’t have to stick to one road. Many brave and more experienced bikers ditch the classic route in favour of riding to the monument at Cime de la Bonnette, 2,802m above sea level.

An ideal trip for owners of adventure and touring motorcycles thanks to its long open roads, highlights include the last stretch of the route, where you’ll travel from Val d’Isere to Lake Geneva, passing Lake Roseland and enjoying spectacular views of Mont Blanc.

The best time to tackle the Route des Grandes Alpes is June or September when the roads are relatively quiet, and the weather is still good. The roads in the winter months can become dangerous with snow or ice on the roads so best to avoid. August sits within the height of summer so also best to avoid if possible – it can get very hot and the French national holiday season means it can be a lot busier than usual.

Starting in Calais, France and ending 1,150 km (715 miles) later, it’s three days of biking fun, with some fantastic sights to enjoy along the way.

Day one ends at Pont-à-Mousson, in north-eastern France, where you can check out the 18th-century Premonstratensian abbey. On the second day, you’ll take the B500 through the Black Forest before reaching Baden-Baden in Germany. From there, you’ll pass the shores of Lake Constance and have a short trip into Austria, before finishing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, in the foothills of the Wetterstein mountains.

In theory, you could complete the Garmisch Run in two days, but you’d miss so much along the way. This ride is all about savouring the sights and stopping to experience the local culture, rather than competing to get to the end first – but when you’re not stopped at one of the must-visit sights, taking to the road on an adventure or touring bike will ensure every twist and turn is enjoyed.

Looking for something slightly more taxing? The Trans Euro Trail comprises more than 51,000 km (31,689 miles) of dirt road, making it one of Europe’s most unique routes. Influenced by the Trans America Trail, this largely unpaved route stretches out from the top to the bottom of the continent and from east to west. It passes through 27 countries, including Norway, Spain, Greece, Poland, Germany and Belgium, so you’ll get to see the best of Europe on this trip.

How far you wish to travel, and how challenging you want to make it, is up to you. It could take months to complete the trail in one go, so many choose to ride different sections over several years.

Although there are lots of remote trails to attempt, there are some normal roads too, to make it less daunting. However, the many dirt roads you’re likely to encounter means this is the perfect route for those with adventure bikes, designed for taking on those dusty trails just as well as they can handle a long road trip.

However, you choose to tackle the TET, there are some amazing sights to see along the way, including castles, prehistoric monuments, beaches and endless cornfields. It’s up to you how easy you make each night, too – you could choose to stay in five-star hotels, or camp under the stars.

The Route Napoleon is legendary among bikers and steeped in historical significance. The 322 km (200 miles) adventure follows the journey Napoleon took when his exile ended. Starting in Macon and finishing up in Antibes, you can complete Route Napoleon in a day. It’s best experienced in May or September, as it can get very hot along the route through the summer.

Starting at Macon, you’ll head to Grenoble then down towards Laffrey, before you reach the stunning views with rising and falling roads between La Mure and Gap. Less experienced motorcyclists may want to take their time on the D4085 down to Castellane – it’s the fastest section.

After that, a detour to the gorgeous Verdon Gorge or around the Lake of Sainte-Croix comes highly recommended. And if you have time, perhaps peruse the Fragonard Perfume Museum in Grasse? If you’d prefer a more traditional historical site, there’s a former Roman Catholic cathedral in the old town just begging to be explored.

Another fascinating way to experience history on a motorbike tour in France is to try the 547 km (340 miles) of the Normandy Beaches, a region with a rich history flowing through its waters. You’ll begin in Rouen, the capital of Normandy, with history dating back to medieval times. Then it’s to the beaches, including Omaha Beach, with its cliffs and scattered bunkers. If you have time, you can also visit the war graves of Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

The Normandy Beaches route finishes up with yet more fascinating history, courtesy of the medieval monastery at Mont Saint-Michel. It’s worth noting if you want to visit Mont Saint-Michel, you’ll need to take a ferry to the island. It’s recommended you set aside at least a couple of days for The Normandy Beaches, so you can experience its many sights to the full.

For a ride as thrilling as it is beautiful, hop on your bike and experience the 90 km (56 miles) loop of Verdon Gorge, a spectacular journey around ‘Europe’s Grand Canyon’, starting and ending in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

It’ll be tempting to take in every minute of the journey along the Verdon River in one go, as the 700-metre-deep canyons and bright turquoise waters are awe-inspiring. However, these roads are winding and bumpy at times, so you may want a break every so often.

Verdon Gorge is relatively short, so it’s achievable in one day. When you’re done, if you want to explore further, hit the D23 that heads south to the town of La Palud-sur-Verdon. There are plenty of campsites there to rest up and spend the night.

The great Dolomite road through northern Italy is a breath-taking journey through some of Europe’s most spectacular mountains. This 112 km (70 miles) route stretches over three passes - Costalunga, Pordoi (the highest in the range) and Falzarego.

The scenery is so stunning along the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti route that you’re going to be constantly tempted to stop and take it all in. Those craggy peaks and slopes are crying out for you to take pics.

The Dolomite passes are usually open by the end of May. September is the ideal time to take the tour, after the peak holiday time of August. Expect the route to take around half a day to complete.

Starting in Sorrento and ending in Salerno, the Amalfi Coast Road takes in some extremely pretty sites in south-west Italy. It’s worth noting that some of the roads on this route can get very narrow, and you may need to take care riding through Positano and Amalfi town where you might meet with cars, but the tour is more than worth it.

The Amalfi Coast Road is more than 96 km (60 miles) long, so in high season it can take around seven hours. However, take this route in late September, or before May, and you’re in for a real treat on this classic coastal road showcasing Italy at its best.

Located on the lush island of Sardinia, the Chia Coastal Road takes in 23 km (14 miles) of coastline that is a delight from start to finish. You’ll begin in the ancient village of Chia itself, before cutting along the southern coastline of the island – why not take the journey on a scooter for an authentic experience?

One of the most picturesque routes on the list, there’s beauty everywhere, from the 17th-century Chia tower to small coves by the emerald-green sea. The only issue will be the extra packing you’ll need to do. You’re going to need your swimming gear and a towel because taking a dip here is a must.

Any time of year is great in Chia, though you might want to avoid the hottest months of July and August.

Route 2: Pyrenees Coast to Coast

Where does it start: Santander

Where does it end: Santander

What is the distance: 3147.8 km (1,956 miles)

The 12-night route is a 1,956-mile loop from Santander, offers something for the solo rider, couples on a relaxed tour and groups of friends. These roads provide a great mixture of quiet twisty mountainous roads, twinned with scenic views and the prospect of a beach break. Riders can look forward to some fantastic scenery.

Route 3: Potes triangle

Where does it start: Potes

Where does it end: Potes

What is the distance: 201.1 km (125 miles)

One of the most famous rides in the Picos de Europa: Potes to Riaño to Cangas de Onís and back to Potes. This route posses a combination of scenery. From mountain passes and gorges, to lakes and other stunning scenery. A trip that can be done in just 4 hours and spans 125 miles, the perfect trip for the weekend.

The most northerly point in the continent draws motorbike riders from across the world. And with good reason. The road to Nordkapp from Oslo, Norway, features endless awe-inspiring scenery, with mountains, fjords and sunny ocean views aplenty.

Be aware the route is long if travelling from Oslo and will take between five and nine days to complete the 1,962 km (1,219 miles). However, the road to North Cape (Nordkapp) officially starts at Olderfjord and spans just 130 km (80 miles). Whichever route you take, why not take it at your own pace and enjoy the long open roads on a touring bike designed to enhance an unforgettable road trip?

Before tackling this route, it’s important to consider the conditions. Even in summer, the weather can be unpredictable, so you should plan for all eventualities. From one day to the next, you could be riding in blazing sunshine, storms and even snow. But if you think you have what it takes, the road to Nordkapp is thrilling, and few motorcycle tours in Europe can match it.

The 1,332 km (828 miles) Iceland Ring Road is a great way to explore some wondrous, fascinating sights on the island. To get there, you can either take a two-day ferry from Denmark or ship your motorbike over. It’s a little extra effort, but you will be more than rewarded with a truly memorable adventure in Reykjavik.

You could complete the Iceland Ring Road in around 20 hours, but it’s advised to give yourself a week to be able to take in all the sights. Must see sights include, of course, the Northern Lights, which you can see if you travel in late September or October; the natural hot springs which are perfect to relax in after a long day of riding; and a range of incredible landscapes you can soak up along the route, including the impressive Hverfell volcano.