My Real-Deal Review of the 2025 Fly and Ride: Nice to Sanremo
You have probably, you know, seen the pictures. That deep blue water of the Côte d’Azur, the sort of sun-bleached buildings clinging to cliffs, and a ribbon of perfect asphalt winding its way along the coast. It’s pretty much the dream ride for any motorcycle person, right? Well, the problem is often the practical side of things. I mean, actually getting your own bike down to the south of France is, like, a massive undertaking. So, that is where these ‘Fly and Ride’ setups come in. The idea is, basically, that you just fly into a cool place, and a bike is sort of waiting for you. For 2025, I gave this a try, going on a trip from Nice in France to Sanremo over in Italy. To be honest, I wanted to see if it was really as simple and as amazing as it sounds. Anyway, I’m here to give you the real story on what it’s actually like.
From Nice Airport to Your Motorcycle: The Starting Line
So, the trip, you know, it all starts when you step off the plane at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. As a matter of fact, the moment you walk out of the terminal, that warm Mediterranean air just kind of hits you. It’s a very different feeling from what you leave behind, almost like stepping into a postcard. The representative from the tour company was, like, right there waiting, which, honestly, was a huge relief. There’s apparently no fumbling with maps or trying to find a random rental office. He was really friendly and, you know, we just chatted about bikes and the local area on the short ride to the pickup location. The bike I’d picked, a BMW F 900 R, was pretty much sitting there, all polished and ready to go.
Basically, they give you a very complete walkthrough of the motorcycle. This part is, you know, super important. They show you all the controls, ask if you’re comfortable, and help you get your luggage strapped down properly. Frankly, the machine looked more or less brand new, with barely any miles on it. Getting a bike that you feel good about is, like, half the battle, right? After sorting out the paperwork, which was surprisingly quick, and getting a pre-loaded GPS with the route, you’re just given the key. At the end of the day, that’s the moment it feels real. You’re just there, under the French sun, with a beautiful bike and an open road ahead. It’s kind of an amazing feeling, to be honest.
The French Side: Riding the Cote d’Azur Coast
Okay, so leaving the urban sprawl of Nice behind is, you know, the first real taste of freedom. The GPS path, well, it takes you away from the main highway and straight onto the good stuff: the corniches. These are the three famous roads that are sort of carved into the cliffs between Nice and Menton. We, for instance, chose the Moyenne Corniche, or the middle road. And honestly, it’s just as jaw-dropping as everyone says it is. On one side, you’ve got these incredible rock formations, and on the other, just a sheer drop to that unbelievable blue sea. You can, like, literally smell the pine trees and the salt in the air as you ride.
You pass through these very famous old villages, like Èze, which is a bit of a medieval village perched way up on a hill. It’s seriously worth stopping for a quick espresso, just to, you know, walk its little stone streets and take in the view. The road itself is a a bit of a dream to ride. It’s almost all smooth curves and perfect surfaces, but you have to stay sharp. The traffic can be, frankly, a little busy with sightseers, and some of the turns are pretty tight. Still, every time you come around a corner and see another panoramic view of the coastline, it just kind of takes your breath away. It’s a slightly surreal experience, more or less like riding through a movie set that you’re actually a part of.
You are not just passing through the scenery here; you are literally part of it. The sound of your engine, you know, it just seems to mix with the sea breeze and the distant sounds from the yachts below.
Italy Ahead: How a Border Crossing Feels on Two Wheels
Anyway, as you get past Menton, the last town on the French side, the feeling sort of changes. You know a shift is coming. The border between France and Italy these days is, basically, just a sign on the road. There are no guards, no gates, you just sort of roll right through. But still, the change is almost immediate, and you can really feel it. The road signs, for instance, instantly change from French to Italian. The style of the buildings gets a little different, maybe a bit more colorful and, frankly, a little less perfect.
The whole vibe just, like, shifts a gear. The driving style in Italy is, let’s say, a little more ‘spirited’. You have to be on your toes. Scooters are literally everywhere, and people seem to be in a bit more of a hurry. But, you know, it’s not scary, just different. It’s actually kind of exciting. The first big town you hit is Ventimiglia, and it immediately feels more lived-in and, well, authentically Italian. We stopped at a small seaside café, and the coffee was definitely stronger and the pastry was, you know, just something else. It’s almost like the bike itself knows it’s in a new country, and you sort of settle into a new, slightly faster rhythm for the ride.
Hitting the Italian Riviera: The Final Ride to Sanremo
So, the main road on the Italian side, the SS1 Aurelia, it hugs the coastline just as tightly as the French roads did. But it has a very different character. This road goes right through the middle of all the little seaside towns, like Bordighera. It’s a more intimate sort of experience. You ride through tunnels carved out of the rock, then pop out into the sunshine of a bustling town square, then back into another tunnel. It’s actually a very rhythmic ride.
The last few kilometers into Sanremo are, well, just really fun. The city seems to appear almost out of nowhere around a big curve. Suddenly, you’re riding along this grand promenade, with a huge yacht marina on one side and these very grand, old hotels on the other. Sanremo is known as the City of Flowers, and you can, you know, kind of see why. There are plants and palm trees pretty much everywhere. Pulling up to your final hotel feels like a real achievement. You are a little tired, a little windswept, and pretty much completely blown away by the day’s ride. Honestly, dropping the kickstand in Sanremo, with the sounds of Italy all around, is a really, really satisfying moment.
A Few Thoughts and Tips Before You Book
Okay, so if you are thinking about doing this trip, here are a few things I learned that could, you know, be helpful. As a matter of fact, it’s a fantastic experience, but a little bit of planning makes it even better. First, think hard about what time of year you go. We went in September, and it was, like, perfect. The weather was still really warm, but the huge summer crowds had apparently thinned out a lot. I imagine July and August could be just a little too busy, both on the roads and in the towns.
You also should be, frankly, a reasonably confident rider. These aren’t really beginner roads. You don’t have to be a pro, but, you know, you should be comfortable with tight corners, some traffic, and, in Italy, a more assertive driving environment. At the end of the day, your enjoyment comes from feeling relaxed on the bike. As for packing, layers are definitely the way to go. It can be cool in the morning but very warm in the afternoon sun. And obviously, don’t skimp on good riding gear; it’s just not worth it.
- Time of Year: Seriously consider late spring (May-June) or early fall (September) for the best mix of good weather and fewer people.
- Riding Skill: You should probably have a few thousand miles under your belt and be okay with curvy roads and a bit of traffic.
- Bike Choice: Honestly, choose a bike you feel comfortable on. Something nimble like a naked bike or an adventure-tourer is probably better than a massive cruiser for these kinds of roads.
- GPS is Your Friend: The pre-loaded GPS is great, but also having a map app on your phone as a backup is, you know, a smart move.
- Embrace the Stops: Basically, don’t just try to crush the miles. The real magic is in the little towns, the coffee breaks, and the photo ops. Just sort of go with the flow.
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