Top Motorcycle Clubs in France – Full Guide for Riders

France has long embraced motorcycle culture, with scenic roads, strong riding communities, and events that attract bikers from around the world. Whether you’re cruising through the Alps, exploring the Riviera, or riding across historic towns, France offers a unique riding experience.

This guide explores the motorcycle scene in France—from club types and top MCs to joining tips, events, and FAQs.

Motorcycle Culture in France

🛣️ A Brief History

Motorcycle riding in France took off in the post-war era and exploded in the 1960s–70s. Bikers became symbols of freedom and rebellion, which still resonates today. France’s diverse landscape made it a natural playground for touring and adventure bikers.

🏍️ Popular Brands in France

• Yamaha
• BMW
• Honda
• Ducati
• Harley-Davidson
• Triumph
• Royal Enfield

⚖️ Riding Laws to Know

• Helmets are mandatory.
• Reflective gear required at night.
• Lane splitting is legal only under strict guidelines.
• Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 80–90 km/h (rural), 130 km/h (highways).
• Insurance and registration are required.

🎉 Major Events

• Wheels and Waves (Biarritz)
• Le Mans MotoGP
• Punta Bagna Festival (Alps)
• Rassemblement Harley de Morzine-Avoriaz

Top 15 Motorcycle Clubs in France

Here are some of the most active and well-known motorcycle clubs across France:

1. Iron Riders MC

• 📍 Paris
• 🛠️ Type: Touring / Charity
• 🔑 Membership: Public, community-focused
• 🌐 Website: N/A

2. Sons of Gaul MC

• 📍 Lyon
• 🛠️ Type: Cruiser / Brotherhood
• 🔑 Invite-only
• 🌐 Website: N/A

3. Black Pistons France

• 📍 Marseille
• 🛠️ Type: MC / Cruiser
• 🔑 Invite-only
• 🌐 Website: blackpistonsmc.com

4. Les Salamandres

• 📍 Bordeaux
• 🛠️ Type: Touring / Veterans
• 🔑 Mixed-gender, application required
• 🌐 Website: N/A

5. Free Riders 66

• 📍 Perpignan
• 🛠️ Type: Touring
• 🔑 Public, rides on weekends
• 🌐 Facebook-based

6. French Riviera Riders

• 📍 Nice
• 🛠️ Type: Sports & Touring
• 🔑 Public
• 🌐 Website: N/A

7. Les Loups de la Route

• 📍 Lille
• 🛠️ Type: Cruiser / MC
• 🔑 Invite-only
• 🌐 Website: N/A

8. Celtic Riders

• 📍 Rennes
• 🛠️ Type: Touring / Cultural
• 🔑 Public
• 🌐 Website: celticriders.fr

9. Riders des Alpes

• 📍 Grenoble
• 🛠️ Type: Adventure
• 🔑 Public
• 🌐 Website: N/A

10. Moto Club de France

• 📍 National
• 🛠️ Type: All types
• 🔑 Public, membership-based
• 🌐 Website: motoclubdefrance.com

11. Paris Riders Club

• 📍 Paris
• 🛠️ Type: Sport bikes / Café racers
• 🔑 Public, monthly meetups
• 🌐 Instagram-based

12. Angels Riders

• 📍 Strasbourg
• 🛠️ Type: Mixed Gender, Touring
• 🔑 Invite with sponsorship
• 🌐 Website: N/A

13. Women on Wheels France

• 📍 Toulouse
• 🛠️ Type: Women-only / Adventure
• 🔑 Public
• 🌐 Website: N/A

14. Dark Knights MC

• 📍 Rouen
• 🛠️ Type: Cruiser / Brotherhood
• 🔑 Invite-only
• 🌐 Website: N/A

15. HOG France (Harley Owners Group)

• 📍 National (various chapters)
• 🛠️ Type: Harley-only
• 🔑 Harley-Davidson ownership required
• 🌐 Website: hog-france.com

Types of Motorcycle Clubs in France

🏍️ MC vs RC

• MC (Motorcycle Clubs): Brotherhood-based, often with strict membership processes, patches, and riding protocols.
• RC (Riding Clubs): More casual, focused on weekend rides and events.

🇫🇷 Patriotic/Veteran Clubs

• Many French MCs have military or gendarmerie backgrounds.

👩 Women-Only Clubs

• Growing trend, e.g., Women on Wheels France and Lady Bikers 31.

🏁 Brand-Specific Clubs

• Harley Owners Group (HOG)
• BMW Motorrad Club France
• Royal Enfield France

How to Join a Motorcycle Club in France

📝 Typical Process:

1. Attend open rides/events.
2. Apply or get introduced by a member.
3. Enter a prospect phase.
4. Earn your patch (for MCs).

💡 Tips:

• Choose clubs aligned with your bike type and lifestyle.
• Respect club hierarchy.
• Commit to regular participation.

Famous Rides & Biker Events in France

🛤️ Best Scenic Rides

• Route des Grandes Alpes
• Gorges du Verdon
• The D-Day Beaches Ride (Normandy)
• Alsace Wine Road

🎪 Notable Events

• Wheels & Waves Festival (Biarritz)
• Punta Bagna (Valloire)
• Salon Moto Légende (Paris)

🚴‍♂️ Adventure & Charity Rides

• Ride for Life France
• Cancer Rides (Pink October)
• Moto Tour de France

FAQs About Motorcycle Clubs in France

Q: Are there outlaw motorcycle clubs in France?
A: Yes, some clubs are classified as “outlaw” by police (e.g., Hells Angels MC). They’re legal but monitored.

Q: Can foreigners join clubs in France?
A: Absolutely. Many clubs are open to international riders who live or travel in France.

Q: What’s the difference between MC and RC?
A: MCs are formal and often patch-based. RCs are casual with less commitment.

Q: Is there a minimum bike CC requirement?
A: Some clubs require 500cc or more for touring capability. Check with the club directly.

Final Thoughts

France offers a diverse and passionate motorcycle scene—from casual riders to full-patch members. Whether you’re looking to tour the Alps or join weekend city rides, there’s a club for every style.

Stay legal, wear your helmet, and above all—enjoy the ride! 🇫🇷🏍️