Books on the Paris Dakar

While the Paris-Dakar is in full swing, taking place from January 3 to 17, we wanted to shine a light on this legendary rally-raid. To do so, we thought we’d highlight 8 books that cover the Paris-Dakar, especially its early years.

Introduction

Motorcycle culture has always had a special place at Cruizador. In a previous post, we talked about motorcycle travel literature, giving you a selection of 10 major books.

In this post, we’re going to suggest 8 books that specifically focus on the Dakar, especially its origins.

So, while we wait for warmer days, what better way to spend time than curled up by the fireplace with a good book and a drink of your choice, whether you’re doing Dry January or not? 😉

Attention to the reader: Please note that some of those books might not have been translated into English. So bear with us. But we thought they were wort being mentioned.

In the Yellow Hell

We start with a book that we also included in our motorcycle travel literature selection (here). That’s how much of a reference it is!

Originally published under the title “Une moto dans l’enfer jaune”, this reprinted book, which had been out of print for a long time, takes us back to the ’70s.

Specifically, to the time before the Dakar, when the legendary Jean-Claude Morellet, nicknamed “Fenouil” (due to his wild hair), was pioneering African tracks, riding Japanese bikes.

For the younger crowd, Fenouil was a rally-raid organizer and also served as the director of the Paris-Dakar.

  • Edition: Interfolio
  • Original Publication: 1972-1973
  • Pages: 272
  • Price: Around 20€

Dans l’enfer jaune, Jean-Claude Morellet, Cruizador


Thierry Sabine, the Man Who Moved the Dunes 

Thierry Sabine is none other than the founder of the Paris-Dakar. And who better than Jean-Luc Roy, a journalist specialized in motorsports, to write a book about Thierry’s incredible journey? Jean-Luc had been covering the Paris-Dakar from the very start, making him an expert on the subject.

The two had a close relationship. So much so that after Thierry’s untimely death, Jean-Luc continued to stay in touch with his family and close friends.

This 1986 book, which is the result of extensive research, delves into Thierry’s personality, his privileged youth, his love for motorsport, and his early days riding a Yamaha 500 XT on the Côte-Côte rally. This fueled his love for the desert and sparked the idea of creating his own rally.

  • Editions: Olivier Orban
  • Original Publication: 1986
  • Pages: 259
  • Price: around 8€


The Lost Tree of Ténéré: The Great Adventure of the Paris Dakar

Another book written by Jean-Luc Roy, who covered the Dakar in 1980 and 1981, first from a press car (a trusty old Lada), then in 1982, he took the plunge and joined the race—not on a bike, but driving a prototype Range Rover, then a Portaro, and later with Mercedes (1983 and 1984).

A true expert of the Dakar and its participants, he shares a valuable account of the golden years of the rally.

In 1985, he co-piloted a Toyota 4×4 with his close friend, the famous french singer, Daniel Balavoine. Daniel, another iconic figure of the Paris-Dakar, tragically lost his life in Mali, in a helicopter crash alongside Thierry Sabine.

  • Edition: Albin Michel
  • Original Release: 1986
  • Pages: 219
  • Price: From 4.5€ (used)


A Girl in the desert 

This book, written by the protagonist herself, tells the story of Martine Cortanze, a 34-year-old motorcyclist who found herself at the start of the first Paris-Dakar on a Honda 250 XLS.

Her account, filled with humor and rich in anecdotes, is about a determined and tough woman who ended up finishing 11th in the motorcycle category. It’s a must-read.

In a male-dominated world of motorcycles, this kind of book offers a different perspective, and who knows, it might even inspire some new riders.

And for those who want more, we recommend Anne-France Dautheville’s book “Et j’ai suivi le vent”, which we mentioned in our motorcycle travel literature selection.

  • Edition: Solar
  • Original Release: 1979
  • Pages: 214
  • Price: n/a


T.D.S.P.P*: Following the Tracks of Hubert the African

(*Straight ahead on the main track)

This biographical account focuses on another giant of the sport, Hubert Auriol, double winner of the Paris-Dakar in 1981 and 1983, riding a BMW GS.

Hubert may not be entirely unfamiliar to you, especially because he contributed to make the BMW GS a future commercial success. As a reminder, the GS was the most sold motorcycle in Switzerland in 2024. Just saying! 😉

This book, filled with images, takes us inside the world of a rally star from the time when the Paris-Dakar still took place between Paris and Dakar. Back when speed, avoiding traps, and navigating solely by roadbook and gut instinct were the keys to success.

Hubert Auriol, undoubtedly one of the most talented riders of his generation, helped write the Dakar legend. His ability to deal with mechanical failures, face any situation, and handle injuries undoubtedly contributed to his iconic status.

This 380-page book, filled with anecdotes and precise facts, will help readers dive into a bygone era that has undeniably influenced today’s riders.

  • Edition: Iveditions.com
  • Original Release: 2019
  • Pages: 386 (40 images)
  • Price: Around 34€

Books Rally Paris Dakar


A Story of Men

For anyone passionate about Hubert, and still hungry for more after the previous book, this one should add some depth to the discussion.

In this account by Jean-Michel Caradec’h, we relive the legendary 1987 Dakar duel between Auriol (who had switched to Cagiva by then) and Cyril Neveu, a Honda rider who won the Paris-Dakar five times between 1979 and 1987. Another rally legend.

This high-speed story lets us experience the race up close, almost as if we were in the shoes of both riders.

  • Edition: Robert Laffont
  • Original Release: 1994
  • Pages: 236
  • Price: 10€ (used)

Books Rally Paris Dakar


Cyril Neveu: At kilometer 250

For those of you who are team Neveu, here’s a book dedicated to the Honda rider.

Naturally reserved, he opens up in this book, written by Paul Rembert, and shares tons of details about his own Dakar journey through all his many participations.

He lets us experience the race from the inside, with extraordinary moments, as well as mundane ones, but always through his own lens. You’ll fall for this exceptional rider as you turn the pages.

  • Edition: Robert Laffont
  • Original Release: 1986
  • Pages: 228
  • Price: From 3€ (used)

Books Rally Paris Dakar

Books Rally Paris Dakar


The Desert at Heart 

To wrap up, here’s a more intimate book, perhaps not just focused on motorbike riding.

Susanne Fournais was Thierry Sabine’s last partner. A Danish artist-painter, she shares an intimate account of the Dakar creator’s world.

Through the eyes of a woman who discovered adventure and the desert alongside Thierry, we get to live personal anecdotes and meet icons like Jacky Ickx, Cyril Neveu, Daniel Balavoine, and even Father Foucauld. These moments have forever marked Susanne’s life.

This book is prefaced by Mano Dayak, the famous Tuareg guide and Thierry Sabine’s friend.

  • Edition: Olivier Orban
  • Original Release: 1989
  • Pages: 215
  • Price: From 8€ (used)

 

Books Rally Paris Dakar

 

Here we are, we hope you enjoy our little selection and that it gives you something to keep you busy until the warmer weather returns.

Ride on!

Books Rally Paris Dakar

Cruizador

Hey, I'm the founder and Chief Biker Officer of Cruizador. I've been a motorcyclist and travel enthusiast for a long time, and it was in 2018 that I decided to launch this new service, hoping that it would speak to as many bikers as possible who share the same philosophy and the same thirst for the great outdoors. I'd be delighted to take note of your comments, ideas for improvement, etc. Ride on!

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