Avenue de la Division Leclerc and Col de la Chapelotte Motorcycle Route in Lorraine

The road section discussed here is located in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, near the village of Badonviller. This area is characterized by gentle elevations ranging from 319 meters (1,047 feet) to 450 meters (1,476 feet) above sea level. The route passes through several settlements including Rue de la Chapelotte, Avenue Jean-Baptiste Diedler, Rue du Maréchal Foch, Avenue de la Division Leclerc, and Place du 20e Corps. The road runs adjacent to the river La Blette for approximately one-third of its length, adding a natural element to the ride. The mountain pass Col de la Chapelotte, at an elevation of 446 meters (1,463 feet), is a notable feature along this route. An interactive map showing the road section can be found at the end of this article.

The Avenue de la Division Leclerc and Rue de la Chapelotte stretch over approximately 10.4 kilometers (6.4 miles). The road surface is asphalt with a quality rating of 4.4 out of 5, indicating a generally smooth and well-maintained pavement suitable for motorcycle touring. The road is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating of 1.37 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy, offering a balanced riding experience without excessive technical challenges.

Traffic lanes vary along the route: about 26% of the road consists of a single lane, while the majority (approximately 63%) has two lanes. The road width is predominantly wide (about 83%), with smaller sections of middle and narrow widths. Around 30% of the route passes through inhabited areas, requiring riders to be mindful of local traffic and speed limits.

Speed limits on this road conform to French regulations, with urban sections typically limited to 50 km/h (31 mph) and rural sections allowing speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph). The road's elevation changes are gentle, with the highest point near the Col de la Chapelotte mountain pass.

The Col de la Chapelotte is the key mountain pass along this route, situated at 446 meters (1,463 feet) elevation. This pass provides a mild ascent and descent, making it accessible for riders of varying skill levels. The pass is well-documented in French sources, including its Wikipedia page (Col de la Chapelotte).

Alongside the road, the river La Blette flows for about 34% of the route's length. This river, which extends approximately 28.8 kilometers (17.9 miles), adds to the natural ambiance of the ride. More information about the river can be found on its Wikipedia page (La Blette).

The road serves as a connector between several small settlements, with Badonviller being the nearest village to the starting point. The route passes through residential and semi-urban areas, requiring riders to adjust their speed and riding style accordingly. The presence of inhabited areas along the route means that riders should be attentive to local traffic regulations and pedestrian activity.

The road's proximity to the river and the mountain pass makes it a practical and pleasant route for motorcycle touring in the Lorraine region. Riders can expect a mix of open stretches and gently curved sections, with good visibility and road conditions.

This article focuses on the specific road section detailed above, which can be visualized on the interactive map below. Riders interested in exploring this route should consider local weather conditions and seasonal factors, as mountain pass roads in this region may experience closures or restrictions during winter months.

Currently, there are no tolls or entrance fees associated with this road, but riders should verify this information before travel as conditions may change. For more information on road tolls and fees in France, the official government website provides updates and details.