Briançon Mountain Road Through Massif du Queyras and Massif des Cerces

The road is located near the town of Briançon in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It traverses parts of the Massif du Queyras and Massif des Cerces mountain ranges, both subranges of the Alps. The road starts and ends within Briançon, passing through several local settlements including Route d'Italie, Route de France, La Vignette - Croix Malade, and Champ de Mars. The elevation ranges from 1,328 m (4,354 ft) to 1,824 m (5,984 ft), indicating a significant altitude gain typical of alpine roads. This road section is situated in a mountainous environment with multiple viewpoints accessible along the route. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The road is approximately 10.6 kilometers (6.6 miles) long and predominantly features two lanes (about 98% of its length). The width is mostly wide (about 95%), with a small portion being of middle width (about 4%). The surface is asphalt and of high quality, rated 4.7 out of 5, providing a smooth riding experience. The road curvature is moderate, rated 1.59 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy, so riders can expect a gently twisty route rather than tight hairpins. Speed limits vary along the road, with maximum speeds of 30, 50, and 70 km/h (19, 31, and 43 mph) depending on the section. Approximately 29.5% of the road passes through inhabited areas, mainly near Briançon and the settlements along the route. The road runs along several viewpoints, offering riders opportunities to stop and appreciate the alpine scenery.

This road crosses three notable mountain ranges: the Alps, the Massif du Queyras, and the Massif des Cerces. The Massif du Queyras is known for its rugged alpine terrain and is a popular destination for outdoor activities. The Massif des Cerces features dramatic peaks and valleys, contributing to the road's elevation changes and scenic viewpoints. The road's proximity to these mountain ranges enhances the riding experience by providing varied landscapes and natural beauty. Riders can explore viewpoints along the route that highlight the surrounding alpine environment.

The road passes through or near several settlements, including Briançon, a historic fortified town known for its Vauban fortifications and alpine culture. The route includes areas such as Route d'Italie, Route de France, La Vignette - Croix Malade, and Champ de Mars. These locations provide access to local amenities and cultural points of interest. The road also runs along multiple viewpoints, which are key attractions for visitors and riders alike. These viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys, making them worthwhile stops during the ride.

The road surface quality and width make it suitable for a comfortable motorcycle ride, with mostly wide lanes and excellent asphalt. Riders should observe posted speed limits, which vary depending on the section. The road is located in a region with a strong alpine climate, so seasonal weather conditions may affect accessibility, especially in winter. For more detailed information about the Massif du Queyras and Massif des Cerces, see their respective Wikipedia pages: Massif du Queyras and Massif des Cerces. The broader alpine context can be explored at the Alps Wikipedia page. An interactive map of the road section is provided below for route planning and navigation.