Guilherand-Granges to Saint-Sylvestre via Col de Gazareau Mountain Pass

The road section discussed here is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, crossing parts of the Massif Central mountain range and the Haut-Vivarais area. It connects the town of Guilherand-Granges to the village of Saint-Sylvestre, passing through several smaller settlements such as Saint-Péray and Saint-Romain-de-Lerps. The route traverses elevations ranging from 138 meters (453 feet) to 621 meters (2,037 feet), including the Col de Gazareau mountain pass at 571 meters (1,873 feet). An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road extends approximately 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) and is surfaced with asphalt of generally good quality, rated at 4.4 out of 5. The route is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating close to 2 on a scale where 3 indicates extreme twistiness. The road width varies, with about 55% of the route being wide enough for comfortable two-way traffic, 20% of medium width, and 25% narrow sections. The lane distribution is roughly 54% two lanes and 27% single lane, reflecting the mixed rural and semi-urban character of the road.

A significant feature of this route is the Col de Gazareau mountain pass, situated at 571 meters (1,873 feet) elevation. The road climbs steadily from the lower elevation near Guilherand-Granges at 138 meters (453 feet) to the pass, then descends towards Saint-Sylvestre. This elevation change offers varied riding conditions, including some steep sections and curves typical of mountain pass roads. The route crosses the Massif Central and Haut-Vivarais mountain ranges, both known for their rugged terrain and natural beauty.

The road passes through inhabited areas for approximately 31% of its length, including several small towns and villages. Speed limits vary accordingly, with maximum speeds of 30 km/h (19 mph) in built-up areas and up to 50 km/h (31 mph) on open stretches. Riders should be prepared for changes in speed limits and occasional narrow sections, especially near settlements and on the mountain pass. The road is suitable for motorcycling, offering a mix of technical riding and manageable traffic conditions.

The road surface is well maintained, and there are no known seasonal closures or tolls affecting motorcyclists on this route. For more information about the Massif Central region, see Massif Central. Details about the Haut-Vivarais area can be found at Haut-Vivarais. An interactive map of the road section is provided below for route planning and navigation purposes.