Col de Jalcreste Route in Parc national des Cévennes Motorcycle Ride

The Col de Jalcreste route is situated in the southern part of France, within the administrative region of Languedoc-Roussillon (LR). It lies inside the Parc national des Cévennes, a protected national park known for its diverse landscapes and mountainous terrain. The road crosses two significant mountain ranges: the Massif Central and the Cévennes. The route runs near the village of Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française, which is located at the eastern end of the road section. The road also follows the course of the Le Gard river for a portion of its length and passes through the Vallée Française valley. This location provides a varied riding experience combining river valleys and mountain passes. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The Col de Jalcreste route extends approximately 26 kilometers (16.1 miles) and features an asphalt surface of generally high quality, rated 4.4 out of 5. The road is moderately twisty, offering a dynamic riding experience without extreme curves. It has a mixed lane configuration, with about one-third of the road being single-lane and nearly 40% consisting of two lanes. The width varies along the route, with roughly half the road having a medium width, about one-third narrow, and the remainder wide.

The elevation ranges from 249 meters (817 feet) at the lowest point to 830 meters (2,723 feet) at the highest, with the Col de Jalcreste mountain pass itself reaching 832 meters (2,730 feet). The maximum speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph), reflecting the road's mountainous nature and safety considerations. Approximately 27% of the route passes through inhabited areas, including several small settlements and village centers.

The road skirts the Parc national des Cévennes, a national park renowned for its rich biodiversity and protected landscapes. The park's official website (Parc national des Cévennes) provides detailed information about the area's natural heritage. The route also follows the Le Gard river for about 16% of its length, offering riders views of the river valley and associated ecosystems. The Vallée Française valley is another geographic feature along the route, contributing to the varied terrain and riding conditions.

The Col de Jalcreste is the defining mountain pass on this route, situated at an elevation of 832 meters (2,730 feet). It is a key feature for motorcyclists seeking a mountain pass ride within the Massif Central and Cévennes mountain ranges. The road crosses these ranges, providing a connection between valleys and settlements. The Massif Central is a large mountainous region in south-central France, while the Cévennes are a subrange known for their rugged terrain and cultural history. More information about these mountain ranges can be found on their respective Wikipedia pages: Massif Central and Cévennes.

This article focuses on the Col de Jalcreste route section as shown on the map below. The road is suitable for motorcyclists looking for a moderately twisty mountain pass ride with good road surface quality and varied elevation. Riders should be aware of the speed limit and the presence of inhabited areas along the route. For further details about the Parc national des Cévennes, visit their official website. The interactive map below provides a visual reference for the road's course and surrounding geography.