D213 Road Through Col de la Madeleine in the French Alps

The D213 road is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, running through the French Alps. It connects the town of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to the village of Notre-Dame-de-Briançon. The road crosses several mountain ranges, notably the Massif de la Vanoise and the Chaîne de la Lauzière, and skirts the Massif du Beaufortain. It also traverses the Alps mountain range. The route follows alongside two rivers, Le Bugeon and L'Isère, for portions of its length. The road reaches its highest elevation at the Col de la Madeleine mountain pass, which stands at 1,993 meters (6,539 feet). An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The D213 is a mountain pass road with a total length of approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles). The road surface is asphalt and is generally in good condition, rated at 4.1 out of 5 for surface quality. The route is moderately curvy, offering a mix of gentle and sharper bends suitable for motorcycling. The road width varies, with about half of the route being wide enough for comfortable two-way traffic, and the remainder consisting of middle and narrow widths. Most of the road (about 77%) consists of two lanes, while a small portion (around 9%) is single-lane. The road passes through inhabited areas for roughly 30% of its length, including several settlements such as Route du Col de la Madeleine, Route de Saint-François, and Grande Rue.

Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 50 km/h (31 mph), 30 km/h (19 mph), and 80 km/h (50 mph) depending on the section. The road ascends from a low elevation of 427 meters (1,401 feet) to the summit of the Col de la Madeleine at 1,993 meters (6,539 feet).

The highlight of the D213 route is the Col de la Madeleine, a well-known mountain pass in the French Alps. The pass is popular among motorcyclists and cyclists for its challenging ascent and panoramic views. The road also runs adjacent to notable natural features, including the rivers Le Bugeon and L'Isère, which add to the route's appeal. Additionally, the road passes near a viewpoint that offers riders an opportunity to stop and appreciate the alpine landscape.

The surrounding mountain ranges, including the Massif de la Vanoise, are significant for their alpine terrain and natural beauty. The Massif de la Vanoise is part of a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna. More information about the Col de la Madeleine can be found on its Wikipedia page.

The D213 is accessible to motorcycles year-round; however, as a mountain pass road, it may be subject to seasonal closures during winter months due to snow and adverse weather conditions. Riders should verify current road status before planning a trip. There are no tolls or entrance fees associated with this road, but toll policies can change, so it is advisable to consult official French road authorities for the latest information.

For more details on tolls and road regulations in France, visit the official French road information site.

The D213 road from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Notre-Dame-de-Briançon offers motorcyclists a moderately twisty and well-maintained route through the French Alps, featuring the iconic Col de la Madeleine mountain pass. The road's varying widths, good surface quality, and scenic alpine surroundings make it a notable route for motorcycle touring in the region. Riders can expect a mix of inhabited areas and natural landscapes along the way.

An interactive map showing the road section discussed in this article is provided below for reference.