Col de la Sentinelle Road in the French Alps Motorcycle Route

The Col de la Sentinelle road is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, near the town of Gap. This road traverses the Alps mountain range, specifically crossing the Massif des Écrins, a prominent subrange known for its rugged terrain and alpine environment. The road starts and ends near Gap, with the closest settlements being within 10 kilometers of the route. The elevation ranges from 712 meters (2,336 feet) to 982 meters (3,222 feet) at the mountain pass named Col de la Sentinelle. This pass is a key geographic feature of the route. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road is approximately 12.3 kilometers (7.6 miles) long and is surfaced with asphalt of good quality, rated 4.3 out of 5. It is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 1.52 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. The road width varies, with about 68% of the route being wide enough for comfortable riding, 23% of medium width, and a small portion (7%) narrow. The lane distribution is predominantly single lane (about 55%) with two lanes covering roughly 28% of the road. Speed limits vary along the route, including 30, 50, 70, and 80 km/h (19, 31, 44, and 50 mph respectively), reflecting changes in road conditions and inhabited areas.

Approximately 43% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including settlements such as Route de Valserres, Route de Gap, Route du Col, Rue de Valserres, and Place de la Fontaine. The road crosses the Col de la Sentinelle mountain pass at an elevation of 981 meters (3,218 feet), offering riders viewpoints along the way. These viewpoints provide opportunities to appreciate the surrounding alpine landscape.

The Col de la Sentinelle is the defining feature of this route, situated at nearly 1,000 meters elevation. It is part of the Massif des Écrins, which itself is a segment of the larger Alps mountain range. The road provides access to two notable viewpoints, which are popular stops for travelers seeking panoramic views of the alpine environment. These viewpoints are located along the route and offer riders a chance to pause and take in the natural beauty of the region.

The Massif des Écrins is well documented and recognized for its alpine terrain and outdoor recreational opportunities. More information about the mountain range can be found on Wikipedia. The broader Alps range is also significant and detailed on Wikipedia.

There is no specific information indicating seasonal closures or event-related restrictions for motorcycles on this road. However, as a mountain pass road, it is advisable to check local conditions during winter months, as alpine roads can be subject to closures due to snow or adverse weather. Riders should verify current road status before planning a trip.

Currently, there are no tolls or entrance fees associated with this road. Toll conditions may change in the future, so it is recommended to consult official French road authorities for the latest information. More details about road tolls and fees in France can be found at the official French government transport website or related portals.

This article has focused on the Col de la Sentinelle road section near Gap, France, highlighting its location in the Alps and Massif des Écrins, road characteristics, mountain pass features, and practical considerations for motorcyclists. The route offers a moderately twisty ride on a well-maintained asphalt surface, with a mix of single and two-lane sections and varying road widths. The presence of viewpoints and the mountain pass elevation add interest to the ride.

For riders interested in exploring this route, an interactive map is provided below to assist with navigation and planning.