La Ravoire to Cruet via Col de Marocaz Motorcycle Route in the Bauges Massif

The road section discussed runs between the town of La Ravoire and the village of Cruet in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It crosses the Massif des Bauges, a subrange of the French Alps, and skirts the Parc naturel régional du Massif des Bauges, a protected natural park known for its mountainous terrain and outdoor recreational opportunities. The route lies within the coordinates approximately 45.525 to 45.578 degrees north latitude and 5.974 to 6.097 degrees east longitude. The starting point near La Ravoire is about 2 kilometers from the road's beginning, while Cruet marks the endpoint. An interactive map showing this road section is provided at the end of the article.

The route covers approximately 23 kilometers (14.2 miles) of asphalt surface with a quality rating of about 3.7 out of 5, indicating a generally good but not perfect road condition. The road is moderately twisty, offering a riding experience that balances curves with stretches of more straightforward riding. About 25% of the road consists of single-lane sections, while the majority (around 63%) has two lanes. Road width varies, with roughly 24% narrow, 44% medium width, and 30% wide sections. The speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 30, 50, and 80 km/h (19, 31, and 50 mph) depending on the segment.

The elevation ranges from 336 meters (1,102 feet) at the lowest point to 949 meters (3,114 feet) at the highest, with the Col de Marocaz mountain pass reaching 968 meters (3,176 feet). The road passes through inhabited areas for about 40% of its length, providing a mix of rural and semi-urban riding environments. Multiple viewpoints along the route offer opportunities to pause and appreciate the surrounding alpine landscape.

The Col de Marocaz is the key mountain pass on this route, situated at an elevation of 968 meters (3,176 feet). It is a notable feature for motorcyclists seeking a mountain pass ride within the French Alps. The road skirts the Parc naturel régional du Massif des Bauges, a regional natural park that protects the area's biodiversity and cultural heritage. The park's official website (Parc naturel régional du Massif des Bauges) provides additional information about the park's environment and regulations.

The Massif des Bauges itself is part of the larger Alps mountain range and the Préalpes de Savoie subrange. This geographic context adds to the route's appeal for riders interested in alpine landscapes and mountain passes.

The road runs along several viewpoints that allow riders to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. These viewpoints are distributed along the route, providing multiple opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. While the road is not primarily promoted as a scenic drive, the presence of these viewpoints enhances the riding experience by offering visual highlights.

Riders should plan their stops to make the most of these vantage points, which are accessible directly from the road. The combination of mountain pass riding and viewpoints makes this route attractive for motorcyclists looking for a varied and engaging ride.

This article focuses on the road section visible on the map below, which details the route from La Ravoire to Cruet via the Col de Marocaz. The map provides a visual reference for the road's course, elevation changes, and key points of interest. Riders are advised to check local conditions before traveling, as weather and seasonal factors can affect road accessibility.