Col des Limouches Mountain Pass Road in the Massif du Vercors

The road section discussed here is situated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, within the broader Alpine mountain system. It traverses the Massif du Vercors, a prominent mountain range known for its limestone plateaus and rugged terrain. The route begins near the village of La Vacherie and ends near the village of Peyrus, passing through several small settlements including Route des Limouches, Route de Léoncel, and Route de Chabeuil. The road crosses the Col des Limouches mountain pass, which sits at an elevation of 1086 meters (3563 feet). This location places the road well within a mountainous environment, offering elevation changes from 364 meters (1194 feet) at its lowest point to over 1080 meters at its highest. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The road is approximately 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) long and is surfaced with asphalt of good quality, rated 4 out of 5. It is moderately curvy, providing a riding experience that balances technical turns with stretches of more straightforward riding. The road width varies, with about 60% of the route being wide enough for comfortable two-way traffic, 25% having a medium width, and 13% being narrow. Most of the road (about 84%) consists of two lanes, while a small portion (around 7%) is single-lane. The road passes through inhabited areas for approximately 18.4% of its length, mainly near the villages and settlements along the route.

This road is classified as a mountain pass road due to its crossing of the Col des Limouches. The pass itself is a notable feature, reaching an elevation of 1086 meters (3563 feet). The elevation gain from the lowest point at 364 meters (1194 feet) to the pass is significant, offering riders a varied altitude experience. The road's maximum speed limits range between 70 and 80 km/h (43 to 50 mph), reflecting the need for caution on the curvier and narrower sections, especially near the pass. The route provides a connection through the Massif du Vercors, which is part of the larger Alps mountain range, known for its challenging terrain and natural beauty.

The road connects the small villages of La Vacherie and Peyrus, both of which serve as access points to the route. Along the way, it passes through or near several minor settlements, including Route des Limouches, Route de Léoncel, and Route de Chabeuil. These villages provide potential stops for riders to rest or refuel. The road's location within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region places it within reach of other notable destinations in the Massif du Vercors and the French Alps, making it a viable segment for longer motorcycle tours.

The Col des Limouches is documented on French Wikipedia, providing historical and geographical context. The Massif du Vercors mountain range is also detailed on French Wikipedia, offering insights into the broader environment through which the road passes. For riders planning to explore this route, it is advisable to check local conditions, especially during winter months when mountain passes in the Alps may be subject to seasonal closures or restrictions. This article focuses on the road section visible on the map below.