Mauléon-Licharre to Saint-Just Mountain Pass Route in the Pyrenees

The road section discussed here is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, connecting the villages of Mauléon-Licharre and Saint-Just. This route crosses the Massif des Arbailles and the Pyrenees mountain ranges, offering a varied elevation profile from 154 meters (505 feet) to 506 meters (1,660 feet) above sea level. The road passes near two rivers, La Bidouze and Le Saison, which contribute to the area's natural landscape. The route includes two mountain passes: Othekohegi at 437 meters (1,434 feet) and Hozkaitzeko Lepoa (also known as Col d'Osquich) at 392 meters (1,286 feet). An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road extends approximately 18.7 kilometers (11.6 miles) and is surfaced with high-quality asphalt, rated 4.5 out of 5 for surface condition. It is predominantly a two-lane road (about 81%) with a small portion of one-lane sections (around 8%). The width is mostly wide (about 79%), with some middle-width sections (18%) and very few narrow parts (1%). The road curvature is moderate, with a curviness rating of 0.67, indicating gently curved sections rather than extreme twistiness. 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. Nearly half of the road (46.1%) passes through inhabited areas, which requires attentive riding. The route also runs alongside the rivers La Bidouze and Le Saison for small stretches (5% and 9% respectively), adding to the natural surroundings.

This route includes two notable mountain passes. The first is Othekohegi Pass at 437 meters (1,434 feet), and the second is Hozkaitzeko Lepoa, also known as Col d'Osquich, at 392 meters (1,286 feet). The Col d'Osquich is documented on French Wikipedia and is a recognized geographic feature in the area. The road crosses the Massif des Arbailles, a subrange of the Pyrenees, which is known for its rugged terrain and natural beauty. The Pyrenees mountain range itself is a major European mountain system forming a natural border between France and Spain. The route also passes near a viewpoint attraction, providing riders with opportunities to stop and appreciate the landscape.

The road is suitable for motorcycling with its well-maintained asphalt surface and moderate curviness. Riders should be aware of the varying speed limits and the presence of inhabited areas along the route. The proximity to rivers and mountain passes offers a diverse riding environment. There are no indications of seasonal closures or tolls on this road, but riders should verify current conditions before travel. For more detailed geographic and tourist information, the following resources are recommended: Col d'Osquich, Massif des Arbailles, Pyrenees, and Biduze River.

The road section between Mauléon-Licharre and Saint-Just is illustrated in the interactive map below, showing the route's alignment, mountain passes, and surrounding geographic features. This visualization aids in planning and understanding the route's characteristics.