Chambéry to Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont via Col du Granier Motorcycle Route

The road runs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, connecting the town of Chambéry to the village of Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Isère). It traverses the Massif de la Chartreuse mountain range, part of the larger Alps system. The route passes through a natural park area, the Parc naturel régional de Chartreuse, which it touches or skirts along its length. The elevation varies from approximately 400 m (1,312 ft) at the lowest point to 1,151 m (3,776 ft) at the highest, including the Col du Granier mountain pass at 1,134 m (3,720 ft). An interactive map showing the road section discussed can be found at the end of this article.

The route is approximately 23.3 kilometers (14.5 miles) long and is primarily asphalt surfaced with a high-quality rating of 4.2 out of 5. The road is moderately curvy, offering a mix of gentle bends and some tighter turns, suitable for riders looking for a balanced challenge. Most of the road (about 83%) consists of two lanes, with a small portion (around 7%) being single lane. The width varies, with about 60% of the road being wide enough for comfortable riding, 13% of medium width, and 25% narrow sections.

Speed limits along the route vary between 20 km/h (12 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph), reflecting changes in road conditions and inhabited areas. Approximately 44% of the route passes through inhabited zones, requiring riders to adjust speed accordingly. Key features along the road include several bridges such as Pont du Rouselet, Pont du Gorgeat, Pont des Gorges, Pont des Favières, and Pont Vaganay, as well as the Tunnel du Pas de la Fosse.

The highlight of this route is the Col du Granier mountain pass, situated at 1,134 m (3,720 ft). This pass is well-known in the region and is a significant point for motorcyclists due to its elevation and the surrounding mountainous terrain. The road skirts the Parc naturel régional de Chartreuse, a protected area known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The park's official website provides additional information about the region and its regulations: Parc naturel régional de Chartreuse.

The route also crosses the Massif de la Chartreuse, a subrange of the Alps, which adds to the scenic and geographic interest of the ride. More details about the mountain range can be found on its Wikipedia page: Massif de la Chartreuse.

Along the route, riders will find multiple viewpoints offering opportunities to stop and appreciate the surrounding landscape. These viewpoints provide panoramic views of the Chartreuse mountains and the valleys below. While the road is not heavily commercialized, these natural vantage points are notable attractions for motorcyclists and travelers alike.

This road section is part of a mountain pass route that is accessible year-round, although weather conditions in winter may affect safety and accessibility due to snow and ice. There are no known tolls or entrance fees on this route, but riders should verify current conditions before travel as toll policies can change. For general information on road tolls in France, the official government website provides updates: France Toll Information.

For more detailed geographic context, the Col du Granier is documented on Wikipedia: Col du Granier. The broader Alps mountain range is described here: Alpen.