Route de Grenoble and Col du Lautaret Motorcycle Ride in the French Alps

The Route de Grenoble and Col du Lautaret are located in the French Alps, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The road passes through the Massif des Cerces and crosses several mountain ranges including the Alps, Massif des Écrins, and Massif des Arves. The nearest settlement to the starting point is the village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains. The road runs through the Combe de Malaval valley and reaches elevations up to 2,060 m (6,760 ft). This alpine setting provides a high-altitude riding experience with multiple viewpoints along the route. An interactive map showing the road section can be found at the end of the article.

The Route de Grenoble section covered here is approximately 34.8 kilometers (21.6 miles) long. The road surface is asphalt with a quality rating of 4.1 out of 5, indicating a generally smooth and well-maintained surface suitable for motorcycles. The road is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 0.8, offering a balanced ride without extreme bends. Most of the road (about 80%) consists of two lanes, with a small portion (4%) having only one lane. The width is predominantly wide (about 89%), allowing comfortable lane positioning for riders. The speed limits vary along the route, ranging from 30 km/h (19 mph) in tighter or inhabited sections to 90 km/h (56 mph) on faster stretches. Approximately 20% of the road passes through inhabited areas, requiring attention to local traffic and speed regulations.

A key feature of this route is the Col du Lautaret mountain pass, which sits at an elevation of 2,058 m (6,752 ft). The road climbs from a low point of 1,099 m (3,606 ft) to this high mountain pass, providing a significant elevation gain and alpine riding conditions. The pass is well known and frequently referenced in motorcycling and cycling communities. The route also includes several tunnels such as the Tunnel du Grand Clos, Tunnel des Ardoisières, and Tunnel du Serre du Coin, which facilitate passage through the mountainous terrain. The road runs through the Combe de Malaval valley for about 11% of its length, adding to the varied landscape encountered on the ride.

The route is lined with multiple viewpoints offering expansive views of the surrounding alpine landscape. These viewpoints provide opportunities for riders to pause and appreciate the natural beauty of the Massif des Cerces and adjacent mountain ranges. The road crosses notable mountain ranges including the Alps, Massif des Écrins, and Massif des Arves, each with distinct geological and ecological characteristics. The area is popular for outdoor activities beyond motorcycling, including hiking and sightseeing. The proximity to Le Monêtier-les-Bains also offers access to local amenities and cultural experiences.

This article focuses on the Route de Grenoble section featuring the Col du Lautaret pass, as shown on the map below. Riders should be aware that the road is open year-round but may be subject to seasonal weather conditions typical of high alpine passes, including snow closures in winter. There are no tolls or entrance fees currently associated with this route, but conditions may change, so checking local traffic authorities is recommended. For more detailed information about the Col du Lautaret, visit the Col du Lautaret Wikipedia page. Additional geographic context can be found on the Massif des Cerces Wikipedia page and the Massif des Écrins Wikipedia page.