Rue du Mont-Cenis Motorcycle Route Through Col du Mont Cenis Pass

Rue du Mont-Cenis is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, within the Graian Alps mountain range. The road traverses the Massif du Mont-Cenis and the Gruppo del Charbonnel, skirting the Massif de la Vanoise. It starts near the village of Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis and passes through the Col du Mont Cenis mountain pass at an elevation of 2,083 m (6,834 ft). The route runs along the L'Arc river for about 17% of its length and passes through the Combe de Cléry valley. It also skirts the Lac du Mont-Cenis, a lake covering 6.12 square kilometers. This alpine setting provides a varied landscape of valleys, rivers, and mountain massifs. An interactive map showing the road section discussed can be found at the end of this article.

The Rue du Mont-Cenis extends approximately 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) and is classified as a mountain pass road. The road surface is asphalt with a quality rating of 4 out of 5, indicating a generally smooth and well-maintained surface suitable for motorcycle touring. The road is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating of 1.14, offering a balanced mix of gentle bends and some sharper turns. About 18% of the route consists of single-lane sections, while the majority (53%) has two lanes. The road width is predominantly wide (about 88%), with narrow and medium-width sections making up the remainder. Approximately one-third (32.6%) of the road passes through inhabited areas, primarily near Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis. The maximum speed limits vary between 70 and 80 km/h (43 and 50 mph), reflecting the alpine terrain and road conditions.

The defining feature of this route is the Col du Mont Cenis, a historic mountain pass at 2,083 m (6,834 ft) elevation. The pass is well known for its strategic and touristic significance in the Alps. The road runs adjacent to the L'Arc river and passes through the Combe de Cléry valley, enhancing the natural appeal of the ride. The proximity to Lac du Mont-Cenis offers riders an opportunity to experience alpine lake views. The Massif du Mont-Cenis and the surrounding alpine ranges provide a dramatic backdrop, making this route attractive for riders interested in mountain landscapes and alpine environments.

Along the Rue du Mont-Cenis, riders can find viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding alpine terrain. The road's adjacency to Lac du Mont-Cenis and the Massif du Mont-Cenis enhances its appeal for those interested in natural attractions. The Col du Mont Cenis itself is a notable destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. For more detailed information about the pass and the massif, riders can consult the Col du Mont-Cenis Wikipedia page and the Massif du Mont-Cenis Wikipedia page.

This article focuses on the section of Rue du Mont-Cenis shown on the map below. Riders should be aware that the road is a mountain pass route and may be subject to seasonal closures, especially during winter months due to snow. There are no current tolls or entrance fees reported for this road, but conditions may change, so checking local sources before travel is advisable. For general information on road tolls in France, riders can visit the official French toll information site. The road's elevation ranges from 1,399 m (4,587 ft) to 2,092 m (6,864 ft), so weather conditions can vary significantly along the route.