Col du Moulin à Vent Road in Ardèche Mountain Range

The road section discussed here is situated near the town of Privas in the Ardèche department of France. It crosses the Boutières mountain range, part of the larger Massif Central, a significant mountainous region in south-central France. The road skirts the Parc naturel régional des Monts d'Ardèche, a protected natural park known for its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities. The route also runs adjacent to the Boyon river for about a quarter of its length, adding to the natural features encountered along the way. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road extends for approximately 18 kilometers (11.3 miles) and is primarily asphalt surfaced with a very high quality rating of 4.9 out of 5. It is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating of 1.82, offering a mix of gentle bends and some sharper turns. The road width varies, with about two-thirds of the route being wide enough to comfortably accommodate two lanes, while narrow sections account for roughly 14%. Most of the road (about 88%) consists of two lanes, with a small portion (5%) reduced to a single lane. The route passes through inhabited areas for just over half its length (55.4%), including several settlements and urban features such as Avenue du Petit Tournon, Place de la République, and Boulevard des Mobiles.

Speed limits vary along the road, with maximum speeds set at 30 km/h (19 mph), 50 km/h (31 mph), and 80 km/h (50 mph) depending on the specific section. Elevation ranges from 196 meters (643 feet) at the lowest point to 591 meters (1,939 feet) at the highest, near the Col du Moulin à Vent mountain pass, which sits at 592 meters (1,942 feet).

The road includes the Col du Moulin à Vent mountain pass, a notable feature in the Ardèche mountain range. This pass provides a moderate elevation gain and is a key point along the route. The road also intersects with the Parc naturel régional des Monts d'Ardèche, a regional natural park that protects the area's unique flora and fauna. Riders can experience the natural environment of this park while traveling along the road. More information about the park can be found on its official website at Parc naturel régional des Monts d'Ardèche.

The road crosses the Boutières region, a mountainous area known for its rugged terrain and natural beauty, as well as the broader Massif Central mountain range. These regions are rich in history and outdoor recreational opportunities. The nearby town of Privas serves as both the starting and ending point for this road section, providing access to local amenities and cultural sites. For more detailed regional information, see the Boutières Wikipedia page and the Massif Central Wikipedia page.

This article focuses on the road section visible on the map below, which highlights the route's path through the Ardèche region, including its interaction with natural features and settlements. Riders planning to explore this road should consider the varying speed limits, road widths, and elevation changes described above. The road's excellent surface quality and moderate curviness make it suitable for a range of motorcycling experiences.