D313 Road and Col du Pilon Pass Motorcycle Route in Beaujolais

The D313 road is located in the Rhône department of France, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It traverses the Beaujolais area, which is part of the larger Massif Central mountain range. The road connects the town of Tarare to the village of Amplepuis, passing through several smaller settlements including Route du Pilon and Route d'Amplepuis. The route crosses the Col du Pilon mountain pass, which sits at an elevation of 727 meters (2,385 feet). The road also runs adjacent to the Soanan river for approximately 31% of its length, a tributary of the Azergues river. An interactive map showing the road section discussed can be found at the end of this article.

The D313 road extends for approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and features an asphalt surface of generally high quality, rated 4.4 out of 5. The road is predominantly two lanes wide (about 97%) and mostly wide in width (about 97%), with a small portion of middle width (about 2%). The route is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 0.69 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. The road passes through inhabited areas for roughly 29% of its length, offering a mix of rural and semi-urban riding conditions.

Speed limits vary along the route, with posted limits of 30, 50, 70, and 80 km/h (19, 31, 43, and 50 mph respectively), reflecting changes in road environment and safety considerations. The elevation along the road ranges from 435 meters (1,427 feet) at its lowest point to 735 meters (2,411 feet) at its highest, near the Col du Pilon pass.

The Col du Pilon is the key mountain pass on this route, located at 727 meters (2,385 feet) elevation. It is a notable feature within the Beaujolais mountain range and part of the Massif Central. The pass provides a gradual ascent and descent, suitable for riders looking for a moderate mountain pass experience without extreme gradients or technical challenges. The surrounding terrain is characterized by rolling hills and forested areas typical of the Beaujolais region, offering a natural backdrop to the ride.

More information about the Col du Pilon can be found on its Wikipedia page.

The D313 road runs alongside the Soanan river for nearly one-third of its length. The Soanan is a tributary of the Azergues river and contributes to the scenic and environmental value of the area. The proximity to the river means riders can experience varied landscapes, including river valleys and wooded areas. The river's presence also influences local microclimates and vegetation along the route.

Further details about the Soanan river are available on its Wikipedia page.

The D313 road is open year-round, with no specific seasonal closures reported. There are no tolls or entrance fees associated with this route, but riders should be aware that toll conditions can change and should verify current information through official French road authorities.

For more information on road tolls and fees in France, visit the official French road information site.

This article focuses on the road section visible on the map below, providing a comprehensive overview for motorcyclists planning to ride in this part of the Beaujolais and Massif Central regions.