Apt to Lourmarin Road via Col du Pointu in Massif du Luberon

The road section discussed here connects the town of Apt to the village of Lourmarin in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It traverses the Massif du Luberon mountain range, a notable natural area known for its limestone ridges and Mediterranean landscapes. The route passes through several local roads including Route de la Combe, Route de Marseille, and Boulevard du 8 Mai 1945. The road's elevation ranges from 208 meters (682 feet) to 502 meters (1,647 feet), crossing the Col du Pointu mountain pass at 499 meters (1,637 feet). The road runs adjacent to the L'Aiguebrun river for approximately 40% of its length, adding to the natural appeal of the ride. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The Apt to Lourmarin road is approximately 17 kilometers (10.7 miles) long and features an asphalt surface of very good quality, rated 4.8 out of 5. The road is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating of 1.44 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. It predominantly consists of two lanes (about 88%) with a small portion of one-lane sections (about 1%). The road width varies, with the majority being wide (about 59%), some middle width (31%), and a small portion narrow (8%). Around 22% of the road passes through inhabited areas, providing a mix of rural and village environments.

Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph), 50 km/h (31 mph), and 30 km/h (19 mph) depending on the section. The road crosses the Col du Pointu mountain pass, which is a key feature of this route. The presence of multiple viewpoints along the road offers riders opportunities to stop and appreciate the surrounding landscape.

The road runs through the Massif du Luberon, a mountain range known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The route follows the L'Aiguebrun river for a significant portion, enhancing the ride with river valley views. Along the way, there are several viewpoints where riders can pause to take in the scenery. These viewpoints provide panoramic vistas of the Luberon landscape, making the route appealing for those interested in nature and photography.

For more information on the Massif du Luberon, visit the Massif du Luberon Wikipedia page. Details about the Col du Pointu mountain pass can be found on its Wikipedia page.

This road is suitable for motorcyclists looking for a moderately challenging ride through a mountain pass with good road conditions. The asphalt surface is well-maintained, allowing for comfortable riding. The road width and lane distribution support safe overtaking and maneuvering in most sections. Riders should be aware of the varying speed limits and adjust accordingly, especially when passing through inhabited areas or tighter curves.

The road is open year-round, but as it crosses a mountain pass, weather conditions in winter may affect accessibility. There are no known tolls or entrance fees on this route, but riders should verify current conditions before travel. For general information on road tolls and fees in France, consult official French transport websites.

The Apt to Lourmarin road via Col du Pointu offers a well-maintained, moderately twisty mountain pass ride through the Massif du Luberon. It combines good road quality, varied elevation, and natural attractions such as river adjacency and viewpoints. This route is recommended for motorcyclists seeking a balanced ride with both technical and leisurely elements.

An interactive map showing the road section described in this article is provided below for reference.