Mâcot-la-Plagne to Pomblière Mountain Pass Route in the French Alps

The road section discussed runs between the villages of Mâcot-la-Plagne and Pomblière in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. This route traverses parts of the Alps, specifically crossing the Massif de la Vanoise and skirting the Massif du Beaufortain. The road also runs adjacent to the L'Isère river for a portion of its length. The elevation along the route ranges from 548 meters (1,798 feet) at its lowest point to 1,312 meters (4,304 feet) at its highest, including the Col du Tra mountain pass at approximately 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). The road passes through several small settlements and follows local roads such as Route de Notre-Dame-du-Pré, Route du Village, Route du Lac, Route de Longefoy, Grand Rue, and Place de la Mairie. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The route is approximately 21.7 kilometers (13.5 miles) long and features an asphalt surface with an overall quality rating of about 3.4 out of 5, indicating a generally good but not perfect riding surface. The road is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating slightly above 2, offering a mix of gentle and sharper bends suitable for riders seeking some technical challenge without extreme twistiness. The road width varies, with about half of the route being wide enough for comfortable two-way traffic, around 37% of medium width, and a small portion (11%) classified as narrow. The number of lanes varies, with approximately 55% of the road having two lanes and 39% consisting of a single lane. Around 20.5% of the route passes through inhabited areas, which may require reduced speeds and increased caution.

The maximum speed limit on this road is 30 km/h (19 mph), reflecting the road's characteristics and local regulations. The route includes the Col du Tra mountain pass, which provides an elevation challenge and scenic views typical of Alpine passes. The road also runs alongside the L'Isère river for about 8% of its length, adding to the natural landscape visible from the route.

The Col du Tra is the primary mountain pass on this route, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). This pass is part of the broader Alpine mountain system and lies within the Massif de la Vanoise, a significant subrange of the French Alps. The road also skirts the Massif du Beaufortain, known for its rugged terrain and alpine environment. These mountain ranges contribute to the route's elevation changes and the natural environment experienced by riders.

The Alps, including the Massif de la Vanoise and Massif du Beaufortain, are well-documented mountain ranges with extensive hiking, skiing, and outdoor activity opportunities. More information about these ranges can be found on their respective Wikipedia pages: Alps, Vanoise massif, and Massif du Beaufortain.

The route begins near the village of Mâcot-la-Plagne and ends near the village of Pomblière. Both are small settlements typical of the Alpine region, providing access points to the mountain pass road. The road passes through several local streets and village centers, including Route de Notre-Dame-du-Pré, Route du Village, Route du Lac, Route de Longefoy, Grand Rue, and Place de la Mairie, which may feature local traffic and require attentive riding.

These villages offer opportunities for rest, refueling, and local amenities, making them practical start and end points for a motorcycling excursion along this route.

This mountain pass road is open to motorcyclists and does not currently have any known seasonal closures or tolls. However, riders should be aware that conditions and regulations may change, especially in winter months when Alpine roads can be affected by snow and ice. For updated information on road tolls and entrance fees in France, riders can consult official French transport websites.

The route's proximity to the L'Isère river (Wikidata: Q201341) and its location within the Alps make it an interesting ride for those looking to experience mountain pass roads in this part of Europe.