Comps-sur-Artuby to Draguignan Road Through Parc naturel régional du Verdon

The road section discussed here connects the village of Comps-sur-Artuby to the town of Draguignan in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It lies within the Parc naturel régional du Verdon, a protected natural park known for its rugged landscapes and biodiversity. The route crosses parts of the Préalpes de Castellane and the Maritime Alps mountain ranges, which are subranges of the larger Alps system. The road also runs adjacent to the river L'Artuby for nearly one fifth of its length, adding to the varied terrain and natural features encountered along the way. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The road extends approximately 19 kilometers (11.9 miles) and is predominantly asphalt surfaced with a high-quality rating of 4.8 out of 5. It is mostly two lanes wide (about 96% of the route) and generally wide in width (about 80%), with a small portion being of middle width (18%) and a very narrow section (1%). The road is moderately curvy, rated at 1.15 on a scale where 3 indicates extreme curviness, making it manageable for riders seeking a balance between technical riding and steady cruising.

Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds set at 80 km/h (50 mph), 70 km/h (43 mph), 50 km/h (31 mph), and 30 km/h (19 mph) depending on the specific road segment and surrounding conditions. The elevation ranges from 436 meters (1,430 feet) at the lowest point to 902 meters (2,959 feet) at the highest, reflecting the mountainous terrain the road traverses. Approximately 12% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including several settlements such as Avenue de Baconnet, Route Départementale 955, Avenue de Fontenouille, Avenue de Chamay, Avenue du Fayet, Rue Nationale, and Place de la République.

The road passes through the Parc naturel régional du Verdon, a regional natural park that offers a protected environment with diverse flora and fauna. The park's official website can be accessed here. The route also follows the river L'Artuby for about 19% of its length, providing scenic river views and opportunities for stops near the water. More information about the river is available on its Wikipedia page.

The road crosses the Préalpes de Castellane and the Maritime Alps, both subranges of the Alps. These mountain ranges contribute to the varied elevation and terrain, offering riders a dynamic riding experience. Details about the Préalpes de Castellane can be found on Wikipedia, and the Maritime Alps are described on Wikipedia.

This road is open to motorcyclists year-round, with no specific seasonal closures reported. It is a public road without tolls or entrance fees, but riders should be aware that toll conditions may change in the future. For up-to-date information on road tolls and fees in France, consult the official French road information portal.

The road's surface quality and width make it suitable for a wide range of motorcycles, from touring bikes to sport models. The moderate curviness and elevation changes provide an engaging ride without excessive technical difficulty. Riders should observe posted speed limits and be prepared for sections passing through inhabited areas where lower speeds are enforced.

This article has detailed the motorcycling route from Comps-sur-Artuby to Draguignan, highlighting its location within the Parc naturel régional du Verdon, road characteristics, natural surroundings, and accessibility. The route offers a well-maintained asphalt surface, moderate curves, and a mix of mountain and river landscapes. Riders can expect a varied and enjoyable ride through southeastern France's alpine foothills.

An interactive map displaying the exact road section discussed is provided below for reference and planning purposes.