D116 Road Through Col du Chêne and Col du Joncin in Beaujolais

The D116 road is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, within the Beaujolais area, which is part of the larger Massif Central mountain range. The road traverses a mountainous landscape characterized by rolling hills and vineyards typical of Beaujolais. The route ends near the village of Chambost-Allières. This section of the D116 crosses two notable mountain passes: Col du Chêne at 704 m (2,310 ft) elevation and Col du Joncin at 698 m (2,290 ft) elevation. The road's elevation ranges from 366 m (1,201 ft) at its lowest point to 718 m (2,356 ft) at its highest. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The D116 road extends approximately 12.7 kilometers (7.9 miles) and features an asphalt surface of very good quality, rated 4.9 out of 5. The road is moderately curvy, offering a riding experience that balances gentle bends with some sharper turns, suitable for riders seeking a varied but manageable route. The road is predominantly two lanes wide (about 92%), with a small portion consisting of a single lane (around 3%). The width varies, with most of the road being wide (about 69%), some sections narrow (18%), and others of medium width (12%). Approximately 26% of the route passes through inhabited areas, including small settlements such as Route du Joncin, Route de Châtoux, Route de Chambost, Route de Saint-Clair, and Route d'Oingt. The road crosses two mountain passes, Col du Chêne and Col du Joncin, which provide elevation changes and scenic viewpoints typical of the Beaujolais hills.

The D116 road is notable for crossing two mountain passes within the Beaujolais range. Col du Chêne, at 704 m (2,310 ft), is the higher of the two passes and offers riders a moderate climb with well-maintained road conditions. Col du Joncin, slightly lower at 698 m (2,290 ft), provides a similar riding experience with smooth asphalt and manageable curves. Both passes are integral to the character of the route, contributing to the elevation profile and the natural environment surrounding the road. These passes are part of the Massif Central mountain system, which is known for its volcanic origins and diverse landscapes.

There is no specific information indicating seasonal closures or restrictions for motorcycles on the D116 road. Given its location in a mountainous area, riders should be aware that winter conditions may affect accessibility, especially at higher elevations such as the mountain passes. It is advisable to check local weather and road conditions before planning a ride during colder months. No tolls or entrance fees are currently associated with this road, but riders should remain informed about any future changes to toll policies in France through official sources.

The D116 road offers a quality riding experience through the Beaujolais hills and the Massif Central mountain range. For more detailed information about the region, riders can consult resources such as the Beaujolais Wikipedia page and the Massif Central Wikipedia page. The nearby village of Chambost-Allières provides a cultural and historical context for the area. An interactive map of the D116 road section discussed in this article is available below for route planning and visualization.