D420 Road and Col du Haut Jacques Pass in Vosges France Motorcycle Route

The D420 road is located in the Vosges department of the Grand Est region in northeastern France. It traverses the mountainous terrain of the Vosges mountain range, crossing notable subranges such as the Massif de la Pierre de Laître and the Massif du Kemberg. The road begins near the town of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges and passes through several settlements including Rue d’Épinal, Rue du Haut Jacques, and Rue de la Bolle before looping back near Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. The highest point on this route is the Col du Haut Jacques mountain pass, which sits at an elevation of 605 meters (1,985 feet). The road's elevation ranges from 334 meters (1,096 feet) to 607 meters (1,991 feet), providing varied terrain for riders. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The D420 road extends approximately 12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles) and features an asphalt surface with a high-quality rating of 4.8 out of 5. The road is moderately curvy, with a curvature rating of about 1.07 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. It is predominantly a two-lane road (about 73%) with one lane sections making up roughly 24%. The width of the road is mostly wide (about 91%), with a small portion being middle width (6%) and very narrow sections (1%). Approximately 44% of the route passes through inhabited areas, which include small settlements and town outskirts. Speed limits vary between 50 km/h (31 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph), reflecting the mixed terrain and settlement density along the route.

A key feature of this route is the Col du Haut Jacques mountain pass, which the D420 crosses at an elevation of 605 meters (1,985 feet). This pass is part of the Vosges mountain range, a notable range in northeastern France known for its rounded summits and forested landscapes. The road also intersects the Massif de la Pierre de Laître and the Massif du Kemberg, adding to the mountainous character of the ride. The Col du Haut Jacques is documented on French Wikipedia and is a recognized geographic feature in the region. The broader Vosges mountain range is detailed on Wikipedia, providing context for the natural environment surrounding the road.

The road serves local traffic between small settlements such as Rue d’Épinal, Rue du Haut Jacques, and Rue de la Bolle, all situated within the Vosges department. The proximity to Saint-Dié-des-Vosges town at both the start and end points of the route makes it accessible for riders based in or visiting the town. The road's passage through inhabited areas means riders should be attentive to local traffic and speed regulations. The route's good surface quality and moderate curvature make it suitable for a range of motorcycles, from touring bikes to sportier models.

There are no known seasonal closures or tolls on the D420 road or the Col du Haut Jacques pass. Riders should verify current conditions locally before travel, as road maintenance or events could affect accessibility. For more information on road tolls in France, the official government website Autoroutes.fr provides updates. The Vosges region offers various attractions and natural sites, which can be explored further through resources such as Wikipedia and TripAdvisor. This article focuses on the specific road section shown on the map below.