Évian-les-Bains to Thonon-les-Bains Road in the Massif du Chablais

The road runs between the towns of Évian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It crosses the Massif du Chablais, a subrange of the Alps, known for its varied terrain and natural beauty. The road lies within a mountainous area with elevations ranging from 441 meters (1,447 feet) to 920 meters (3,018 feet). This route is situated in a region that combines alpine landscapes with inhabited areas, offering a mix of natural and urban environments. An interactive map showing the road section discussed can be found at the end of this article.

The road is approximately 12.9 kilometers (8 miles) long and primarily surfaced with asphalt, rated at a quality level of 3.9 out of 5, indicating a generally good but not perfect surface condition. It is mostly two lanes wide (about 91% of its length), with a small portion consisting of a single lane (around 2%). The width of the road is predominantly wide (about 83%), with middle-width sections making up 13%, and narrow sections only 2%. The road passes through inhabited areas for approximately 54% of its length, reflecting its role as a connector between towns and local settlements.

Curviness is moderate, rated at 1.24 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy, so riders can expect some gentle to moderate bends rather than sharp or frequent turns. Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph), 70 km/h (43 mph), 50 km/h (31 mph), and 30 km/h (19 mph) depending on the section, reflecting changes in road conditions and proximity to settlements.

The road passes through several named localities and routes, including Route du Gavot, Route du Chef-Lieu, Route de Chez Portay, Route de Chez Divoz, Route du Plan Fayet, Route de Curninges, and Route de la Cambuse. These waypoints indicate the road's integration with local access roads and settlements, providing connectivity within the Massif du Chablais area. The proximity to the towns of Évian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains at either end makes this road a practical route for both local traffic and visitors exploring the region.

This road crosses the Massif du Chablais mountain range, which is part of the larger Alps system. The Massif du Chablais is known for its alpine environment and is a notable geographic feature in the region. The road's elevation gain from 441 meters (1,447 feet) to 920 meters (3,018 feet) provides riders with a gradual ascent through mountainous terrain. The route offers a balance between natural alpine landscapes and access to inhabited areas, making it relevant for riders interested in mountain touring within the French Alps.

More information about the Massif du Chablais can be found on its Wikipedia page, and the broader Alps mountain range is detailed on the Alpen Wikipedia page.

This article focuses on the road section visible on the map below, providing a comprehensive overview for motorcyclists interested in this route. The road's asphalt surface, moderate curviness, and elevation changes make it suitable for riders looking for a balanced mountain ride without extreme technical challenges. The road's passage through inhabited areas also means services and amenities are accessible along the way.