Le Pertuis Pass Road in Massif Central France Motorcycle Route

The road discussed here is located in the Massif Central mountain range in France, specifically crossing the Monts du Forez and skirting the Livradois range. The nearest significant settlement to the road's starting point is the town of Thiers, approximately 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) away. The route passes through several small settlements including Route du Pertuis, Route de Viscomtat, and Route d'Augerolles. The road reaches its highest elevation at the Le Pertuis mountain pass, which stands at 952 meters (3,123 feet). The Couzon river runs adjacent to the road for about 4% of its length, adding a natural element to the ride. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road, officially designated as RD n°42, extends for approximately 28 kilometers (17.5 miles) and features an asphalt surface of good quality, rated 4.3 out of 5. It is moderately curvy, providing a balanced riding challenge without extreme twists. The road width varies, with about 63% of the route being wide enough for comfortable two-way traffic, while narrower sections make up around 14%. Most of the road (about 72%) consists of two lanes, with the remainder being single lane. The speed limit is set at 30 km/h (19 mph), reflecting the road's mountain pass nature and the presence of inhabited areas along the route, which account for roughly 31% of the road length.

The defining feature of this route is the Le Pertuis mountain pass, which reaches an elevation of 952 meters (3,123 feet). This pass is part of the Monts du Forez range within the larger Massif Central. The road crosses this mountain range, offering riders a varied elevation profile from 541 meters (1,775 feet) at its lowest point to the pass summit. The route also skirts the Livradois range, adding to the mountainous terrain. The Couzon river, which the road follows for a short stretch, is a tributary in the region and adds to the natural landscape. More information about the Couzon river can be found on its Wikipedia page.

The road passes through several small settlements, including Route du Pertuis, Route de Viscomtat, Route du Col, Route d'Augerolles, Route des Devis, Grande Rue, Rue du Trinquart, Rue du Pont, Route sous Puyfol, and Route du Trevy. These provide access points and potential stops for riders. The proximity to Thiers, a town known for its cutlery industry and historical significance, adds cultural interest to the route. The road's surface and width make it suitable for motorcycle touring, although the speed limit and inhabited areas require cautious riding.

This article focuses on the section of RD n°42 that includes the Le Pertuis mountain pass and surrounding areas. Riders should be aware that the road is a mountain pass route with moderate curves and good surface quality. There are no current reports of seasonal closures or tolls on this road, but conditions may change. For more detailed planning, riders can consult regional travel resources and local authorities. An interactive map of the route is provided below for reference.