Plan-de-Cuques to Auriol Road Route in Provence

The road section discussed here is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France, connecting the towns of Plan-de-Cuques and Auriol. This area is part of the Préalpes de Provence mountain range, which provides a varied terrain for motorcyclists. The route runs adjacent to the Le Jarret river for over half its length, adding a natural element to the ride. The starting point near Plan-de-Cuques is approximately 2.5 kilometers from the town center, while the endpoint near Auriol is about 6.9 kilometers from its town center. An interactive map showing the exact road section can be found at the end of this article.

The road is approximately 10.4 kilometers (6.5 miles) long and primarily surfaced with asphalt of good quality, rated 4.3 out of 5. It features mostly two lanes (about 75%) with a small portion of single-lane sections (around 4%). The width of the road is predominantly wide (about 85%), with some middle-width sections (11%) and very few narrow parts (3%). The road is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating of 1.89 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 50, 70, and 80 km/h (31, 43, and 50 mph respectively), reflecting changes in road conditions and inhabited areas.

Approximately 35% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including the settlements along Avenue Étienne Cucca and Avenue Lei Rima. The elevation ranges from 162 meters (531 feet) at the lowest point to 397 meters (1,302 feet) at the highest, indicating some moderate elevation changes typical of a mountain foothill road. The route follows the Le Jarret river for about 61% of its length, providing a natural corridor through the landscape.

The road crosses the Préalpes de Provence, a subrange of the Alps known for its limestone formations and Mediterranean climate. This mountain range offers a mix of forested areas and open landscapes. The proximity to the Le Jarret river adds to the environmental diversity along the route. For more information on the river, see the Jarret river Wikipedia page.

The road surface quality and width make this route suitable for a comfortable motorcycle ride, with mostly wide lanes and good asphalt conditions. The moderate curviness provides engaging riding without extreme technical challenges. Riders should be aware of the varying speed limits and the sections passing through inhabited areas, which require caution. The route's elevation changes are moderate, so no specialized equipment for high-altitude riding is necessary.

There are no known seasonal closures or tolls on this road, but riders should verify current conditions before travel. For general information on road tolls and fees in France, consult official resources such as the French Autoroutes website.

This article has detailed the motorcycling route from Plan-de-Cuques to Auriol, highlighting its location, road characteristics, natural surroundings, and practical considerations for riders. The road offers a moderately twisty ride through the foothills of the Préalpes de Provence, alongside the Le Jarret river. An interactive map of the route is provided below for reference.