Pont-en-Royans to Villard-de-Lans Road in the Massif du Vercors

The road runs between the villages of Pont-en-Royans and Villard-de-Lans in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It crosses the Massif du Vercors, a subrange of the Alps known for its limestone plateaus and cliffs. The road traverses elevations ranging from 226 m (741 ft) at its lowest point near Pont-en-Royans to 993 m (3,258 ft) near Villard-de-Lans. This mountainous setting provides riders with varied terrain and multiple viewpoints. An interactive map showing the road section discussed is available at the end of this article.

The road is approximately 22.6 kilometers (14 miles) long and primarily surfaced with high-quality asphalt, rated 4.6 out of 5. It features a mix of gently curved and moderately twisty sections, with an overall curviness rating of 1.42 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. Most of the road (about 84%) consists of two lanes, with a small portion (13%) reduced to a single lane. The width is generally wide (about 84%), with some middle-width sections (15%). The road passes through inhabited areas for roughly 35% of its length, including several small settlements and village streets such as Route de Villard-de-Lans, Grand Rue, and Place de la Forge.

Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 30, 50, and 70 km/h (19, 31, and 43 mph) depending on the section. The road includes notable features such as the Tunnel d'Arbois and several bridges including Pont de Valchevrière and Pont de Goule Noire.

The road runs alongside multiple viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding Massif du Vercors landscape. These viewpoints provide opportunities to observe the dramatic limestone cliffs, forested slopes, and the villages below. The route is well suited for riders interested in combining motorcycling with sightseeing in a mountainous environment.

This road crosses the Massif du Vercors, a prominent mountain range within the French Alps. The Massif du Vercors is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is part of the larger Alps mountain system, which extends across several European countries. More information about the Massif du Vercors can be found on its Wikipedia page.

This article covers the road section visible on the map below, providing a comprehensive overview for motorcyclists planning to ride this route. The road's combination of moderate curves, quality surface, and scenic viewpoints makes it a noteworthy option for riders exploring the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.