Route de Barcelonnette Le Pont du Fau Motorcycle Ride

The Route de Barcelonnette Le Pont du Fau is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, near the town of Barcelonnette. This road traverses the southern French Alps, skirting the Massif du Mercantour-Argentera and the Maritime Alps mountain ranges, while crossing the Alpes de Provence and the broader Alps. The route runs adjacent to the Verdon river for a portion of its length, providing riders with natural waterway views. The highest elevation point on this road is near the Col d'Allos mountain pass, which stands at 2250 m (7,382 ft). An interactive map showing the road section discussed in this article can be found at the end of the article.

The Route de Barcelonnette Le Pont du Fau extends approximately 24 kilometers (14.9 miles) and is predominantly a mountain pass road. It features a very twisty layout with a curviness rating of 2.21, making it engaging for riders who enjoy technical riding. The road surface is asphalt with a quality rating of 4.3 out of 5, indicating a generally smooth and well-maintained pavement. Most of the road (about 72%) consists of a single lane, with a smaller portion (around 13%) having two lanes. The width varies, with the majority being of medium width (59%), some wide sections (29%), and a few narrow stretches (11%).

Speed limits vary between 50 km/h (31 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph), reflecting the road's mountainous terrain and safety considerations. Approximately 14% of the road passes through inhabited areas, which may require additional caution. The route also runs alongside the Verdon river for about 7% of its length, adding to the natural appeal of the ride. Riders will encounter several viewpoints along the way, offering opportunities to pause and appreciate the surrounding alpine landscape.

The key mountain pass on this route is the Col d'Allos, which reaches an elevation of 2250 m (7,382 ft). This pass is a significant feature of the road and is well-known among motorcyclists and travelers in the region. The Col d'Allos is part of the larger Massif du Mercantour-Argentera mountain range, which the road skirts, while also crossing the Alpes de Provence and the Alps. The area is known for its alpine environment and natural beauty.

Along the route, riders can find multiple viewpoints that provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. These viewpoints are ideal for breaks and photography. The road's proximity to the Verdon river adds to the scenic interest, as the river is a notable natural feature in the region.

As a mountain pass road, the Route de Barcelonnette Le Pont du Fau is subject to seasonal closures, particularly during winter months when snow and ice can make the road unsafe. Riders should verify current road conditions before planning a trip, especially outside the typical riding season. There are no known permanent tolls or entrance fees on this road, but conditions may change, so checking official French road and toll information sources is advisable.

For more detailed information about the Col d'Allos, visit its Wikipedia page. Information about the Verdon river can be found on its Wikipedia page. The Massif du Mercantour-Argentera mountain range is described in detail on its Wikipedia page. For general travel and road condition updates in France, consult official French road authorities. An interactive map of the Route de Barcelonnette Le Pont du Fau is provided below for reference.