Route de Bormes and Boulevard du Soleil Mountain Pass Road in Préalpes de Provence

The Route de Bormes and Boulevard du Soleil are situated in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France, within the Préalpes de Provence mountain range. This road section extends approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) and passes through several settlements, including La Londe-les-Maures, a town located near the road's endpoint. The road traverses a varied elevation profile, ranging from 53 meters (174 feet) to 416 meters (1,365 feet) above sea level, crossing multiple mountain passes such as Col de Babaou and Col du Gratteloup. The route also runs adjacent to the La Môle river for a portion of its length, adding to the geographic diversity of the area. An interactive map showing the road section can be found at the end of this article.

The Route de Bormes and Boulevard du Soleil are primarily asphalt-surfaced roads with a high-quality rating of 4.9 out of 5, indicating excellent surface conditions suitable for motorcycle touring. The road length is approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles). It features a mix of lane configurations, with about 64% of the route consisting of a single lane and roughly 30% having two lanes. The road width varies, with the majority being of medium width (about 59%), while narrow and wide sections account for 14% and 26%, respectively. The road is moderately curvy, rated at 2.08 on a scale where 3 indicates extreme curviness, offering a dynamic riding experience without excessive technical difficulty. The maximum speed limit is 30 km/h (19 mph), reflecting the road's mountainous terrain and safety considerations. Approximately 16.8% of the road passes through inhabited areas, which may require additional caution for riders.

This road section includes several notable mountain passes, which contribute to its appeal for motorcyclists seeking varied elevation and terrain. The Col de Babaou, at 414 meters (1,358 feet), is the highest pass on this route and is well known in the region. Other passes include Col de la Mouillère d'Aubet, Col du Gratteloup at 192 meters (630 feet), and Col du Caguo Ven at 229 meters (751 feet). The road also runs alongside the La Môle river for about 7% of its length, providing natural water features along the ride. Additionally, the route offers multiple viewpoints, allowing riders to pause and appreciate the surrounding landscape of the Préalpes de Provence.

The Route de Bormes and Boulevard du Soleil are located in an area rich with natural beauty and viewpoints, making it attractive for motorcycle touring. The road crosses the Préalpes de Provence mountain range, known for its rugged terrain and scenic vistas. Several viewpoints along the route provide opportunities to observe the landscape and take breaks during the ride. The proximity to La Londe-les-Maures, a town known for its coastal and cultural attractions, adds to the appeal for riders interested in combining mountain riding with local tourism. The road's adjacency to the La Môle river also enhances the natural experience. Riders should note that this article focuses on the specific road section shown on the map below.

Riders should be aware that the road is a mountain pass road with a relatively low speed limit due to its terrain and safety considerations. The asphalt surface is in excellent condition, and the road width and lane distribution accommodate a variety of riding styles. There are no current reports of seasonal closures or tolls on this route, but conditions may change, so checking local sources before travel is advisable. For more information on the La Môle river, see La Môle (rivière). The Préalpes de Provence mountain range is detailed on Wikipedia. The Col de Babaou pass is referenced in regional motorcycling forums and travel blogs as a notable feature of this route.