Route de la Cham and Route des Bondons Motorcycle Ride in Massif Central

The Route de la Cham and Route des Bondons are situated in the Massif Central, a prominent mountain range in south-central France. This road section crosses the Cévennes and Mont Lozère subranges, known for their rugged terrain and natural beauty. The road ends near the village of Bédouès, located in the Occitanie administrative region. The area is characterized by mountainous landscapes and the presence of the Le Briançon river, which the road follows for a significant portion. An interactive map showing the exact road section discussed here can be found at the end of this article.

The combined length of the Route de la Cham and Route des Bondons is approximately 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles). The road surface is asphalt with a high-quality rating of 4.6 out of 5, indicating a well-maintained pavement suitable for motorcycle touring. The road is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 1.54 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. Riders can expect a mix of gently curved and moderately winding sections.

Most of the road (about 91%) is wide enough to comfortably accommodate two lanes, with two lanes present on approximately 54% of the route and one lane on about 10%. Narrow and middle-width sections are minimal, comprising roughly 5% and 2% respectively. The road passes through inhabited areas for about 10.5% of its length, primarily near the village of Bédouès.

Elevation varies from 577 meters (1,893 feet) at the lowest point to 1,197 meters (3,927 feet) at the highest, offering riders a gradual ascent and descent through mountainous terrain. The route runs adjacent to the Le Briançon river for about 30% of its length, providing scenic river views along the way. The river itself extends for approximately 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) in this region.

This road section crosses three notable mountain ranges: the Massif Central, the Cévennes, and Mont Lozère. The Massif Central is a large mountainous plateau known for its volcanic origins and diverse landscapes. The Cévennes range is recognized for its steep valleys and dense forests, while Mont Lozère is the highest peak in the Cévennes, offering alpine conditions and unique flora.

Riders traversing this route will experience a transition through these mountain environments, with changing vegetation and terrain. The proximity to the Le Briançon river adds to the natural appeal, as the river valley provides a contrasting landscape to the surrounding highlands. For more detailed information about these mountain ranges, see Massif Central, Cévennes, and Mont Lozère.

There is no publicly available information indicating seasonal or event-related closures specifically affecting motorcycles on the Route de la Cham and Route des Bondons. However, given the mountainous terrain and elevation, winter conditions may occasionally impact accessibility, especially during heavy snowfall or adverse weather.

Currently, there are no tolls or entrance fees required to use this road. Riders should be aware that toll policies can change, and it is advisable to check official French road and transport websites for the latest information. For general information on road tolls and fees in France, visit the official French motorway information site.

For riders interested in exploring this route, detailed maps and GPS data can be useful for planning. The road section discussed here is well documented on regional maps of the Massif Central and Cévennes areas. The Le Briançon river, which the road follows for a significant portion, is described in detail on its Wikipedia page.

An interactive map showing the exact section of the Route de la Cham and Route des Bondons covered in this article is provided below for reference.