Route de la Pierre Saint-Martin Mountain Pass Road in the Pyrenees

The Route de la Pierre Saint-Martin is situated in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, within the Pyrenees mountain range. This road crosses multiple mountain passes including the Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, Pas d'Arlas, Pas de Massare, Col du Soudet, and Col de Labays. The Pyrenees form a natural border between France and Spain, and this road is located on the French side. The elevation along the route ranges from 416 meters (1,365 feet) to 1,768 meters (5,801 feet), making it a high-altitude mountain road. An interactive map showing the road section discussed here is provided at the end of this article.

The Route de la Pierre Saint-Martin extends approximately 20.8 kilometers (12.9 miles) and features an asphalt surface with a quality rating of 4.2 out of 5, indicating a generally smooth and well-maintained road. The road is moderately twisty, rated at 1.6 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy, offering a balanced riding experience without excessive technical difficulty. It predominantly consists of two lanes (about 77%) with a small portion of one-lane sections (about 1%). The road width varies, with the majority being wide (about 63%) and the remainder middle width (about 35%). Only a small fraction of the road passes through inhabited areas (approximately 8.4%), emphasizing its mountain pass character. Riders can expect a mix of gentle curves and some sharper bends as the road ascends and descends through the mountain passes.

This road is notable for crossing several significant mountain passes in the Pyrenees. The highest point is the Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin at 1,765 meters (5,791 feet), which is a well-known pass with detailed information available on its Wikipedia page. Other passes include Pas d'Arlas (1,763 m), Pas de Massare (1,655 m), Col du Soudet (1,533 m) with its own Wikipedia entry, and Col de Labays (1,354 m) also documented on Wikipedia. These passes contribute to the road's elevation profile and riding dynamics, providing a varied and engaging experience for motorcyclists.

Given its high elevation and mountain pass status, the Route de la Pierre Saint-Martin is subject to seasonal weather conditions. The road is typically closed during winter months due to snow and ice, which can make riding hazardous or impossible. Riders should verify current road status before planning a trip, especially in late autumn through early spring. There are no known permanent tolls or entrance fees on this road, but conditions may change, so checking official French road information sources is advisable for the latest updates.

The Route de la Pierre Saint-Martin is part of the larger Pyrenees mountain range, which offers extensive opportunities for motorcycle touring and mountain exploration. For more detailed information on the Pyrenees, see the Pyrenees Wikipedia page. The road passes through several named routes such as Route du Plateau de Guilhers, Route du Plateau de Chousse, Route d’Espagne, and Route de la Mouline, which may be of interest for planning extended rides. This article focuses on the road section visible on the map below, providing a comprehensive overview for motorcyclists considering this route.