Route de Saint-Jean de Bruel and Route de Dourbies in Parc national des Cévennes

The Route de Saint-Jean de Bruel and Route de Dourbies are situated in the southern part of France, within the administrative region of Occitanie, specifically in the Lozère department. This road traverses the Parc national des Cévennes, a protected national park known for its diverse flora and fauna as well as its mountainous terrain. The road crosses two mountain ranges: the Massif Central and the Cévennes, both significant geological features of the area. The route runs near the village of L'Espérou, which marks the eastern end of the road section discussed here. The road also follows the course of the La Dourbie river for nearly half of its length, providing riders with natural waterway views. An interactive map showing the exact road section can be found at the end of this article.

The combined length of the Route de Saint-Jean de Bruel and Route de Dourbies is approximately 22 kilometers (13.6 miles). The road surface is asphalt and is maintained in very good condition, rated 4.5 out of 5 for quality. The road is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating close to 2 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy, offering a dynamic riding experience without excessive technical difficulty. The road width varies, with about 62% of the route being of medium width, 33% narrow, and a small portion wide. The number of lanes is mostly two lanes (about 46%), with one lane sections making up approximately 26% of the route. The road passes through inhabited areas for roughly 20.5% of its length, primarily near small settlements and villages.

Elevation along the road ranges from 874 meters (2,867 feet) to 1,210 meters (3,970 feet), reflecting its mountain pass nature. The route includes two notable mountain passes: Col de la Pierre Plantée at 867 meters (2,846 feet) and Col des Rhodes at 927 meters (3,041 feet). Speed limits vary along the road, with maximum speeds of 90 km/h (56 mph), 80 km/h (50 mph), 50 km/h (31 mph), and 30 km/h (19 mph) depending on the section and local regulations.

The road passes through the heart of the Parc national des Cévennes, a national park recognized for its ecological significance and protected status. This park offers riders the opportunity to experience a natural environment with limited urban development. The route also runs adjacent to the La Dourbie river for nearly half its length, adding to the natural appeal of the ride. Along the way, there are viewpoints that provide riders with panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape, enhancing the overall experience.

For more information about the park, riders can visit the official Parc national des Cévennes website. Additional details about the Massif Central and Cévennes mountain ranges can be found on their respective Wikipedia pages: Massif Central and Cévennes.

This mountain pass road is generally accessible year-round; however, due to its elevation and location within a national park, riders should be aware of potential seasonal weather conditions that may affect road safety, especially in winter months. There is no specific information indicating regular or event-related closures for motorcycles on this route. Riders are advised to check local conditions before planning their trip.

Currently, there are no tolls or entrance fees required to use this road. Toll conditions may change in the future, so it is recommended to consult official French road and toll information resources for updates. More information about road tolls and fees in France can be found at the official French government transport website or related portals.

The Route de Saint-Jean de Bruel and Route de Dourbies provide a moderately twisty, well-maintained asphalt road through the Parc national des Cévennes, crossing two mountain passes and following the La Dourbie river. The road offers a mix of natural beauty, moderate elevation changes, and manageable curves suitable for riders seeking a mountain pass experience in southern France. The proximity to the village of L'Espérou and the presence of viewpoints along the route add to the appeal.

This article describes the road section visible on the interactive map below, which can assist riders in planning their journey through this part of the Massif Central and Cévennes mountain ranges.