Route de Salette and Col de l'Homme Motorcycle Ride in the Massif des Écrins

The Route de Salette is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, within the Massif des Écrins mountain range, which is part of the larger Alps system. The road starts near the village of Corps and passes through several small settlements including Route du Sanctuaire and Pont de Gournier. It traverses the Col de l'Homme mountain pass at an elevation of 1,673 meters (5,489 feet). The Massif des Écrins is known for its rugged alpine terrain and is a notable area for outdoor activities. The road's elevation ranges from 938 meters (3,077 feet) at its lowest point to 1,749 meters (5,738 feet) at its highest. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The Route de Salette is approximately 14 kilometers (8.8 miles) long and features an asphalt surface of generally good quality, rated 4.3 out of 5. The road is moderately twisty, offering a riding experience that balances curves with stretches of more straightforward riding. Most of the road (about 82%) consists of two lanes, with a small portion (around 5%) being single lane. The road width varies, with the majority (about 78%) being wide enough for comfortable two-way traffic, while narrower sections make up about 14% of the route. The speed limits vary between 50 and 80 km/h (31 to 50 mph), reflecting the road's mountainous nature and safety considerations. Approximately 12.6% of the road passes through inhabited areas, primarily small settlements along the route.

The road crosses the Col de l'Homme, a mountain pass situated at 1,673 meters (5,489 feet) elevation. This pass is a key feature of the route and provides access to the higher alpine areas of the Massif des Écrins. The surrounding environment is characterized by alpine landscapes typical of the French Alps, with rugged peaks and natural vegetation. The Massif des Écrins is a protected area known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Riders should be prepared for changing weather conditions and variable temperatures due to the elevation changes along the route.

The Route de Salette is open to motorcyclists and does not currently have any known seasonal closures or event-related restrictions. However, as a mountain pass road, it may be subject to winter closures or temporary restrictions due to weather conditions, so riders should verify current road status before planning a trip. There are no tolls or entrance fees associated with this road, but toll conditions can change, so it is advisable to check official French road information sources for updates. For more information on tolls and road fees in France, riders can consult the official French road authority websites.

For further details about the Massif des Écrins, visit the Massif des Écrins Wikipedia page. Information about the Alps mountain range can be found on the Alpen Wikipedia page. An interactive map showing the Route de Salette and Col de l'Homme road section discussed in this article is provided below for reference.