Route des Corbières Avenue de Narbonne Motorcycle Ride in France

The Route des Corbières - Avenue de Narbonne is situated in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. It passes through several small settlements including Avenue de Talairan, Avenue du Termenès, Avenue du Faubourg, and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, a village near the road's endpoint. The road traverses the Combe de Moure valley and runs adjacent to two rivers: Le Sou and Ruisseau de Rémouly. The elevation along the route varies from 95 meters (312 feet) to 523 meters (1,716 feet), crossing three mountain passes: Col de Bedos at 485 meters (1,591 feet), Col de la Tranchée at 372 meters (1,220 feet), and Col de Villerouge. An interactive map showing the road section discussed is available at the end of this article.

The Route des Corbières - Avenue de Narbonne extends approximately 24.6 kilometers (15.3 miles) and features an asphalt surface rated as excellent in quality. The road is moderately curvy, providing a balanced riding experience without extreme twists. It generally has two lanes (about 82% of the route), with a smaller portion consisting of a single lane (around 14%). The width varies, with nearly half the road being wide and about 48% of medium width, while narrow sections make up a small fraction (4%). Approximately 21.7% of the road passes through inhabited areas, requiring riders to be attentive to local traffic. The maximum speed limit is 30 km/h (19 mph), reflecting the road's mountain pass nature and safety considerations.

This route is notable for crossing three mountain passes: Col de Bedos, Col de la Tranchée, and Col de Villerouge. These passes provide elevation changes and varied terrain, enhancing the riding dynamics. The road also runs alongside the Le Sou river for about 12% of its length and similarly along the Ruisseau de Rémouly for another 12%, offering riders views of flowing water and natural surroundings. The Combe de Moure valley is another geographic feature along the route, contributing to the area's topographical diversity.

The road surface is well-maintained asphalt, suitable for all types of motorcycles. Given the moderate curviness and mountain pass characteristics, riders should be prepared for elevation changes and occasional narrow sections. The speed limit is low, emphasizing safety in the mountainous terrain and inhabited areas. There are no known tolls or entrance fees on this road, but riders should verify current conditions before travel. Seasonal closures are not reported, but weather conditions in mountainous areas can affect accessibility. For more detailed information on road conditions and local regulations, riders can consult French road authorities or regional tourism websites.

For further exploration, riders can refer to the Wikipedia page on the Sou de Laroque river, which runs alongside part of the route. The interactive map below illustrates the exact section of the Route des Corbières - Avenue de Narbonne discussed in this article, providing a visual aid for planning your ride.