Route d'Ornon and Col d'Ornon Pass Motorcycle Ride in the French Alps

The Route d'Ornon and Route de Malbuisson are located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, within the French Alps mountain range. This road crosses the Taillefer and Massif des Écrins mountain ranges, passing through the Parc national des Écrins, a protected national park area. The road runs along the river La Malsanne for about 27% of its length and traverses the Combe du Goulet valley. The highest point on this route is the Col d'Ornon mountain pass at 1,371 meters (4,498 feet) elevation. The road section covered here is approximately 38.7 kilometers (24 miles) long and passes through several small settlements including Route du Col, Route du Grand Armet, and Les Battants. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road surface is asphalt with a generally good quality rating of 4.3 out of 5. The route is moderately twisty, offering a mix of gentle curves and some sharper bends, suitable for riders looking for an engaging but not overly technical ride. The road width is predominantly wide (about 76%), with middle width sections making up 17% and narrow sections only 6%. Most of the road has two lanes (about 77%), while one lane sections account for 16%. The speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph), 50 km/h (31 mph), and 30 km/h (19 mph) depending on the segment. Approximately 31.2% of the road passes through inhabited areas, so riders should be mindful of local traffic and pedestrians. The elevation ranges from 625 meters (2,051 feet) at the lowest point to 1,388 meters (4,554 feet) at the highest, providing varied altitude and mountain riding conditions.

The highlight of this route is the Col d'Ornon mountain pass, which sits at 1,371 meters (4,498 feet) and is a well-known feature in the region. The pass is part of the Parc national des Écrins, an area known for its alpine landscapes and protected natural environment. Riders will experience crossing through a national park zone, which requires respect for the environment and adherence to local regulations. The road also follows the La Malsanne river for a significant portion, adding to the natural appeal of the ride. More information about the Col d'Ornon can be found on its Wikipedia page, and details about the Parc national des Écrins are available on its Wikipedia page.

Motorcyclists should note that this is a mountain pass road, which may be subject to seasonal closures or restrictions, especially during winter months due to snow and ice. While no specific closure information was found, riders are advised to check local conditions before planning their trip. There are no tolls or entrance fees reported for this road, but toll policies can change, so verifying current conditions through official French road or tourism websites is recommended. The road's good surface quality and moderate curviness make it suitable for a range of riders, from those seeking a relaxed mountain ride to those wanting some technical curves. The route's passage through inhabited areas and a national park means riders should be cautious and respectful of local traffic and environmental rules.

The Route d'Ornon and Route de Malbuisson provide a rewarding mountain riding experience in the French Alps, combining moderate curves, good road quality, and natural beauty within the Parc national des Écrins. The Col d'Ornon pass is the key feature of this route, offering elevation and alpine scenery. Riders can enjoy a mix of wide and middle-width road sections, with mostly two lanes and varying speed limits. The route's adjacency to the La Malsanne river and passage through the Combe du Goulet valley add to the ride's appeal. For a visual overview, an interactive map of the road section is provided below.