Route du Galibier D902 Mountain Pass Ride in the French Alps

The Route du Galibier is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, traversing parts of the Massif des Arves and Massif des Cerces mountain ranges within the greater Alps. This road section lies near the village of Valloire, which marks the southern end of the route. The road crosses alpine terrain, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,559 meters (8,396 feet), making it one of the higher mountain passes accessible by motorcycle in this area. The surrounding mountain ranges are well documented on Wikipedia, including the Massif des Arves and Massif des Cerces. The Alps themselves are detailed on the German Wikipedia at Alpen. An interactive map showing the exact road section discussed here can be found at the end of this article.

The Route du Galibier follows the D902 road reference and extends approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles). The road surface is asphalt with a quality rating of about 3.7 out of 5, indicating generally good but not perfect conditions. The road is mostly two lanes wide (about 93% of its length), with a small portion being single lane. The width varies, with the majority (about 70%) being wide enough for comfortable riding, while narrower sections make up roughly 7% of the route.

Curviness is moderate, rated at 1.47 on a scale where 3 is extremely twisty. Riders can expect a gently curved to moderately twisty road, suitable for a confident motorcyclist. Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 50 km/h (31 mph), 80 km/h (50 mph), and 30 km/h (19 mph) depending on the section. Approximately 23.5% of the road passes through inhabited areas, which requires additional caution.

The road climbs from a lowest elevation of 1,514 meters (4,967 feet) to a highest point of 2,559 meters (8,396 feet), crossing alpine terrain that skirts the Massif des Arves and crosses the Massif des Cerces. This elevation gain offers riders a significant mountain pass experience, with changing weather and temperature conditions likely as altitude increases. The Route du Galibier is part of the larger alpine road network and is known for its mountain pass characteristics, making it a notable route for riders seeking high-altitude rides in the French Alps.

The Route du Galibier is generally open to motorcycles, but like many high mountain passes in the Alps, it may be subject to seasonal closures during winter months due to snow and adverse weather conditions. Riders should verify current road status before planning a trip. There are no known tolls or entrance fees specifically for this road section, but toll conditions can change, so checking official French road and toll information is advisable. For more information on tolls and fees in France, riders can consult the official French road authority websites.

The Route du Galibier offers access to notable alpine landscapes and is close to the village of Valloire, which provides amenities and accommodations. The surrounding mountain ranges, including the Massif des Arves and Massif des Cerces, are popular for hiking and outdoor activities. Riders should prepare for variable weather and ensure their motorcycles are equipped for mountain riding. The road surface quality and moderate curviness make it suitable for riders with some experience in alpine conditions.