Route du Pénitencier and Route d'u Gradeddu Mountain Pass Road in Corse

The Route du Pénitencier and Route d'u Gradeddu are situated on the island of Corse, France, a Mediterranean island known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscapes. The road starts near the village of Verghia / a Verghja and extends through the mountainous interior of the island. It passes through or skirts two protected areas: the Forêt de Chiavari and the Sanctuaire Pelagos, also known as the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary. The road also leads close to the Golfe d'Ajaccio, a bay on the island's coastline. The elevation along the road ranges from a low of 5 meters (16 feet) to a high of 629 meters (2,064 feet), crossing two mountain passes: Bocca di u Curtonu at 523 meters (1,716 feet) and Bocca di Gradeddu at 529 meters (1,736 feet). An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The combined length of the Route du Pénitencier and Route d'u Gradeddu is approximately 22.9 kilometers (14.2 miles). The road surface is asphalt with a quality rating of 4.2 out of 5, indicating a generally smooth and well-maintained surface suitable for motorcycles. The road is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 2.34, providing a dynamic riding experience without being excessively technical.

Regarding road width, about 25% of the route is narrow, 56% is of medium width, and 18% is wide. The road mostly consists of one lane (approximately 61%), with two lanes present on about 31% of the route. Only a small portion (around 8.5%) passes through inhabited areas, allowing riders to enjoy mostly natural surroundings. The road's mountain pass status means riders will encounter elevation changes and potentially sharp bends near the passes Bocca di u Curtonu and Bocca di Gradeddu.

The road intersects with two significant protected areas. It skirts the Forêt de Chiavari, a forested area that contributes to the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region. Additionally, the route passes through the Sanctuaire Pelagos, also known as the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary, a marine protected area dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans. This sanctuary is recognized internationally and adds ecological significance to the region.

Riders should be mindful of the environmental sensitivity of these areas and respect any regulations or restrictions in place to protect the natural habitat.

The entire road lies on the island of Corse, which covers an area of approximately 9,300 square kilometers (3,590 square miles). Corse is known for its mountainous terrain and Mediterranean climate, making it a popular destination for motorcyclists seeking varied landscapes and challenging roads.

The road leads close to the Golfe d'Ajaccio, a bay on the island's western coast. Although only about 4% of the road runs along the coastline, this proximity offers riders the opportunity to experience coastal views and access to the sea.

This article focuses on the road section visible on the map below. Riders planning to explore this route should consider seasonal weather conditions, as mountain roads on Corse can be affected by winter closures or adverse weather. There are no known tolls or entrance fees for this road, but conditions may change, so checking local sources before travel is advisable.

For more information about the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary, visit Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary. Details about Corse can be found at Corse.