Route du Puy Mary Pas de Peyrol Mountain Pass in Auvergne

The Route du Puy Mary is located in the Auvergne region of France, within the Massif Central mountain range. It traverses the Monts du Cantal subrange and passes through the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, a protected natural park known for its volcanic landscapes. The road begins near the town of Aurillac, approximately 8.6 kilometers (5.4 miles) from the starting point, and extends through mountainous terrain reaching elevations up to 1,588 meters (5,210 feet) at the Pas de Peyrol mountain pass. The route runs adjacent to the river La Jordanne for about 59% of its length, providing a natural corridor through the volcanic massif. An interactive map showing the road section discussed in this article is available at the end.

The Route du Puy Mary extends for approximately 27.5 kilometers (17.1 miles) and is primarily an asphalt-surfaced road with a high-quality rating of 4.2 out of 5. The road is moderately curvy, offering a mix of gentle bends and more pronounced turns, suitable for riders seeking a balanced challenge. It predominantly features two lanes (about 92%), with a small portion being single-lane (around 7%). The width varies, with the majority of the road being wide (64%), some sections of middle width (28%), and a few narrow stretches (7%). Speed limits vary along the route, ranging from 30 km/h (19 mph) in tighter or inhabited areas to 90 km/h (56 mph) on more open stretches.

Approximately 35% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including small settlements such as Route des Volcans and Rue de la Vallée. The road also runs along notable viewpoints, providing opportunities to appreciate the volcanic landscape of the region. The surface quality and lane configuration make it suitable for motorcycle touring, combining technical riding sections with more relaxed stretches.

The highlight of this route is the Pas de Peyrol mountain pass, the highest point on the road at 1,588 meters (5,210 feet). This pass is a well-known feature in the Monts du Cantal and is frequently referenced in both motorcycling and general travel contexts. The road crosses through the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, which preserves the unique volcanic terrain and biodiversity of the area. Riders should be aware that the park status may influence road maintenance and access regulations.

More information about the Pas de Peyrol can be found on its Wikipedia page, and details about the natural park are available at the official Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne website.

Given the elevation and mountainous terrain, the Route du Puy Mary is subject to seasonal weather conditions that may affect accessibility. The Pas de Peyrol pass is typically closed during winter months due to snow and ice, which can make the road unsafe for motorcycles. Riders should verify current road conditions before planning a trip, especially outside the warmer months.

There are no known permanent tolls or entrance fees for using this road, but conditions may change, and riders are advised to consult official French road and park authorities for the latest information. A useful resource for toll and road fee information in France is the Autoroutes France website.

The route offers a combination of natural beauty and technical riding challenges. It runs alongside the river La Jordanne, which flows into the Cère river, adding to the scenic variety of the ride. The road passes through several small settlements and offers access to viewpoints overlooking the volcanic landscape of the Massif Central. The Monts du Cantal and the broader Massif Central region are notable for their geological significance and outdoor recreational opportunities.

For riders interested in exploring the area further, the Massif Central and Monts du Cantal have numerous hiking trails and cultural sites. More information about the Massif Central can be found on its Wikipedia page, and details about the Monts du Cantal are available here.