Saint-Claude to Gex Route Through Haut-Jura and Col de Magnard

The route from Saint-Claude to Gex is located in the eastern part of France, within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It traverses the Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura, a protected natural park known for its mountainous terrain and diverse landscapes. The road runs alongside two rivers, La Valserine and La Bienne, which contribute to the area's natural beauty and ecological significance. The route starts near the town of Saint-Claude and ends close to the town of Gex, covering a distance of approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). An interactive map showing the road section discussed can be found at the end of this article.

The road, designated as A 404, is primarily asphalt surfaced with a high-quality rating of 4.5 out of 5, indicating a smooth and well-maintained surface suitable for motorcycle touring. It is moderately curvy, offering a balanced riding experience without excessive sharp bends. The road length is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), with the majority of the route consisting of two lanes (approximately 82%), while single-lane sections make up about 10%. The width varies, with most of the road being wide (about 64%), some sections of medium width (24%), and a smaller portion narrow (10%).

Speed limits vary depending on the area: urban sections have a limit of 50 km/h (31 mph), rural areas allow up to 70 km/h (43 mph), and certain stretches permit speeds of 80 to 90 km/h (50 to 56 mph). The road passes through inhabited areas for just over half its length (52.2%), providing a mix of open and built environments.

This route includes the Col de Magnard mountain pass, which reaches an elevation of 1170 meters (3,839 feet). The overall elevation range of the road spans from 415 meters (1,362 feet) at its lowest point to 1198 meters (3,930 feet) at its highest. The presence of the mountain pass introduces some elevation changes and gentle curves, making the ride engaging without being overly challenging. The road's alignment and elevation profile are suitable for riders seeking a moderate mountain pass experience within a protected natural park.

The road passes through the Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura, a regional natural park that offers a variety of outdoor activities and natural attractions. The park's official website can be accessed here. Along the route, riders will find several viewpoints that provide opportunities to appreciate the surrounding Jura Mountains and river valleys. The road runs adjacent to the La Valserine and La Bienne rivers, which are tributaries to larger river systems, adding to the scenic and ecological value of the ride.

The route connects the towns of Saint-Claude and Gex, both of which serve as key points for access and amenities. Saint-Claude is located near the starting point of the route, approximately 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) away, while Gex is near the endpoint, about 6 kilometers (3.8 miles) from the route's end. The road passes through several smaller settlements and neighborhoods, including Route de Couture, Route de Genève, and Quartier Le Village, among others. This connectivity supports both local traffic and touring riders looking to explore the Jura region.