Saint-Étienne-de-Saint-Geoirs to Varacieux Mountain Pass Route

The road section discussed here is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, connecting the village of Saint-Étienne-de-Saint-Geoirs to the village of Varacieux. This route passes through a predominantly rural area with a mix of inhabited zones and natural landscapes. The road ascends and descends through two mountain passes: Col de la Croix de Toutes Aures at 628 meters (2,060 feet) elevation and Col du Cognet at 525 meters (1,722 feet). The route covers approximately 14.8 kilometers (9.2 miles) and is characterized by a moderate level of curvature. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road surface is asphalt with a very high quality rating of 4.9 out of 5, providing a smooth and reliable riding surface. The route is mostly two lanes wide (about 93%), with a small portion consisting of a single lane (4%). The width of the road is predominantly wide (about 85%), with some sections of middle width (11%) and a very small fraction of narrow road (2%). The road is moderately curvy, rated at 1.21 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy, making it suitable for riders who prefer a balanced mix of straight and winding sections.

Approximately 52.5% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including several settlements such as Route de Saint-Marcellin, Route de Toutes Aures, Route du Roua, Route du Midi, and Grande Rue. The elevation varies from 394 meters (1,293 feet) at the lowest point to 628 meters (2,060 feet) at the highest point, corresponding to the summit of Col de la Croix de Toutes Aures.

This route includes two mountain passes that are significant for motorcyclists. The first is Col de la Croix de Toutes Aures, which reaches an elevation of 628 meters (2,060 feet). This pass is the highest point on the route and offers a notable change in elevation and riding dynamics. The second pass is Col du Cognet at 525 meters (1,722 feet), which provides additional elevation variation and riding interest. Both passes are located within the same general area and contribute to the moderate curviness and elevation profile of the road.

The road is maintained in excellent condition and is suitable for motorcycle touring. There are no known seasonal closures or tolls currently affecting this route, but riders should verify local conditions before travel as these may change. The route's proximity to small villages means that services such as fuel and food are accessible along the way. The road's moderate curvature and good surface quality make it a practical choice for riders seeking a balanced ride through the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes countryside.