Vivario to Aullène Mountain Pass Route in Corsica

The road section discussed here is located on the island of Corsica (French: Corse), a Mediterranean island region of France. It connects the village of Vivario in the north to the village of Aullène in the south. The route passes through the mountainous interior of Corsica, crossing several mountain passes including Col de Sorba, Col de Verde, and Col de Vaccia. The road runs entirely on the island of Corsica, which covers an area of approximately 9,300 square kilometers. This route also intersects the Sanctuaire Pelagos, a marine protected area known as the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary. The road runs adjacent to the U Fium'Orbu river for a small portion of its length. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The road connecting Vivario and Aullène is approximately 81.8 kilometers (50.8 miles) long. It is a mountain pass road with a curviness rating of 2.2 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy, indicating a moderately twisty route. The surface is asphalt with a quality rating of 2.7 out of 5, suggesting a somewhat rough surface that may require cautious riding. The road width varies, with about 54% of the route being wide enough for comfortable two-way traffic, 27% having a medium width, and 18% being narrow. Most of the road (about 71%) consists of two lanes, while approximately 17% is single-lane. The speed limit is set at 50 km/h (31 mph), reflecting the road's mountainous nature and safety considerations.

Approximately 18.6% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including small villages and settlements such as Strada di a Bocca di Verde, Strada di Sorba, and Piazza Andriaccia. The elevation ranges from a low point of 675 meters (2,215 feet) to a high point of 1,310 meters (4,298 feet) at the mountain passes, with Col de Sorba being the highest at 1,311 meters (4,301 feet). The road crosses three notable mountain passes: Col de Sorba, Col de Verde, and Col de Vaccia. The Col de Verde is documented on Wikipedia and has a Wikidata entry (Q3682486), providing additional geographic context.

The route passes through the Sanctuaire Pelagos, also known as the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary, a protected marine area dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans. Although the sanctuary is marine-focused, the road's passage through this protected zone highlights the ecological significance of the region. The road also runs near the U Fium'Orbu river for a small segment, which is a notable river on the island documented on French Wikipedia.

Riders will experience Corsica's mountainous terrain and natural landscapes, with the road traversing elevations that provide varied views and riding conditions. The island of Corsica itself is known for its rugged interior and diverse ecosystems, making this route a representative example of Corsican mountain roads.

Motorcyclists should be prepared for a moderately twisty and sometimes narrow road surface with variable asphalt quality. The speed limit of 50 km/h (31 mph) should be observed for safety, especially given the road's mountainous character and the presence of inhabited areas. The road is mostly two lanes, but some sections narrow down to a single lane, requiring caution when encountering oncoming traffic.

There is no specific information indicating seasonal closures or tolls on this route. However, as a mountain pass road on an island, weather conditions can affect accessibility, particularly in winter months. Riders should verify current road conditions before planning their trip. For general information on road tolls and fees in France, consult official French transport websites.

This article has detailed the mountain pass road from Vivario to Aullène on Corsica, highlighting its length, elevation, road conditions, and natural surroundings. The route offers a moderately twisty ride through mountainous terrain, crossing three mountain passes and passing through a marine sanctuary area. Riders should be prepared for variable road widths and surface quality, and observe the speed limits for safety.

An interactive map showing the exact road section discussed can be found below for reference and planning purposes.