Avinguda de França and Coll dels Belitres Pass Motorcycle Route in Catalonia

This route is located in the Catalonia region of Spain, near the French border, starting close to the village of Portbou. It runs along the Golfe du Lion bay coastline and crosses parts of the Pyrenees mountain range. The road skirts two protected natural areas: Parc Natural del Cap de Creus and Espai d'Interès Natural del Massís de l'Albera. The route's elevation ranges from near sea level at 2 m (7 ft) to moderate heights around 152 m (499 ft), with mountain passes such as Coll dels Belitres at 165 m (541 ft) adding to the topographical variety. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The Avinguda de França - Túnel del Coll del Frare route extends approximately 18.3 kilometers (11.4 miles) and features predominantly asphalt surface of good quality, rated around 4.3 out of 5. The road is mostly two lanes wide (about 87%) and generally wide (about 84%), with a small portion being narrow or middle width. Curviness is moderate, offering a mix of gently curved and more twisty sections, suitable for riders looking for varied handling challenges without extreme technical difficulty.

Speed limits vary along the route, ranging from 30 km/h (19 mph) in tighter or inhabited areas up to 90 km/h (56 mph) on faster stretches. Nearly half of the road (48.3%) passes through inhabited areas, including several settlements such as Avinguda de Barcelona and Carrer de la Font del Moro. The route also includes the Túnel del Coll del Frare, providing a direct passage through the terrain.

This road crosses two notable mountain passes: Coll dels Belitres and Coll de Sant Antoni. Coll dels Belitres, at 164.6 m (540 ft), is the more prominent pass and is recognized in local and motorcycling communities. The route's proximity to Parc Natural del Cap de Creus and Espai d'Interès Natural del Massís de l'Albera offers riders the opportunity to experience protected natural landscapes and viewpoints along the way. These parks are known for their unique Mediterranean flora and fauna, as well as coastal and mountainous scenery.

More information about Parc Natural del Cap de Creus can be found at Parc Natural del Cap de Creus.

The route follows the coastline of the Golfe du Lion bay for about 60% of its length, providing riders with views of the Mediterranean Sea and access to several viewpoints. These vantage points offer panoramic views of the bay and surrounding landscapes, making the ride appealing for those interested in combining motorcycling with sightseeing. The road's location along the coast and near the Pyrenees mountain range creates a unique blend of maritime and mountainous environments.

The road is open year-round, but riders should be aware that weather conditions can vary, especially in the mountainous sections. There are no known tolls or entrance fees associated with this route, but toll policies may change, so checking local sources before travel is advisable. The road is suitable for a range of motorcycles due to its good surface quality and moderate curviness.

For further details on the natural parks and mountain passes, consult the respective Wikipedia pages for Coll dels Belitres and Parc Natural del Cap de Creus.