What are the most spectacular roads in France?
Set against the backdrop of Western Europe, France boasts an intricate tapestry of roads that offer some of the most breathtaking drives globally.
Enthusiasts can traverse the famed balcony roads, which cling perilously to cliff faces, ascend the serpentine bends of Col du Chaussy, navigate through the historical Tunnel de Parpaillon, or challenge themselves on the towering peaks of Col de l'Iseran, Col du Jandri, and Col du Télégraphe. From the undulating vineyards and sunlit fields to majestic mountains and turquoise coastlines, France's diverse topography is a treasure trove for those keen on picturesque journeys. The iconic Route Napoleon meanders through the heart of the country, while the shimmering Corniche d'Or offers unparalleled views of the Mediterranean's azure embrace.
But France's roads are more than just pathways carved into its stunning landscapes. They are gateways to its rich tapestry of history, culture, and traditions, from medieval towns and alpine villages to sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches. So, the next time wanderlust calls you to the charm of France, rev up your engine and set forth on an adventure across its most captivating routes.
Road trip guide: Conquering Col de la Ramaz
Col de la Ramaz is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.549m (5,082ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.
Port de Lers
The Port de Lers is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.517m (4,977ft) above the sea level, located in the French Pyrenees in the department of Ariège. There are numerous ramps above 10%.
Travel guide to the top of Col des Embrasures
Col des Embrasures is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.305m (7,562ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France, near the Italian border.
Col de la Quillane
Col de la Quillane is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.714m (5,623ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, in southern France.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Col de Tourniol
Col de Tourniol is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.145m (3,756ft) above the sea level, located in the Drôme department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in southeast-central France.
Col Bagargui
Col Bagargui is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.327m (4,353ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in south-western France.
An awe-inspiring road to Col des Basses
Col des Basses is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.786m (5,859ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, near the border with Spain and the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.
An epic enthralling road to Signale de Lure
Signale de Lure is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.826m (5,991ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in France.
Cirque de Cilaos
Cirque de Cilaos is a large rock amphitheater, at an elevation of 1.586m (5,203ft) above the sea level, located on the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean. The sometimes nail-biting drive is well worth it!
The road to Col Nazie, pure adventure
Col Nazie is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.902m (6,240ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France.
An old military road to the summit of Monte Grai
Monte Grai is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.920m (6,299ft) above the sea level, located in the Ligurian Alps, a mountain range on the border between France and Italy.
A defiant road to Col des Cortalets
Col des Cortalets is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.050m (6,725ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France.
Clue du Peroure is a French balcony road
Clue du Pérouré is a canyon with dramatic views located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It’s one of the most scenic French balcony roads.
D33 is a winding paved road in Corsica
Located in the Haute-Corse department of France, on the north-east of the island of Corsica, D33 is a very scenic coastal road. Drive slowly because there is no room for mistakes.
Bocca di Verdia, winding road in Corsica
Bocca di Verdi, also known as Col de Verde, is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.289m (4,229ft) above the sea level, located on the border of the Corse-du-Sud and Haute-Corse departments of France on the island of Corsica.
Chalet-Refuge des Mottets
Chalet-Refuge des Mottets is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 1.872m (6,1414ft) above the sea level located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Clue de Chasteuil, a balcony road in France
Clue de Chasteuil is a very scenic drive located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads. Driving on this narrow road between walls of cliffs and gorges is a delight.
A winding road to Bocca di Sorba in Corsica
Bocca di Sorba is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.311m (4,301ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica. The road to the summit is awesome, with sections up to 10.7%. Tight bends and faster sweepers. It’s one of the highest roads of Corsica.
Road trip guide: Conquering Refuge Drayères
Refuge Drayères is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2.189m (7,181ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
The steep narrow road to Lac des Gloriettes
Barrage des Gloriettes is a high mountain lake in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in south-western France.
Tete de Veret: this drive is not for timid drivers
Tete de Veret is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.309m (7,575ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Col de la Clin
Col de la Clin is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.250m (4,101ft) above the sea level located in the Haute-Garonne department in southwestern France.
Col du Lauzet
Col du Lauzet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.225m (7,299ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
Road trip guide: Conquering the Col de Valbelle
Col de Valbelle is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.372m (7,782ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
Fort de Pattacreuse
Fort de Pattacreuse is a high mountain fortress at an elevation of 2.385m (7,824ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
The breathtaking road to Col du Mottet oú de Roche Blanche
Col du Mottet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.374m (7,788ft) above the sea level, located in the Massif de la Vanoise range, in Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of the French Alps.
Col de Cannelle, a drive you'll never forget
Col de Cannelle is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.882m (6,174ft) above the sea level, located in the Alps, on the border between France and Italy.
Col de Vaumale
Col de Vaumale is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.202m (3,943ft) above the sea level, located in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.
Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard
Col du Grand Renard is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.455m (8,054ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Col de Corobin
Col de Corobin is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.230m (4,035ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.
Col du Buis
Col du Buis is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.196m (3,923ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of South-eastern France.
Semnoz
Semnoz, also known as Crêt de Chatillon, is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.660m (5,446ft) above the sea level, located in the Bauges range, in Haute-Savoie, France.
A curvy and narrow paved road to Col du Pradier
Col du Pradier is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.450m (4,757ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Don’t glance down at your phone on Ravin de la Platte
Ravin de la Platte is a high mountain ravine at an elevation of 1.853m (6,079ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo.
Gorges de Padern, a balcony road in France
The scenic Gorges de Padern are located in the Aude department in southern France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
Lac de l’Ouillette
Lac de l’Ouillette is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.521m (8,270ft) above the sea level, situated in the department of Savoie, in France, near the border with Italy.
Bocca de Sevi
Bocca de Sevi, also known as Col de Sevi, is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.101m (3,612ft) above the sea level, located in the Corse-du-Sud department of France on the island of Corsica.
Col de Saint Georges-Chalet Josserand
Col de Saint Georges-Chalet Josserand is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.245m (7,477ft) above the sea level, located in the Alps in the department of Hautes-Alpes in France.
Col de Pierre Grosse
Col de Pierre Grosse is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.322m (4,337ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France.
Piste de Clausis, pure adventure
Piste de Clausis is a high mountain gravel road located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France in the Queyras Regional Natural Park. The road is 6.2km long.
A narrow road to the top of Col de Carabes
Col de Carabes is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.261m (4,137ft) above the sea level, located in southeastern France.
Sommet de la Saulire, one of the highest roads of France
Sommet de la Saulire is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.697m (8,848ft) above the sea level, located in the Massif de la Vanoise range, in Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of the French Alps.
Refugi de Marialles
Refugi de Marialles is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 1.718m (5,636ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France.
Col des Fourches
Col des Fourches is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.258m (7,408ft) above the sea level located in the Maritime Alps, in the French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Route Du Pas de la Confession, a balcony road in the French Alps
Located in the Isère department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in southeastern France, Route Du Pas de la Confession is a very challenging drive. The road is so defiant that travelers were encouraged to make confession before using it. It’s one of the French balcony roads.