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.
Col de la Met, one of the highest mountain roads of Europe
Col de la Met is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.750m (9,022ft) above the sea level located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
A curvy road to Col de Scalella, in Corsica
Col de Scalella is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.193m (3,914ft) above the sea level, located in the Corse-du-Sud department of France on the island of Corsica. The pass is traversed by the D27 road.
D29, an iconic French balcony road
D29 is a short mountain road located in the Aude department in southern France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
A mule track to Col d’Artzatey
Col d’Artzatey is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 662m (2,171ft) above the sea level, located on the Spanish-French border, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
A wild road to Fort de la Turra
The Ancien Fort de La Turra is an abandoned high mountain fort at an elevation of 2.493m (8,179ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Travel guide to Pas de la Graille
Pas de la Graille is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.597m (5,239ft) above the sea level located in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in France.
A paved road to the summit of Col de la Luzette
Col de la Luzette is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.350m (4,429ft) above the sea level, located in the Gard department in southern France.
Faux Col de Restefond is one of the highest paved roads of France
Faux Col de Restefond is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.656m (8,713ft) above the sea level, located located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, in southeastern France. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
Dare to drive the challenging Col de Spandelles
Col de Spandelles is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.378m (4,520ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, in southwestern France, part of the Midi-Pyrénées region.
Travel Guide to the Cirque de Gavarnie
Cirque de Gavarnie is a large rock amphitheater, at an elevation of 1.690m (5,544ft) above the sea level, located within the commune of Gavarnie, in the Pyrenees National Park, on the border of France and Spain. The road is totally closed to vehicles.
A scenic paved road to Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin
Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, or Piedra de San Martín, is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.760m (5,774ft) above the sea level, located on the France-Spain border in the western Pyrenees in the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques (France) and Navarra (Spain).
An epic mountain road to Signal de Bisanne
Signal de Bisanne is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.930m (6,332ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. This pass is one of two climbs in France classified by the ASO as "Epic" which is like an HHC.
Travelling through the spectacular L’Ubayette Bridge
Located within the Mercantour National Park, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France, L’Ubayette Bridge is a short wooden bridge. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
D29, a balcony road in France
D29 is a short mountain road with a length of 14.3km located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. The road links the villages of Guillaumes and Valberg
The unpaved road to Col de Moulata in the Pyrenees
Col de Moulata is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.685m (5,528ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Occitanie region of France.
Driving through the iconic Tunnel du Galibier
Tunnel du Galibier is a high mountain tunnel at an elevation of 2.576m (8,451ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Savoie and Hautes-Alpes departments, in south-eastern France. Before 1976, the tunnel was the only point of passage at the top. The tunnel was closed for restoration until 2002, and a new road was constructed over the summit.
A thrilling (scary) off road experience to Col de Chérine
Col de Chérine is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.295m (7,529ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
A hairpinned paved road to Col du Coq
Col du Coq is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.434m (4,704ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France. The pass is traversed by the D30E road and presents some similarities to the Alpe d'Huez. It also has 21 hairpin turns.
A memorable road trip to Pic Blanc
Pic Blanc is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.067m (10,062ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in the Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France. It’s one of the highest roads of Europe.
A wild road along the Gorges de la Jonte
Gorges de la Jonte is a canyon formed by the Jonte River, located in the border between the Lozère and the Aveyron counties, in southern France. The road through the gorges is the challenging D996 road.
A curvy paved road to Col de la Chambotte
Col de la Chambotte is a mountain pass at an elevation of 650m (2,132ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Col de la Chambre: this drive is not for timid drivers
Col de la Chambre is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.879m (9,445ft) above the sea level located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
An awe-inspiring road to Col du Raspaillon
Col du Raspaillon is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.525m (8,284ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments in southeastern France.
Lac d'Aumar, one of the highest paved roads in the Pyrenees
Lac d'Aumar (also known as Lac d'Aumer) is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.192m (7,191ft) above the sea level, located in Hautes-Pyrénées, a department in southwestern France. It is part of the Midi-Pyrénées region.
A delightful yet challenging road to Col du Soulor
Col du Soulor is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.474m (4,835ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in southwestern France.
Travel Guide to L'Aiguille Percée
L'Aiguille Percée is a rock formation at an elevation of 2.732m (8,963ft) above the sea level, located in the French Alps, in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It’s one of the highest roads of Europe.
Gorges de Rebenty, a balcony road in France
Gorges de Rebenty is a very scenic canyon located in the department of Aude, region Languedoc-Roussillon, in southern France. The drive is very lovely but can also be very challenging if you are driving. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads.
Travel guide to the top of Col de Bassachaux
Col de Bassachaux is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.778m (5,833ft) above the sea level, located in the region of Porteis du Soleil, in Haute-Savoie, a department in the Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France.
Adventure Along the Wild Road to Col de Cluy
Col de Cluy is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.813m (5,948ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France.
A thrilling (scary) off road experience to Clot de l’Alpe
Clot de l’Alpe is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.361m (7,746ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
A brutal unpaved road to Col dés Pres
Col dés Pres is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.652m (8,700ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of the French Alps.
Col de La Madeleine in Savoie, pure adventure
Col de La Madeleine is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.716m (8,910ft) above the sea level located in the Tarentaise Valley, in the Savoie department of southeastern France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
The wild road to Collade des Roques Blanches
Collade des Roques Blanches is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.260m (7,414ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, near the border with Spain and the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.
Chris Froome has become the first man to cycle non-stop the Eurotunnel
Completed in 1993, the Channel Tunnel is the longest undersea tunnel in the world and connects the southern part of England with northern France.
A memorable road trip to Mont Colombis
Mont Colombis is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.734m (5,686ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
The road to Col de Chavière is not for the faint of heart
Col de Chavière is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.477m (8,126ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Guide to the top of Col de Finiels
Col de Finiels is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.541m (5,055ft) above the sea level, located in the Lozère département in southern France.
The road to Mount Saleve, the "Balcony of Geneva"
Mount Saleve is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.379m (4,524ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
A memorable road trip to Col du Poutran
Col du Poutran is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.996m (6,548ft) above the sea level, located in the Central French Alps, in the commune of Huez, in the Isère département in the Rhône-Alpes region.
A beautiful road through a scenic valley to Col de Peyresourde
Col de Peyresourde is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.569m (5,148ft) above the sea level, located in the central Pyrenees, in France.
Driving the scenic Gorges de la Vésubie
Gorges de la Vésubie is the name of a canyon located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the region of Provence-Cote d'Azur of France. It’s one of the scenic French balcony roads.
The Wild Road to Col de Jou
Col de Jou is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.125m (3,690ft) above the sea level located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France.
An epic road to Col d'Azet in the Pyrenees
Col d'Azet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.580m (5,183ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in south-western France.
The road to Col du Lachens isn’t an easy one
Col du Lachens, also known as Mont du Lachens, is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.714m (5,623ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the extreme southeast corner of France.
An iconic Tour de France road to Col de Jau
Col de Jau is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.509m (4,950ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between the Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France.