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 Vanoise
Col de la Vanoise is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.522m (8,274ft) above the sea level, located in Savoie, France.
Cima Marta
Cima Marta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.138m (7,014ft) above the sea level, located in the Frenc Ligurian Alps, near the Italian border.
Col de la Joux Verte
Col de la Joux Verte is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.760m (5,774ft) above the sea level, located n the Alps in France.
Gorges d'Omblèze, a French balcony road
Gorges d'Omblèze is a spectacular canyon carved into the limestone by La Gervanne river in the Drôme department in southeastern France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
Mont Agnelet
Mont Agnelet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.201m (7,221ft) above the sea level, located in the Mercantour massif of the Maritime Alps, in southern France.
Fortin du Restefond
Fortin du Restefond is an old military building at an elevation of 2.558m (8,392ft) above the sea level, located in the French Alps, within the Mercantour National Park in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
The unpaved road to Colle della Rho
Col de la Roue - Colle della Rho is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.534m (8,313ft) above the sea level located on the Italian-French border.
Col du Lac Blanc
Col du Lac Blanc is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.803m (9,196ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France. It’s one of the highest roads of Europe.
Col des Rochilles
Col des Rochilles is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.496m (8,188ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Fort de Roche la Croix
Fort de Roche la Croix is a high mountain military fortress at an elevation of 1.906m (6,253ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.
Croix de Toulouse
Croix de Toulouse is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.962m (6,437ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.
Porte de Cristol is an awe-inspiring track in the Alps
Porte de Cristol is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.483m (8,146ft) above the sea level located in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.
Col de Pinpinier
Col de Pinpinier is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.130m (3,707ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of South-eastern France.
Sainte-Anne-la-Condamine
Sainte-Anne-la-Condamine is a ski station at an elevation of 1.827m (5,994ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.
Col des Encombres
Col des Encombres is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.367m (7,765ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Col de Chalais
Col de Chalais is a mountain pass at an elevation of 930m (3,051ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France. The road to the summit is very steep.
Col du Cucheron
Col du Cucheron is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.139m (3,737ft) above the sea level, located at the heart of the Chartreuse massif, in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. The climb is terrible, with sections up to 17.9%. It’s a small pass very pleasant with the passage through the beautiful village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse.
Col d'Arrondaz
Col d'Arrondaz is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.507m (8,225ft) above the sea level, located on the Plateau des Glieres area in Haute-Savoie department of France.
Colle di Perla
Colle di Perla is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.215m (7,267ft) above the sea level, located in the Cottian Alps, on the border between France and Italy.
Pas du Serpaton
Pas du Serpaton is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.581m (5,187ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France.
Col du Clergeon
Col du Clergeon is a mountain pass at an elevation of 979m (3,211ft) above the sea level, located in the Jura Mountains, in France.
Col du Fort
Col du Fort is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.787m (5,862ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France
Le Taoulet
Le Taoulet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.341m (7,680ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, in south-western France.
Pas de l'Âne
Pas de l'Âne is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.475m (8,120ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
Col du Farguet
Col du Farguet is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.084m (3,556ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes Maritimes department in southeastern France.
Driving the unpaved road to Col de la Lariée
Col de la Lariée is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.964m (6,443ft) above the sea level, located on the French-Italian border between Liguria, Piemonte and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Road D218
The Route Départementale D218 (RD218) is a very scenic road located in the Isère department in southeastern France.
Fort du Mont
Fort du Mont is a military fortress at an elevation of 981m (3,218ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Col de Mens
Col de Mens is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.111m (3,645ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France.
Col des Frettes
Col des Frettes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.386m (7,828ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Col de la Coche
Col de la Coche is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.783m (5,849ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. The road to the summit is extreme. One mistake and it's a free fall to your death. It’s one of the most dangerous roads on Earth.
Col de Pernante
Col de Pernante is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.898m (6,227ft) above the sea level, located in the Alps, on the border between France and Italy.
Col du Laux
Col du Laux is a mountain pass at an elevation of 883m (2,896ft) above the sea level, located in the Drôme department in southeastern France.
Col du Liorin
Col du Liorin is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.226m (4,022ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France.
Travel guide to the top of Vallon de la Fournache
Vallon de la Fournache is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.703m (8,868ft) 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.
Col de Cloze
Col de Cloze is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.483m (8,146ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in south-western France.
Col de Ste-Anne
Col de Ste-Anne is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.551m (5,088ft) above the sea level, located in the Mercantour National Park.
Col des Verniers
Col des Verniers is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.042m (3,418ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
Driving through Gorges de Nouailles, a French balcony road
Gorges de Nouailles is a canyon formed by the Loue River, located in the Doubs department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in eastern France. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads.
Col de Marocaz
Col de Marocaz is a mountain pass at an elevation of 958m (3,143ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Les Arcs 2000
Les Arcs 2000 is a ski station at an elevation of 2.120m (6,955ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Driving the unpaved road to Col de Gimont
Col de Gimont is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.332m (7,650ft) above the sea level, located in the Cottian Alps, between France and Italy.
Col de Rioupes
Col de Rioupes is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.430m (4,691ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.
Col de Porte
Col de Porte is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.060m (3,477ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France.
Driving the paved road to Puerto de Larrau
Port de Larrau is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.615m (5,298ft) above the sea level, on the French-Spanish border in the western Pyrenees.