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.
The legendary Col du Tourmalet is one of the world's top roads
Col du Tourmalet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,115m (6,939ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in France. It is one of the most famous climbs on the Tour de France race.
The narrow, bad and old road to the top of Col de Sarenne
Col de Sarenne is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.004m (6,574ft) above sea level, located in the Isère department of France. It’s one of the most demanding roads in the country.
Gorges de Daluis is a balcony road in France
Gorges de Daluis is a deep, narrow canyon on the upper Var River located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
Gorges du Guil is a scenic balcony road in France
Gorges du Guil is a very scenic canyon located in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. It’s one of the defiant French balcony roads.
Col de la Colombiere: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Col de la Colombière is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.613m (5,292ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.
Larche Pass is an awe-inspiring drive in the Alps
Col de Larche-Colle della Maddalena is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.005m (6,578ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Italy and France.
A curvy road with 75 hairpin turns to Col de la Lombarde
Col de la Lombarde-Colle della Lombarda is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.354m (7,723ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Italy and France.
Col de Vergio is Corsica's highest paved pass
Col de Vergio is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.478m (4,849ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of the Haute-Corse and the Corse-du-Sud departments of France on the island of Corsica. It’s said to be Corsica's highest road pass. It’s one of the highest roads of Corsica.
The Three Corniches are 3 roads with dramatic coastal views in Cote d'Azur
From Nice eastward toward Menton, in the south of France, in the beautiful Côte d'Azur, three roads known as Les Trois Corniches are carved into the mountainside running between the sea and mountains and offering dramatic coastal views. They are some of the world’s great drives.
Col du Pré is a narrow quiet road with lots of hairpins
Col du Pré is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.703m (5,587ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.
D13 is a challenging balcony road in France
D13 is a very challenging road located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of the Occitanie Region, in France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
Cime de la Bonette is the highest paved road of the Alps
Cime de la Bonette is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.806m (9,206ft) above the sea level, on the boundary of Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
A paved road to Port de Pailhères heading deep into the Pyrenees
Port de Pailhères is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.001m (6,565ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department, in the region of Occitanie, in France.
The abandoned Tunnel du Mortier in France
Located in the Isère department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in France, Tunnel du Mortier is an abandoned high mountain tunnel at an elevation of 1.370m (4,494ft) above the sea level.
The wild road to Col du Granon in the French Alps
Col du Granon is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.413m (7,916ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
Port d’Aula is one of the most beautiful roads of the Pyrenees
Port d’Aulà is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.265m (7,431ft) above the sea level, located on the border of France and Spain.
An epic road to Port de Balès in the French Pyrenees
Port de Balès is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.760m (5,774ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of the Hautes-Pyrénées and the Haute-Garonne departments, in the Occitanie region of France.
Driving Route des Cretes along the Mediterranean Sea in Provence
Located in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in France, Route des Crêtes is a very scenic drive and one of the steepest roads of the country, with parts up to 23%. The road is closed if there's too much wind - people could be blown off the 300 meter high cliffs.
Little Saint-Bernard Pass is an absolute must for road lovers
Little St Bernard Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.188m (7,178ft) above the sea level, located at the Italian-French border. Keep reading to find out more about when and how you can take the drive, as well as some of the notable sights you’ll see.
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Col de la Charmette
Col de la Charmette is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.284m (4,212ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.
Col de la Montee du Fond is a brutally tough road in France
Col de la Montée du Fond is a high mountain pass at 3.007m (9,865ft) above the sea level, located in Orelle, a commune in the Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
Guide to the top of Pic Maido in Réunion
Pic Maïdo is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.189m (7,181ft) above the sea level, located in Réunion, an overseas department of France located in the Indian Ocean, to the east of Madagascar.
How To Travel The Memorable Road to Cime de Caron
Cime de Caron is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.182m (10,439ft) above the sea level located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
Col de l'Echelle is the lowest mountain pass between France and Italy
Col de l'Échelle is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.762m (5,781ft) above the sea level located in the Hautes-Alpes department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
Driving the infamous D220-Les Travers, a French balcony road
Route Departementale 220 (D220) is a short mountain road located in the Isère department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
Col de la Pierre Carrée is the highest pass in the north French Alps open all year
Col de la Pierre Carrée is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.849m (6,066ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie, in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. It’s the highest pass in the north French Alps that is open all year round.
Driving the military road to Frejus Pass in the Cottian Alps
Col du Fréjus is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.546m (8,353ft) above the sea level, located on the Franco-Italian border.
The iconic Col d'Eze between Nice and Monaco
Col d'Èze is a mountain pass at an elevation of 532m (1,745ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
A narrow road to Col de l’Espaul in the Mercantour
Col de l’Espaul is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.752m (5,748ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in France.
Driving the scenic road to Col de la Croix de Fer in the Alps
Col de la Croix de Fer is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.071m (6,794ft) above the sea level located in the Savoie department of France. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.
A paved road to Col de la Platriere in the French Alps
Col de la Platrière is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.220m (7,283ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Wild Road from Val Thorens to Orelle
Located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, the high mountain road from Val Thorens to Orelle is one of the highest roads of Europe, topping out at 3.007m (9,865ft) above the sea level.
Col de Portet: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Col de Portet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.215m (7,267ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of the Occitanie region, in France.
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Etang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees
Étang de Soulcem is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 1.649m (5,410ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department of the Occitanie region of France, near the Andorran border.
A road among the clouds to Col d'Allos in the Provence
Col d'Allos is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.250m (7,382ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
Experience France's Gorges du Hourat: A Scenic Balcony Road Through the Pyrenees-Atlantiques
Gorges du Hourat is a very scenic canyon located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
Explore the Heights: Conquering the Road to Sommet Bucher in the French Alps
Sommet Bûcher is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.215m (7,267ft) above the sea level, located, in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
Agnel Pass is one of the European highest paved roads
Col Agnel-Colle dell'Agnello is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.744m (9,003ft) above the sea level located on the French-Italian border. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
Conquer the Thrills of Col d'Andrion: A High Mountain Adventure in the French Alps
Col d'Andrion is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.667m (5,469ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
Exploring Col de Moissiere: A Hidden Gem of Hautes-Alpes in France
Col de Moissière is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.575m (5,167ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in France.
Venturing Through France's Scenic Routes: A Guide to the Pas de l'Agrée in the Heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Pas de l'Agrée is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.192m (3,910ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in France.
Navigating D84 Road: Corsica's Breathtaking Mountain Drive
D84 offers an exhilarating journey through the picturesque island of Corsica, France. As it winds its way to Col de Vergio, the island's highest road pass, drivers are treated to a visual spectacle.
Col du Lautaret Unveiled: An Epic Drive through France's Dauphiné Alps and Beyond
Col du Lautaret is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.060m (6,758ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Hautes-Alpes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. This pass forms an integral part of the iconic Route des Grandes Alpes, making it a traveler's delight.
Tete de la Grave: France's Wind-Whipped Mountain Pass in the Heart of Provence
Tête de la Grave is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.650m (5,413ft) above the sea level, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in France. The climb can often be hard due to windy conditions and/or heat. You'll be very exposed to the elements at higher altitude on this mountain.
Navigating the Rugged Slopes: Col de la Lezette Road Guide
Col de la Lézette is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.786m (5,859ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France.