Roads of 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.

Collado de Errozate-Col d'Errozate is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 1.076m (3,530ft) above the sea level, located on the Spanish-French border.

Col du Sabot is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.100m (6,889ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère département in the Rhône-Alpes region of France.

Gorges du Tarn is a canyon formed by the Tarn River, located on the boundary between Lozère and Aveyron departments of the Occitanie region, in France. This scenic drive alongside the gorge is one of the picturesque French balcony roads.

Col des Laquets is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,637m (8,651ft) above the sea level. Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of France's Occitan region, it’s one of the highest roads of France.

Col de Méhatché is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 716m (2,349ft) above sea level, located on the Spanish-French border.

Col du Clapier-Colle Clapier is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.480m (8,170ft) above the sea level, straddling the Italian-French border.

Col de la Légette is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.776m (5,826ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France.

Cormet d'Arêches is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.109m (6,919ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.

Col de Vars is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.108m (6,916ft) above sea level, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.

Col du Pourtalet is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.798m (5,898ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Spain and France. The pass offers the most beautiful views of Ossau Valley.

Col des Lessières is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,936m (9,632ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It's one of the highest roads in Europe.

Col de Caron is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.996m (9,829ft) above the sea level, located in Orelle, a commune in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.

Col des Glières is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,440m (4,724ft) above sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in France. There is a 2 km gravel stretch.

Lac de la Sassière is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.462m (8,077ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in France.

Pont de Normandie is a very beautiful and modern cable-stayed road bridge located in northern France. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Alpe d’Huez is a cycling legend. It’s the most famous mountain climb in the Tour de France. Located in the southeastern part of the country, in the Isère département of the Rhône-Alpes region, the ski resort sits at an elevation of 1.860m (6,100ft) above the sea level.

Col de Salèse is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,036m (6,679ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.

Pré de Madame Carle is a natural site at an elevation of 1,879m (6,164ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.

Col de la Couillole is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.678m (5,495ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The road through the summit is the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.

Col de la Madeleine is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,998m (6,555ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. It’s one of the emblematic French Alps mountain passes.

Pas de Peyrol is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,589m (5,213ft) above sea level, located in the Cantal department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.

Located in the Lot department of the Occitania region of France, driving on the D43 road is a thrilling experience. It's one of the famous balcony roads of France.

Col de Cibières is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,525m (8,284ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.

Cormet de Roselend is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,991m (6,532ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.

Col de l’Hysope is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,236m (4,055ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.

Gorges du Guiers Vif is a highly picturesque canyon situated on the boundary between the Isère and Savoie departments, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It is one of the famous French balcony roads.

Lac de Roterel is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1,941m (6,368ft) above sea level located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.

Perched high above the glistening coastline of the Côte d'Azur in southeast France, the D22 road is the name of the sharply winding and precipitous ascent in a steep and narrow zig-zag road on the French Riviera.

Gorges de la Méouge is an incredible canyon located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. The gorge is 7-kilometre (4.3 mi) long carved by the Méouge which has its source in the Drôme. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads. 

Col du Glandon 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. It’s one of the toughest climbs in the French Alps.

Gorges de la Blanche is an amazing gorge located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. It’s one of the scenic French balcony roads.

Bellecote is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.071m (10,075ft) 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.

Gorges de Chouvigny is an incredible canyon located in the Allier department in central France. The gorge is carved by the La Sioule river. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads.

Col du Négron is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.242m (4,074ft) above the sea level, located in the Drôme department in southeastern France.

Col de l’Holme is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.207m (3,959ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France.

Col de Vé Gautier is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.099m (3,605ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of south-eastern France.

Col des Aravis is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.487m (4,879ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.

Col d’Olivier is a mountain pass at an elevation of 711m (2,332ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Lac de Céma is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.745m (9,005ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Savoie in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of the French Alps, near the Italian border. It’s one of the highest roads of Europe.

Col du Cap Nestès is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.683m (5,521ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in south-western France.

Col de Bavella is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.226m (4,022ft) above the sea level, located in the Corse-du-Sud department of France on the island of Corsica. It’s one of the highest roads of Corsica.

Superbagnères is a ski station at an elevation of 1.804m (5,918ft) above the sea level, located deep in the heart of the Pyrenees, in France.

Pointe du Bouchet is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.229m (10,593ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of the French Alps. It’s one of the highest roads of Europe.

Cirque de Troumouse is a high alpine cirque located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in south-western France.

Col de la Chaudière is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.047m (3,435ft) above the sea level, located in the Drôme department in southeastern France