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.

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

Mont du Chat (Cat Mountain) is a brutal mountain pass at an elevation of 1.504m (4,934ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It’s said to be one of the toughest (paved) climbs in France, with a 15% gradient in parts.

Belvedere du Cirque du Mont-Viso is a natural viewpoint at an elevation of 2.147m (7,043ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France, near the Italian border.

Chalet Hôtel du Gioberney is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 1.649m (5,410ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France, within the Cirque du Vaccivier.

Col de la Bailletta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.852m (9,356ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department (Rhône-Alpes region) in southeastern France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe. 

Vallon du Mélézet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.821m (5,974ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.

Lac de Plan d’Aval is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 2.041m (6,696ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Col de Restefond is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.680m (8,790ft) above the sea level, located in the French Alps, within the Mercantour National Park in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The pass is located close to Cime de la Bonette.

Col de l’Echarasson is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.146m (3,759ft) above the sea level, located in the Drôme department in southeastern France.

Clue de la Roche Percée is a narrow canyon located in Southeastern France. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads. Driving on this narrow road through the canyon, between walls of cliffs and gorges, is a delight.

Col du Grand Colombier is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.501m (4,925ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Ain in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France. The road is very steep, with sections up to 19%.

Col de la Savolière is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.421m (4,662ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Located on the road to Col de la Cayolle, in the heart of Mercantour National Park, in the Maritime Alps, France, Gorges du Bachelard is a narrow, rocky canyon crammed with waterfalls, stone bridges, and soaring cliffs.

Orcières-Merlette is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.823m (5,980ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.

Col de Puymorens is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.920m (6,299ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, in southern France close to the northern Spanish frontier and the Mediterranean Sea.

Colle del Lago dei Signori-Col de Seigneurs is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,130m (6,988ft) above sea level, located on the border of Italy and France. The road traversing the pass was originally built for military purposes and was used during World War II.

Clue de Riolan is one of France's most beautiful canyons. Located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France, the canyon is carved by the Le Riolan river. It’sone of the famous French balcony roads.

Port de Boucharo (Puerto de Bujaruelo) is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.278m (7,473ft) above the sea level, located on the Spanish-French border. The last part of road to the summit is blocked to vehicles with big rocks. The climb starts from Col des Tentes.

Col du Parquétout is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.448m (4,750ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France.

Col des Champs is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.092m (6,863ft) above the sea level, located at the border between the departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France.

Col de l’Homme is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.657m (5,436ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France.

D918 is an extreme high mountain road located in the Pyrenees, a range of mountains in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain. It’s one of the French balcony roads.

Col de la Boaire / Colle della Boaria is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.102m (6,896ft) above the sea level, located in the Cottian Alps, between France and Italy, which links the Queyras valley (Hautes-Alpes) with Pontechianale in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont.

Pic de Château Renard is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.936m (9,632ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.

Col du Joly is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.989m (6,525ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France, the infamous D80 road isone of the most hairpinned roads in the world.

Gorges des Gats is an incredible canyon located in the Drôme department in southeastern France. The gorge is carved by the Ruisseau des Gats river. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads.

Col de Guery is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.268m (4,160ft) above the sea level, located in the Puy-de-Dôme department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in central France.

Cirque de Navacelles is a deep, steep-sided canyon located in the Occitanie region in southern France. The cirque was once created by the River La Vis. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads.

Gorges du Guiers Mort is a canyon formed by the Guiers Mort river in the Isère department in southeastern France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.

Col des Saisies is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.657m (5,436ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes. 

Station de Ski du Haut Asco is an abandoned ski resort at an elevation of 1.509m (4,950ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Corse department in the Corsica region, a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of the highest roads of Corsica.

Col de Viraysse is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.746m (9,009ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in France. It’s terrible narrow and the drop offs are a bit intimidating. There’s only enough room for one car to go up. There is no turning around if you change you mind. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.

Mont Malamot is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.885m (9,465ft) above the sea level, located in the northern Cottian Alps, in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The road to the summit is permanently closed to motorized vehicles. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.

Aiguille de Péclet is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.951m (9,681ft) 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.

Lac de Fabrèges is a mountain lake at an elevation of 1.241m (4,072ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in south-western France.

Col des Ruillans is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.231m (10,600ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. It’s one of the highest roads of Europe.