What are the most spectacular roads in France?
France is a true paradise for those wishing to experience the most spectacular roads, and it provides endless experiences for each driver. From stunning balcony roads, mountain passes, and coastal drives, to roads disappearing with the tides, it hosts more than 750 roads listed as the most spectacular in the world.
Located in the western part of Europe, France covers an area of 551,695 square kilometers and shares borders with 7 countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Andorra. With high mountains in the Alps and the Pyrenees, the roads of the country are famous worldwide because of the Tour de France, the most important cycling race. When traveling to the country, be sure to experience a drive through the best balcony roads. Dramatically carved out of rock on the side of mountains, the balcony roads are a unique experience for any rider.
The country also hosts iconic roads, known worldwide, including Col du Chaussy, a mountain pass at 1,533m (5,029ft) above sea level, famous for the “Lacets de Montvernier,” a special 3 km stretch with 17 hairpins as the road virtually climbs a cliff, or Col de Turini, a treacherous Alpine road with a legendary driving history, as one of the most dangerous and challenging stages of the Monte Carlo Rally and one of the most scenic drives in the world. For those preferring another kind of experience, don’t forget to drive Passage du Gois, the tide-covered road. It’s a natural passage flooded twice a day by the high tide leading to the island of Noirmoutier.
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 sea level, located in the Occitania region of France.
A demanding narrow road to Col de Portel in the French Pyrenees
Col de Portel is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.432m (4,698ft) above sea level, located in the Ariège department in France.
The Wild Road to Col de Jou in the Pyrenees
Col de Jou is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.125m (3,690ft) above sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in France.
The road to Col du Lachens isn’t an easy one
Col du Lachens is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.714m (5,623ft) above sea level, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
Passage de la Petite Clue is a balcony road in France
Passage de la Petite Clue is a short mountain road located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It was bypassed by a tunnel and totally closed to motor vehicles. It's one of the famous French balcony roads.
Crossing the 108m high Pont Du Chatelet
Pont Du Châtelet is the name of a narrow stone bridge located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
How to Drive the Scenic Road D914 Through the Cote Vermeille?
The D914 road, also known as Route d’Espagne, is a very scenic drive with stunning coastal views, running through the Côte Vermeille, in France.
Conquering 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 sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France.
A pretty bumpy narrow road to Col de Bleine in the Provence
Col de Bleine is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,439 m (4,721 ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France.
How to get by car to the dangerous Altiport de Courchevel in the Alps?
Located in the heart of the French Alps, Courchevel Airport is an altiport (a mountain airport) at an elevation of 2,014 m (6,607 ft) above sea level. It’s ranked as the seventh most dangerous airport in the world.
A memorable road trip to Col du Poutran in the French Alps
Col du Poutran is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,996m (6,548ft) above sea level, located in the commune of Huez, in 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 sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of 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 sea level, located in the Lozère département of France.
A Treacherous Balcony Road Through Defile de Joucou in Occitania
Défilé de Joucou is a very narrow canyon carved by the Le Rebenty river, located in the department of Aude, in France, where even a road barely fits. Pictures don't do it justice; it's one of the famous French balcony roads.
A Paved Road to Col de Port in the French Pyrenees
Col de Port is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,249m (4,098ft) above sea level, located in the Ariège department, in France.
How to Drive the D662, a Balcony Road Along the Lot River
Route Départementale D662 is a very scenic road located in the Lot department of France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
Crossing the scenic Pont de la Mariee
Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, in southeastern France, Pont de la Mariée (Bride's Bridge) is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
A memorable road trip to Mont Colombis
Mont Colombis is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.734m (5,686ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department, in France.
An Epic Climb to Col de Tramassel in the Pyrenees
Col de Tramassel is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,635m (5,364ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of France.
Route Du Pas de la Confession is a balcony road in the French Alps
Pas de la Confession (the Confession Pass) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,541m (5,055ft) above sea level, located in the Isère department of France. The pass earned its name because the route was so risky that travelers were encouraged to confess their sins before attempting it. It is one of the most famous French balcony roads.
The old military road to Col de l’Infernet in the Hautes-Alpes
Col de l’Infernet is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,355m (7,726ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department of France.
A brutal road to Col de Lauzun in the French Alps
Col de Lauzun is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.809m (9,215ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France.
An old military unpaved road to Sanson Pass in the Ligurian Alps
Sanson Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.694m (5,557ft) above sea level, located on the border between France and Italy.
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.
An awe-inspiring road to Mont Revard in Savoie
Mont Revard is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,562m (5,125ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
Road trip guide: Conquering Punta Bagna in the Savoie
Punta Bagna is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,730m (8,956ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
How to get by car to Refuge de Laval in the Hautes-Alpes?
Refuge de Laval is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2,008m (6,587ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department of France.
How to get by car to the abandoned Val Pelouse resort in Savoie?
Val Pelouse is an abandoned ski station at an elevation of 1.728m (5,669ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
How to get to Refuge du Plan du Lac in the Alps?
Refuge du Plan du Lac is a high mountain refuge in the Alps at an elevation of 2.370m (7,775ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
The unpaved road to Col de la Bathie in Savoie
Col de la Bâthie is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,884m (6,181ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
Dare to drive the dangerous road to Monte Chaberton
Monte Chaberton is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.131m (10,272ft) above sea level, located in the department of Hautes-Alpes, in France. The summit features a fortress with remnants of a WWI & WWII artillery battery. It's one of the highest roads in Europe.
The road to Col d'Orgambide is not for the faint of heart
Col d'Orgambide is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 992m (3,254ft) above sea level, located on the Spanish-French border.
A gravel road to the top of Pas du Tanarel in the Ligurian Alps
Tanarello Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,042m (6,699ft) above sea level, located on the French-Italian border.
Road trip guide: Conquering Mur de Peguere in the Occitanie
Mur de Péguère is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,375m (4,511ft) above sea level, located in the Occitanie region of France. It’s a killer climb: on paper, it only averages 7.9%, but that’s thanks to some relatively gentle lower slopes.
How to drive the paved D89 Road in the Pyrenees?
D89 is a very scenic paved mountain road located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France, on the way to Puigmal (also called Puigmal d'Err).
A classic road trip to Col de Soudet in the Pyrenees
Col de Soudet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.540m (5,052ft) above sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of France.
Col de Pierre Plate: The Road That Has It All!
Col de Pierre Plate is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,027m (3,369ft) above sea level, located in the Lozère department of France.
A sensational paved road to Col de la Llose in the French Pyrenees
Col de la Llose is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,866 m (6,122 ft) above sea level, located in the Occitanie region of France.
The military road to Fort de la Redoute in Savoie
Fort de la Redoute is a high mountain fort at an elevation of 2,346 m (7,696 ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
How to get by car to Girotte Lake in Savoie?
Lac de la Girotte is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 1.753m (5,751ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
How to get by car to Mont Faron in Toulon?
Mont Faron is a mountain peak at an elevation of 584 m (1,916 ft) above sea level, located on southern France’s Mediterranean coast, overlooking the city and roadstead of Toulon. It features sweeping views and a WWII memorial.
How to get by car to Madone de Fenestre in the Alpes-Maritimes?
Madone de Fenestre is a high mountain chapel at an elevation of 1,904m (6,246ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France.
Driving the D86: Tour de Madeloc's Hairpin Turns
The Tour de Madeloc or Route Madeloc is a very small, narrow road located near the Spanish border and Cap Cerbere, in southern France. The route is part of the scenic Route des Cols and connects the coastal towns of Banyuls-Sur-Mer and Colliure.
How to get to Glacier du Varet in Savoie?
Glacier du Varet is a high mountain glacier at an elevation of 2,883 m (9,458 ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France. It's one of the highest roads in the country.
Travel guide to the top of Coll de Sansa in the Pyrenees
Coll de Sansa is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.770m (5,807ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France.