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.

Col de la Serena

Col de la Serena

Col de la Serena is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.303m (4,274ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. Be prepared. The road is very narrow. It’s not for the faint of heart or ill prepared.

Col de Chanrossa

Col de Chanrossa

Col de Chanrossa is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.545m (8,349ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France.

Refuge du Grand Plan

The unpaved road to Refuge du Grand Plan in Savoie

Refuge du Grand Plan is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2.310m (7,578ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department in France.

Pas de Chavanette

How to drive the service road to Pas de Chavanette?

Pas de Chavanette is an international high mountain pass reaching an elevation of 2,147m (7,043ft) above sea level, situated on the border between France and Switzerland. Located directly above the Avoriaz 1800 ski resort, the pass is famous for the "Swiss Wall" ski slope. However, for vehicle transit, it features a technical unpaved service road used primarily for lift maintenance. The 4.6 km track is characterized by steep gradients and a loose, slippery surface that becomes logistically impassable during the winter months.

Col des Anies

How to drive the unpaved road to Col des Anies?

Col des Anies is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.134m (7,001ft) above sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in France.

Les Mandettes

Les Mandettes

Les Mandettes is a high mountain road located in in the department of Hautes-Alpes, in the Dauphiné Alps, a mountain range in southeastern France. The average gradient is 11.06%.

Balcon du Bozelet

Balcon du Bozelet

Balcon du Bozelet is a high mountain restaurant at an elevation of 2.411m (7,910ft) above the sea level, located in the Graian Alps, in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Refuge du Saut

How to drive the unpaved road to Refuge du Saut in Savoie

Refuge du Saut is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2.137m (7,011ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department in France.

Cime des Cabanelles

How to drive the mountain road to Cime des Cabanelles in Provence?

Cime des Cabanelles is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.087m (3,566ft) above sea level, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The summit offers stunning views of the eastern part of the Côte d'Azur.

Pas de Coterieux

How to drive the unpaved road to Pas de Coterieux?

Pas de Coterieux is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,526m (8,287ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France. Situated in the Massif des Cerces range, the road to the pass is a technical unpaved trail used primarily for chairlift maintenance. Logistically, this high-altitude corridor is a branch of the mountain infrastructure near Valmeinier and provides a technical off-road link within the shadow of the Col du Galibier area.

Fort du Sapey

Fort du Sapey

Fort du Sapey is a military fortress, part of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension, at an elevation of 1.725m (5,659ft) above the sea level, located  in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Col Pelouse

Col Pelouse

Col Pelouse is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.261m (7,417ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France.

Le Plan des Mains

How steep is the unpaved road to Le Plan des Mains in the Savoie?

Le Plan des Mains is a high mountain refuge sitting at an elevation of 2,129m (6,984ft) above sea level in the Savoie department of the French Alps. Located within the heart of the Vanoise National Park, the road to the summit is a rugged mountain track that serves the Méribel ski resort. This is not a path for standard vehicles; it is a steep, unpaved service road where the thin alpine air and the loose surface turn a short climb into a serious test of 4x4 traction and low-range gearing.

Lac de la Grande Moucherolle

How to drive the unpaved road to Lac de la Grande Moucherolle

Lac de la Grande Moucherolle is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.015m (6,610ft) above sea level, located in the Isère department of France.

Col du Trible

Col du Trible: Driving the Narrow D265 Road in Ardèche

At an elevation of 540m (1,771ft) above sea level, Col du Trible is a mountain pass located in the Ardèche department of southern France, within the Rhône Valley region.

Col de Riondet

How to drive the unpaved road to Col de Riondet in Savoie?

Col de Riondet is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.409m (7,903ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.

Pas des Sables

Pas des Sables, a road through a lunar landscape

Pas des Sables is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.374m (7,788ft) above the sea level located on the eastern side of Réunion island in the Indian Ocean.

Mur de Monieux

The inhumane Mur de Monieux with 21% ramps

Mur de Monieux is a short but devastatingly steep climb in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It’s one of the steepest roads of the country.

Col du Campo

What are the driving hazards on the D7 road to Col du Campo?

Col du Campo is a mountain pass at an elevation of 452 meters (1,482 ft) above sea level, located in the Haute-Corse department on the island of Corsica, in France. The pass is traversed by the D7 road, connecting the villages of Borgo and Vignale through the hills of the Biguglia region.

Gros Crey

How to drive the unpaved road to Gros Crey in Savoie?

Gros Crey is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.581m (8,467ft) above sea level, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.

Lac de la Blanche

Lac de la Blanche

Lac de la Blanche is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.501m (8,205ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.

Col de Saint-Barnabé

A scenic road to Col de Saint-Barnabé in the French Alps

Col de Saint-Barnabé is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.368m (4,488ft) above the sea level located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in southeastern France.

Col de la Platta

Col de la Platta

Col de la Platta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.391m (7,844ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Blayeul

Blayeul

Blayeul is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.172m (7,125ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. The average gradient is 10.03%, with some sections up to 20%.

Col du Cenise

Driving the scenic road to Col du Cenise

Col du Cenise is a mountain pass at 1,723m (5,652ft) high. It is located in the Haute-Savoie department, in the southeast of France. This route is a good option if you want to drive between the Arve and Borne valleys in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Col du Coin

Col du Coin

Col du Coin is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.275m (7,463ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Vallon de Savine

A wild military road to Vallon de Savine in Savoie

Vallon de Savine is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.227m (7,306ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.

Tete de Vescal

Tete de Vescal

Tete de Vescal is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.435m (7,988ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. The average gradient is 17.57%.

Col d'Agnes

Col d'Agnes is an awe-inspiring road in the French Pyrenees

Col d'Agnes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.573m (5,160ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of France.

Gorges de la Mescla

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Gorges de la Mescla

Gorges de la Mescla is a very scenic canyon located in the Alpes-Maritimes department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.

Oulles

Is the D221 road to Oulles safe for driving?

The D221 road leading to the mountain village of Oulles, in the Isère department of the French Alps, is one of the most vertigo-inducing local routes in the Taillefer massif. At an elevation of 1,483m (4,865ft), the village remained isolated from vehicular traffic until 1963. Technically, the road is a feat of mountain engineering, literally clawed into the rockface to provide access to what was once only accessible via mule trails.

Fort superieur de Saint-Ours

How to drive the steep road to Fort superieur de Saint-Ours

Fort superieur de Saint-Ours is a military fortress at an elevation of 1.874m (6,148ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in France.

Col de l'Aiguille

Driving to Col de l'Aiguille: A brutal 18% 4x4 climb in the Tarentaise Valley

Located in the Savoie department of southeastern France, the track to Col de l'Aiguille is an extreme high-altitude challenge that pushes the boundaries of off-road driving. Reaching an elevation of 2,606m (8,549ft) above sea level in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley, this is a raw, unpaved service road used by the Station Sainte-Foy resort. It is a journey defined by pure verticality, where the combination of loose stones and a staggering incline creates a high-stakes environment for any vehicle.

Col de la Petite Forcle

Col de la Petite Forcle

Col de la Petite Forcle is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.481m (8,139ft) above the sea level, located in the Graian Alps, in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Aiguille Grive

Aiguille Grive

Aiguille Grive is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.541m (8,336ft) above the sea level, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Col Merciere

Driving the historic military road to Col Mercière in the Alps

Col Mercière is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,346m (7,769ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France. Tucked away in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, this pass is one of the most iconic high-altitude tracks overlooking the ski resort of Isola 2000.

Cima di Tombue

Ultimate 4wd destination: Cima di Tombue

Cima di Tombue is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.200m (3,937ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica. It’s one of the highest roads of Corsica.

Col de Creu

A challenging road to Col de Creu in the Pyrenees

Col de Creu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,712m (5,616ft) above sea level, located in the Occitania region of France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.

Col de Platé

Driving to Col de Platé: A brutal 13% 4x4 climb in the Haute-Savoie Alps

Located in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France, the track to Col de Platé is an extreme Alpine ascent. Reaching an elevation of 2,362m (7,749ft) above sea level in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this is a raw service road used for ski resort maintenance. 

Le Lac

Le Lac

Le Lac is a chairlift at an elevation of 2.487m (8,159ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France.

Ouvrage Plan Caval

Ouvrage Plan Caval

Ouvrage Plan Caval is a military fortress, part of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension, at an elevation of 1.912m (6,272ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur region in southeastern France.

Col du Pas de Lauzun

An Epic Balcony Road to Col du Pas de Lauzun

Col du Pas de Lauzun is a mountain pass at an elevation of 504m (1,653ft) above sea level, located in the Drôme department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads.

Crête de Mourtara

Driving to Crête de Mourtara: A brutal 15% 4x4 climb in the Cauterets Pyrenees

Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of south-western France, the track to Crête de Mourtara is an extreme high-altitude challenge in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. Reaching an elevation of 2,421m (7,942ft) above sea level, this is a raw, unpaved service road used for the maintenance of the Cauterets-Le Lys ski resort. It is a journey of pure verticality, where the combination of loose shale and a staggering incline creates a high-stakes environment for any vehicle.

Col de Mahourat

Col de Mahourat: Can you drive the 200m grassy track from the D132?

Col de Mahourat is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,740m (5,708ft) above sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of France. Located near the Spanish border, the access is a 200-meter unpaved track that starts from the D132 road, the main route leading to Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin. It is a short, primitive path where the grass surface and the lack of grip are the main obstacles.

Le Collu

Travel guide to the top of Le Collu in the Alps

Le Collu is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.988m (6,522ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.