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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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. 

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 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.

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.

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'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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Situated in the Occitanie region of France, the Gorges de Saint-Georges is a stunning canyon carved out by the Aude River. It’s one of the French balcony roads.

Col des Tentes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.208m (7,244ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Hautes-Pyrénées, in the region of Occitania, in France.

Col des Tempêtes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.829m (6,000ft) above the sea level, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. Noted for its formidable windy conditions and potential heat, the climb exposes travelers to the raw elements, particularly at higher altitudes.

Col de Buffère is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.431m (7,975ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in France.

Tucked away in the Haute-Corse department of Corsica, in France, Gorges de la Restonica emerges as one of the island's most picturesque canyons.

Col d'Espréaux is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.160m (3,805ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.