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.
How to get to Tossa del Pas dels Lladres in the Pyrenees?
Tossa del Pas dels Lladres is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,621 m (8,599 ft) above sea level, located on the French-Spanish border.
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 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.
Tunnel de Gueule Rouge
Tunnel de Gueule Rouge is a very challenging tunnel located in Réunion, a French island located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.
Cime des Cabanelles
Cime des Cabanelles is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.087m (3,566ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes Maritimes department in southeastern France.
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.
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.
Driving to the summit of Mont Rond: A balcony over Lake Geneva
Rising high above the Pays de Gex in the Ain department of France, Mont Rond is a prominent peak in the Jura Mountains. At an elevation of 1,540m (5,052ft) above sea level, it offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the eastern part of the country, acting as a natural balcony over Geneva and the majestic Alps.
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.
Gros Crey
Gros Crey is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.581m (8,467ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Pas de Coterieux
Pas de Coterieux is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.526m (8,287ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Romantic trip in France: The best honeymoon on the road
Are you recently married and planning the perfect honeymoon? France should be your top pick if you're looking for a unique romantic getaway! With its stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, vibrant culture and luxurious accommodations, there's no better place to have a romantic trip of a lifetime with your loved one.
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 in the Ardèche department of southern France. Located within the Rhône Valley region, the pass serves as a secondary high-altitude link characterized by its extremely constrained driving geometry.
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.
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 du Campo
Col du Campo is a mountain pass at an elevation of 452m (1,482ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica.
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Bigorno Pass in Corsica
Col de Bigorno is a mountain pass at an elevation of 888m (2,913ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica.
Exploring Corsica's seaside: the D81B coastal road from Calvi to Galeria
D81B is a scenic seaside road with hundreds of turns, located on the island of Corsica. The drive offers one of the best experiences for driving through the island.
Corna Pass: A high-clearance 4x4 challenge on the roads of the Mediterranean Alps
Corna Pass (also known as Passo della Corna or Pas de la Corne) is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,046m (3,431ft) above sea level, situated on the border between Italy and France. This route is strictly for experienced 4x4 drivers looking for a technical challenge in the Ligurian Alps.
Pas de Chavanette
Pas de Chavanette is an international high mountain pass on the French-Swiss border atop the ski slopes above Avoriaz at an elevation of 2.147m (7,043ft) above the sea level.
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.
Driving the challenging Defile du Lancone in Corsica
Défilé du Lancone is a scenic gorge located on the island of Corsica, in France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
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.
Col de Jaffueil
Col de Jaffueil is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.494m (8,182ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
Drive Like a Pro on the Open Road Sections of the 24h of Le Mans Track
The Circuit de la Sarthe, used for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, includes public roads that are open to normal traffic most of the year. Located in northwestern France, this unique layout lets drivers experience more than 9 kilometers of a track known worldwide. While you won’t be racing, you’ll still be driving a section of one of motorsport’s most historic circuits.
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.
Fort superieur de Saint-Ours
Fort superieur de Saint-Ours is a military fortress, part of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension, at an elevation of 1.874m (6,148ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.
An old military road to Fort de Dormillouse
Fort de Dormillouse is a military fortress at an elevation of 2.480m (8,136ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
Crete de la Balme
Crete de la Balme is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.570m (8,431ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
A wild military road to Vallon de Savine
Vallon de Savine is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.227m (7,306ft) above the sea level, located in the northern Cottian Alps, in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
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.
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.
Col de l'Aiguille
Col de l'Aiguille is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.606m (8,549ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
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.
Driving the steep track to Crête de la Soumaye from Col de Portet
Crête de la Soumaye is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,348m (7,703ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of France. Perched above the commune of Saint-Lary-Soulan, this peak offers one of the most spectacular 360-degree viewpoints in the central Pyrenees.
Oulles
Oulles is a high mountain town at an elevation of 1.483m (4,865ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère department in southeastern France. With a dozen year-round residents, it’s the smallest village in Isère.
Colle de Carsene
Colle de Carsene is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.221m (7,286ft) above the sea level, located in the Cottian Alps, between France and Italy.
Travel guide to the top of Roc d'Aude
Roc d'Aude (Roc d'Auda) is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.361m (7,746ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France.
Hospice de Rioumajou
Hospice de Rioumajou is a high mountain refuge&restaurant at an elevation of 1.559m (5,114ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, in the Occitanie region of France.
Driving the narrow road to Pla de las Peyres in the Pyrenees
Pla de las Peyres is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 1,707m (5,600ft) above sea level, located in the Ariège department of France.
L'Autapie
L'Autapie is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.409m (7,903ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France.
Col de Muraton
Col de Muraton/ Passo del Muratone is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 1.163m (3,815ft) above the sea level, located on the border of France and Italy.
Col de Platé
Col de Platé is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.362m (7,749ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France.
Pointe de Pastourlet
Pointe de Pastourlet is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.313m (7,588ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
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.