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.
Crete de la Soumaye
Crete de la Soumaye is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.348m (7,703ft) above the sea level, located in Saint-Lary-Soulan, a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in south-western France.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Corna Pass
Pas de la Corne (Passo della Corna) is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.046m (3,431ft) above the sea level, located on the Italian-Franch border.
Col des Grands Vans
Col des Grands Vans is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.198m (7,211ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern 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.
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.
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.
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.
A Road That Never Opened: The Unfinished Port de Rat Tunnel in the Pyrenees
Set high in the Pyrenees mountain range, the Port de Rat Tunnel is an unfinished high-mountain tunnel that was intended to connect Andorra and 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.
Sommet du Becoin
Sommet du Becoin is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.311m (7,582ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie département in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Col de Malabergue
Colle Malaberghe is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.225m (7,299 ft) above the sea level, located in the Cottian Alps, between France and Italy.
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.
Col de la Sagette
Col de la Sagette is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.978m (6,489ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in south-western France.
Lago d'Arpon
Lago d'Arpon is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1.830m (6,003ft) above the sea level located on the border of France and Italy.
Pointe des Mossettes
Pointe des Mossettes is an international high mountain pass on the French-Swiss border atop the ski slopes above Avoriaz at an elevation of 2.252m (7,388ft) above the sea level.
Col de Chaudun
Col de Chaudun is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.693m (5,554ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department, in southeastern France.
Travel Guide to Col de Mahourat in the Pyrenees
Col de Mahourat is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.740m (5,708ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in south-western France.
Crete du Lys
Crete du Lys is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.421m (7,942ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department and the region of Occitanie in south-western 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.
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.
Coume Lounque
Coume Lounque is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.362m (7,749ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, in south-western France.
Col du Tra: a curvy steep road only for experienced drivers
Col du Tra is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.312m (4,304ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. Overall this road is a goody for motorbike drivers – but be careful – it could be your last.
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.
Las Donnas
Las Donnas is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.260m (7,414ft) above the sea level, located in the French alps, in the Alpes-Maritimes 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.
Refuge des Camporells
Refuge des Camporells is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2.252m (7,388ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, near the Spanish border.
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Col de la Croix
Bocca à Croce is a mountain pass at an elevation of 929m (3,047ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica.
Col de la Replanette
Col de la Replanette is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.328m (7,637ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The average gradient is 13.35%.
Col du Couvercle
Col du Couvercle is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.282m (7,486ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Becco Rosso Pass
Cima Becco Rosso is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,261 m (7,417 ft) above sea level, located on the border of France and Italy.
Le Petit Cordeil
Le Petit Cordeil is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.768m (5,800ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. The average gradient is 8.98%.
La Marquise
La Marquise is a high mountain lift at an elevation of 2.440m (8,005ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Crete de la Serre Thibaud
Crete de la Serre Thibaud is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.517m (8,257ft) 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 Chalvet
Le Chalvet is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.583m (8,474ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France, near the Italian border.
Col de la Roubine
Col de la Roubine is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.304m (7,559ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France.
Coll de Pradelles
Coll de Pradelles is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.995m (6,545ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, near the Spanish border.
Visiting France: 9 Things To Do
The prospect of visiting France can often feel like a pipe dream. This vacation destination is romantic, adventurous, sensitive, full of delectable cuisine and gorgeous landscapes, but it is also entirely out of reach. However, once you begin to put together a travel itinerary, you will realize that you can have a wonderful time even on a tight budget.
Col de l’Alpet
Col de l’Alpet is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.447m (8,028ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.
Coll dels Isards
Coll dels Isards is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.590m (8,497ft) above the sea level, located on the border of France and Andorra.
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.