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.

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.

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.

D84 is a short narrow mountain road located in the department of Aude, region Languedoc-Roussillon, in southern France. The road is not easy. Not recommended to newbies.

D26 is the name of a curvy steep road located in the Corse-du-Sud department of France on the island of Corsica.

Madone d'Utelle is a high mountain sanctuary at an elevation of 1.177m (3,861ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in France.

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 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.

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 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.

Pla de las Peyres is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 1.707m (5,600ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of south-western France.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mont Rond is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.540m (5,052ft) above the sea level, located in the Ain department in eastern France.

Becco Rosso pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.261m (7,417ft) above the sea level, located in the Alps, on the border of France and Italy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

Puy de Dôme, with its magnificent stature and awe-inspiring beauty, stands as an iconic climb in the legendary Tour de France. This dome-shaped volcanic plug rises proudly to an impressive elevation of 1,450 meters (4,757 feet) above sea level, gracing the picturesque landscape of the Puy-de-Dôme department in the enchanting region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes of France.

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.

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.

Serre Doumenge is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.232m (7,322ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Haute-Garonne and Hautes-Pyrénées departments, in south-western France.

Col de l’Ours is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.936m (6,351ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in south-western France.

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.

Lac du Lou is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.059m (6,755ft) above the sea level, in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

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 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.

D25C is a very challenging mountain road located on the border of Aude department and Ariège department in southwestern France.

Pic Mercader, also known as Tossal Mercader, is a high mountain peak atn an elevation of 2.468m (8,097ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Ariège and Pyrénées-Orientales departments in southern France.

Coll de Baretja is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.753m (5,751ft) above the sea level, located on the Spanish-French border.

El Moixer is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.441m (4,727ft) above the sea level, located between France and Spain. The average gradient is 11.16%.

Col de la Vallette is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.349m (7,706ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France.

Corniche de l’Esterel is a classic coastal route located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.

Pas des Chapelets is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.243m (7,358ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

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.

Tuc d'Ardounes is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.045m (6,709ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in south-western France.

Station de Valdrôme is a resort at an elevation of 1.318m (4,324ft) above the sea level, located in the Drôme department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, of France.

Tête de Pévelos is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.451m (8,041ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France.

Mont Bas is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.297m (7,536ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.

Colle Plane is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.222m (7,290ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Italy and France.

Col du Grand Ballon is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.343m (4,406ft) above the sea level, located in the Haut-Rhin department of the Grand Est region, in France.

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.