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.
Road D25C
D25C is a very challenging mountain road located on the border of Aude department and Ariège department in southwestern France.
Pic Mercader
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.
Col de la Vallette
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.
Lac du Lou
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’Ours
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.
Travel guide to the top of Tuc d'Ardounes
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.
El Moixer
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%.
The brutal climb to Station de Valdrome with 15% ramps
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.
Mont Bas
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.
Serre Doumenge
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.
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.
Coll de Baretja
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.
Pas des Chapelets
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.
Tête de Pévelos
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.
Colle Plane
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.
How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Le Signal in the Provence
Le Signal is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.350m (7,709ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
How to drive the scary Piste de Vignols in the Alpes-Maritimes?
Hameau de Vignols is a little hamlet at an elevation of 1,675m (5,495ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. If you’re scared to drive on narrow mountain roads, along this route, you’ll be terrified.
Driving the road to Col de l’Abelle is not a piece of cake
Col de l’Abelle is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 925m (3,034ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
Port d'Envalira is the highest paved road in the Pyrenees
Port d'Envalira is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.408m (7,900ft) above the sea level located in the Encamp parish of Andorra.
Top 10 Destinations In France For A Weekend Getaway This Spring
If you’re looking for the perfect weekend escape this spring, France offers a palette of destinations, each with its own charm. Let’s explore ten top spots for that dreamy spring getaway.
Are you brave enough to drive Route de Maronne?
Route de Maronne is a very scenic yet extremely defiant mountain road located in the Isère department, of the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in France.
Driving the Challenging Route de Gros in Provence
Route de Gros is a challenging mountain road located in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. It’s one of the famous Balcony Roads in France.
If you’re scared of narrow, curvy roads, avoid the RD117 in the Alpes-Maritimes at all costs
RD117 is a challenging mountain road located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. The road is extremely narrow, so proceed cautiously and hope no other vehicles come from the opposite direction.
Road trip guide: Conquering Port de Rat
Port de Rat is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.372m (7,782ft) above sea level, located on the border of France and Andorra.
The Ultimate Guide to Crete de Douce in the Alps
Crête de Douce is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.029m (6,656ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France.
An Iconic Drive to Pas du Paradis in the Alps
Pas du Paradis is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,731m (5,679ft) above sea level, located at the Italian-French border.
How to drive the stunning coastal road from Partinello to Porto on Corsica?
Located on the rugged west coast of the island of Corsica, in France, the road from Partinello to Porto is part of the D81 and offers one of the most memorable driving experiences on the island. Known for its narrow width, winding curves, and dramatic cliffside setting, this stretch is both scenic and challenging. Drivers should expect sharp turns, limited passing space, and occasional rockslides, but also panoramic views over the Mediterranean and access to several iconic viewpoints along the way.
Col de la Forclaz in Martigny: A Scenic Mountain Pass in Switzerland's Valais Canton
Col de la Forclaz is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.532m (5,026ft) above sea level, located in the district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Col de la Buffaz
Col de la Buffaz is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,502m (4,927ft) above sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France.
Plateau de Beille: A Legendary Tour de France Climb in the Pyrenees
Plateau de Beille is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,787m (5,862ft) above sea level, located in the Ariège department of France. It’s one of the most iconic climbs in the country.
How to get to Le Haut Montet in Provence
Le Haut Montet is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1,337m (4,386ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France.
Driving the Route des Lacs de Haute Montagne: One of the Highest Paved Roads in the Pyrenees
The Route des Lacs de Haute Montagne (translated as High Mountain Lakes Road) is a scenic high-mountain route located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, in the French Pyrenees. It provides access to several alpine lakes, including Lac d'Orédon, Lac d'Aumar, Lac d'Aubert, and Lac de Cap-de-Long. The road is fully paved and demanding, with steep gradients, numerous curves, and multiple hairpin turns. Due to its narrow width, it's advisable to avoid peak summer holidays, as it can be unnerving for drivers unfamiliar with tight mountain roads.
The High-Mountain Tunnel des Inversens in Savoie
The Inversens Tunnel is a high-mountain tunnel, located in the Savoie department of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Driving the narrow road to Col de Pradel in Occitania
Col de Pradel is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,696m (5,564ft) above sea level, located in the Occitania region of France.
Driving the wild road to Pas de Roland in the Pyrenees
Pas de Roland is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.700m (5577ft) above sea level, located in the Ariège department of France.
Driving a beautiful balcony road from Guillaumes to Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes
Located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France, the road from Guillaumes to Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes offers an exciting driving experience. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads.
Driving the Unpaved Road to Plateau de Bure in the French Alps: A Moon-like and Star Wars Adventure
Plateau de Bure is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 2,560m (8,398ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. It is home to the most powerful submillimeter radio telescope array in the northern hemisphere.
How to get to Lake Les Abelletes on the French-Andorran border?
Estany de les Abelletes is a high mountain lake, at an elevation of 2,265m (7,431ft) above sea level, located on the border of France and Andorra.
How to drive the scenic D656, a balcony road in the Provence?
D656 is a short mountain road located in the Var department of France. It’s one of the most scenic French balcony roads.
How to drive the scenic D5 road in Provence?
D5 is a very challenging mountain road, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It climbs up many mountain passes and tops out at 1,439 m (4,721 ft) above sea level.
How to get to Puy de la Perdrix in the Massif Central?
Puy de la Perdrix is a high mountain peak located in the Puy-de-Dôme department of France. It is one of the highest peaks in central France. A gravel road, southeast of the peak, ends at 1,787m (5,862ft) above sea level, at a cable car station near the summit.
How to get by car to Station du Mont-Dore in the Massif Central?
Station du Mont-Dore is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,325m (4,347ft) above sea level, located in the Puy-de-Dôme department of France.
The Unpaved Road to Coll de la Farella with Stunning Mediterranean Views
Coll de la Farella is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 305m (1,000ft) above sea level, located on the French-Spanish border.
A Scenic Drive Through Col de Clavel: Gateway to Montagne de Lachens
Col de Clavel is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.076m (3,530ft) above sea level, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
A narrow winding road to Col du Ferrier in Provence
Col du Ferrier is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,041m (3,415 ft) above sea level, situated in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France.