What are the most spectacular roads in 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.
The iconic Col d'Eze between Nice and Monaco
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.
A narrow road to Col de l’Espaul in the Mercantour
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.
Driving the scenic road to Col de la Croix de Fer in the Alps
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.
A paved road to Col de la Platriere in the French Alps
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.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Wild Road from Val Thorens to Orelle
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: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
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.
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Etang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees
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.
A road among the clouds to Col d'Allos in the Provence
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.
Experience France's Gorges du Hourat: A Scenic Balcony Road Through the Pyrenees-Atlantiques
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.
Explore the Heights: Conquering the Road to Sommet Bucher in the French Alps
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.
Agnel Pass is one of the European highest paved roads
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.
Exploring Col de Moissiere: A Hidden Gem of Hautes-Alpes in France
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.
Conquer the Thrills of Col d'Andrion: A High Mountain Adventure in the French Alps
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.
Venturing Through France's Scenic Routes: A Guide to the Pas de l'Agrée in the Heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
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.
Navigating D84 Road: Corsica's Breathtaking Mountain Drive
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 Unveiled: An Epic Drive through France's Dauphiné Alps and Beyond
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.
Tete de la Grave: France's Wind-Whipped Mountain Pass in the Heart of Provence
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.
Navigating the Rugged Slopes: Col de la Lezette Road Guide
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.
A picturesque balcony road through Gorges de Saint-Georges in Occitanie
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.
How to reach Col des Tentes in the Pyrenees: road conditions and tips
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.
The road to Col des Tempetes, the windy ascent of Provence
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.
An old military road to Col de la Buffee in the Alps
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.
The ultimate guide to exploring Gorges de la Restonica in Corsica by car
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.
Navigating the Road to Col d'Espreaux: Twists and Turns in the Alps
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.
An old military road to the top of Col de la Paré
Col de la Paré is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.412m (7,913ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region of France.
Discovering the unpaved road up to Col de Sencours in the Pyrenees
Col de Sencours is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.378m (7,801ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Occitan region of France.
Driving the scenic D290 road through Gorges de l'Ardeche
Gorges de l'Ardeche is a picturesque canyon situated in France’s Ardèche department, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It’s one of the famous balcony roads of the country.
The road to Col d'Errozate is not recommended to newbies
Collado de Errozate-Col d'Errozate is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 1.076m (3,530ft) above the sea level, located on the Spanish-French border.
Discovering the narrow steep road to Col du Sabot in France
Col du Sabot is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.100m (6,889ft) above the sea level, located in the Isère département in the Rhône-Alpes region of France.
How to get to Gorges du Tarn through a scenic balcony road?
Gorges du Tarn is a canyon formed by the Tarn River, located on the boundary between Lozère and Aveyron departments of the Occitanie region, in France. This scenic drive alongside the gorge is one of the picturesque French balcony roads.
A gravel road to Col des Laquets in the French Pyrenees
Col des Laquets is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,637m (8,651ft) above the sea level. Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of France's Occitan region, it’s one of the highest roads of France.
A steep paved road to Col de Mehatche in the Pyrenees
Col de Méhatché is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 716m (2,349ft) above sea level, located on the Spanish-French border.
Col du Clapier is where Hannibal crossed the Alps
Col du Clapier-Colle Clapier is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.480m (8,170ft) above the sea level, straddling the Italian-French border.
Driving the unpaved road to Col de la Legette in the French Alps
Col de la Légette is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.776m (5,826ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France.
Driving the wild road to Cormet d'Areches in the Alps
Cormet d'Arêches is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.109m (6,919ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.
A steep paved road to Col de Vars in the Alps
Col de Vars is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.108m (6,916ft) above sea level, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.
Unveiling the Beauty of Col du Pourtalet: A Scenic Mountain Pass at the France-Spain Border
Col du Pourtalet is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.798m (5,898ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Spain and France. The pass offers the most beautiful views of Ossau Valley.
Ultimate 4WD Destination: Col des Lessieres in the Alps
Col des Lessières is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,936m (9,632ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It's one of the highest roads in Europe.
The breathtaking road to Col de Caron in the Massif de la Vanoise
Col de Caron is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.996m (9,829ft) above the sea level, located in Orelle, a commune in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
Travel guide to the top of Col des Glieres
Col des Glières is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,440m (4,724ft) above sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in France. There is a 2 km gravel stretch.
How to get by car to Lac de la Sassiere in the Tarentaise Valley?
Lac de la Sassière is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.462m (8,077ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in France.
Crossing the beautiful Pont de Normandie
Pont de Normandie is a very beautiful and modern cable-stayed road bridge located in northern France. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Alpe d'Huez is a mythical climb with 21 hairpin turns
Alpe d’Huez is a cycling legend. It’s the most famous mountain climb in the Tour de France. Located in the southeastern part of the country, in the Isère département of the Rhône-Alpes region, the ski resort sits at an elevation of 1.860m (6,100ft) above the sea level.
The breathtaking road to Col de Salese in the Maritime Alps
Col de Salèse is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,036m (6,679ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
How to Get to Pre de Madame Carle by Car?
Pré de Madame Carle is a natural site at an elevation of 1,879m (6,164ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.