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.

Gorges de l'Ardeche

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.

Gorges du Tarn

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. It’s one of the French balcony roads.

Étang de Soulcem

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 sea level, located in the Ariège department of France, near the Andorran-Spanish borders.

Gorges de Saint-Georges

A picturesque balcony road through Gorges de Saint-Georges in Occitanie

Located in the Aude department 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. 

Col des Tentes

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.

Pont de Normandie

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.

Grotte du Mas d'Azil

Driving Inside the Earth: Grotte du Mas d'Azil Is the Only Road Through a Cave in France

Located in the Ariège department in southwestern France, the Grotte du Mas d'Azil is a 500-meter long tunnel dug by the Arize River in the Ariège Pyrenees. It’s one of the few roads in the world that runs through a cave.

Sommet Bûcher

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 sea level, located, in the Hautes-Alpes department of France.

Gorges de la Restonica

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 is one of the island's most picturesque canyons.

Pas de l'Agrée

A Guide to Pas de l'Agree 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 sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France.

Col de Moissière

Driving the paved road to Col de Moissiere in the Hautes-Alpes

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 France.

Col des Tempêtes

The road to Col des Tempetes, the windy ascent of Provence

Col des Tempêtes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,829 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level, located in France. It is known for its windy conditions.

Tête de la Grave

Driving to Tete de la Grave in the Heart of Provence

Tête de la Grave is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.650m (5,413ft) above 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.

Alpe d'Huez

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 Isère département of the Rhône-Alpes region in France, the ski resort is at an elevation of 1.860m (6,100ft) above sea level.

Road D918

D918 is a challenging balcony road in France

D918 is an extreme high mountain road located in the Pyrenees, a range of mountains in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain. It’s one of the French balcony roads.

D22 Road

Driving the D22, a balcony road in France

Perched high above the coastline of the Côte d'Azur in France, the D22 road is the name of a sharply winding and precipitous ascent in a steep and narrow zig-zag road, on the French Riviera. It is one of the most famous balcony roads in the country.

Col de Sencours

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 sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Occitan region of France.

Col du Clapier

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 sea level, straddling the Italian-French border.

Col des Laquets

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 sea level. Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of France, it’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Col d'Andrion

Driving a high mountain road to Col d'Andrion in the French Alps

Col d'Andrion is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.667m (5,469ft) above sea level, located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes of France.

Col de la Lézette

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 sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.

Col de La Buffere

An old military road to Col de La Buffere in the Alps

Col de Buffère is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.431m (7,975ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department, in France.

Col de Vars

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.

Col de la Paré

An old military road to the top of Col de la Pare

Col de la Paré is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.412m (7,913ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.

Col d'Espréaux

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 sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department of France.

Col des Lessières

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.

Col de la Couillole

A curvy scenic road to Col de la Couillole

Col de la Couillole is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.678m (5,495ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. The road through the summit is part of the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.

Col de la Légette

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 sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.

Col de Méhatché

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.

D43 Road

D43 is a scenic balcony road in France

Located in the Lot department of France, driving on the D43 road is a thrilling experience. It's one of the famous balcony roads of France.

Col de la Madeleine

The legendary Col de la Madeleine is one of the greatest cycling climbs

Col de la Madeleine is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,998m (6,555ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France. It’s one of the most emblematic French Alps mountain passes.

Col d'Errozaté

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 sea level, located on the Spanish-French border.

Col du Sabot

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 sea level, located in the Isère département in the Rhône-Alpes region of France.

Cormet de Roselend

A great road to Cormet de Roselend in the Alps

Cormet de Roselend is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,991m (6,532ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.

Pas de Peyrol-Puy Mary

Pas de Peyrol is the highest road pass in the Massif Central

Pas de Peyrol is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,589m (5,213ft) above sea level, located in the Cantal department of France.

Pré de Madame Carle

How to get by car to Pre de Madame Carle?

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.

Gorges de la Méouge

Driving the scenic balcony road through the Gorges de la Meouge

Gorges de la Méouge is an incredible canyon located in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. The gorge is 7-kilometre (4.3 mi) long, carved by the Méouge which has its source in the Drôme. It’s one of the famous French balcony roads. 

Col de Bavella

Col de Bavella is one of the most scenic roads of Corsica

Col de Bavella is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.226m (4,022ft) above sea level, located in the Corse-du-Sud department of France on the island of Corsica. It’s one of the highest roads of Corsica.

Lac de la Sassière

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.

Col de Caron

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 sea level, located in Orelle, a commune in the Savoie department of France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.

Col des Glières

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 of France. There is a 2 km gravel stretch.

Col de Salèse

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.

Gorges du Guiers Vif

Gorges du Guiers Vif is a balcony road in France

Gorges du Guiers Vif is a very picturesque canyon located on the boundary between the Isère and Savoie departments of France. It is one of the famous French balcony roads.

Sommet de Bellecote

Driving one of the highest roads of Europe to Sommet de Bellecote in the Graian Alp

Sommet de Bellecote is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.071m (10,075ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France. It's one of the highest roads in Europe.

Col des Aravis

A road with very nice scenery to Col des Aravis

Col des Aravis is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,487m (4,879ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between the Haute-Savoie and the Savoie departments of France. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.