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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The brutal climb to Artzamendi, the mountain of hell in the Basque Country
Mont Artzamendi is a mountain peak at an elevation of 916m (3,005ft) above sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France.
Romantic trip in France: The best honeymoon on the road
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.