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.
A paved 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 sea level, located in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France.
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.
An Epic Drive to Col du Lautaret in France's Dauphiné Alps
Col du Lautaret is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.060m (6,758ft) above sea level, located in the department of Hautes-Alpes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. This pass is part of the iconic Route des Grandes Alpes.
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.
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 sea level located on the French-Italian border. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 sea level, located on the border of Spain and France. The pass offers the most beautiful views of Ossau Valley.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A gravel road to Col de Cibieres in the Alps
Col de Cibières is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,525m (8,284ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department of France.
A fabulous narrow road to the top to Col de l’Hysope
Col de l’Hysope is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,236m (4,055ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France.
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.