Roads of 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.

Collet du Plan Nicolas is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.406m (7,893ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Planche des Belles Filles is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.148m (3,766ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Saône department of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, in France.

Luz Ardiden is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.720m (5,643ft) located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Occitan region of south-western France. It has featured several times as a summit finish in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España races.

Mont Vial is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.527m (5,009ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. It’s one of the few peaks of the backcountry behind Nice that is recognisable from the sea.

Col de la Celle Vieille is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.099m (6,886ft) above the sea level, located in the Mercantour National Park, on the French-Italian border.

Mont de la Chambre is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.844m (9,330ft) above the sea level located  in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.

Prat d'Albis is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.201m (3,940ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department in southwestern France in the Occitanie region.

Lac du Barrage d'Ossoue is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1.842m (6,043ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, a department in southwestern France.

Col des Posettes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.997m (6,551ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie département in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Col des Gondrans is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.347m (7,700ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France.

Pas de Morgins is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.378m (4,520ft) above the sea level, located on the border of France and Switzerland.

The Tour de Madeloc or Route Madeloc is a very small road located near the Spanish border and Cap Cerbere, in southern France. The drive starts in Banyuls-Sur-Mer and ends in Colliure. The road is called D86 and is part of the Route des Cols. There are labels to lead you to the street in both villages.

Col de la Chal is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.460m (8,070ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

The D914 road, also known as Route d’Espagne, is a very scenic drive through the Côte Vermeille, in south west France.

Grand Col is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.939m (9,642ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It’s one of the highest roads of Europe.

Col de la Fréte o de la Chiaupe is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.494m (8,182ft) above the sea level, located in the Graian Alps, in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Col de la Vaccia is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.193m (3,914ft) above the sea level, located in the Corse-du-Sud department of France on the island of Corsica.

Fort de la Platte is a military fortress at an elevation of 2.009m (6,591ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

Col de Thorens is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.118m (10,229ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. It’s one of the highest roads of Europe.

Col de Fresse is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.777m (9,110ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of the French Alps. It'sone of the highest roads of Europe.

Mont Faron is a mountain pass at an elevation of 584m (1,916ft) above the sea level, located on southern France’s Mediterranean coast, overlooking the city and roadstead of Toulon.

Col du Festre is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.441m (4,727ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.

Route Départementale D662 is a very scenic drive located in the Lot department in south-western France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.

Col de la Core is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.395m (4,577ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department of France in the Pyrenees.

Located in the Aude department in southern France, Gorges de l'Aude is a narrow canyon to the south of Quillan, itself south of Carcassonne. It’sone of the famous French balcony roads.

Col de la Sinne is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.438m (4,717ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. Expect sections up to 15% near the summit.

Roche de Mio is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.716m (8,910ft) above the sea level, located in the Graian Alps, in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It’s one of the highest roads of Europe.

Coll des Molles is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.089m (6,853ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, near the border with Spain and the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.

Col de la Bataille is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.313m (4,307ft) above the sea level, located in the Drôme department in southeastern France.

Col de Solaison is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.500m (4,921ft) above the sea level, located in Haute-Savoie, in the Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France, bordering both Switzerland and Italy.

Pointe de la Masse is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.790m (9,153ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of the French Alps. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.

Mont Chiran is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.905m (6,250ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the south of France.

Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, in southeastern France, Pont de la Mariée (Bride's Bridge) is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Col du Lisey is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.086m (6,843ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, in the Midi-Pyrénées.

Col de la Ramaz is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.549m (5,082ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.

Mont Bouquet is a mountain pass at an elevation of 628m (2,060ft) above the sea level, located in the Gard department in southern France.

Located in the Haute-Savoie department of France, Tunnel des Montets is a mountain tunnel used by trains which also allows road traffic to avoid theCol des Montets mountain pass when there is heavy snowfall or avalanche danger.

The Port de Lers is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.517m (4,977ft) above the sea level, located in the French Pyrenees in the department of Ariège. There are numerous ramps above 10%.

Col des Embrasures is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.305m (7,562ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France, near the Italian border.

Col de Tourniol is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.145m (3,756ft) above the sea level, located in the Drôme department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in southeast-central France.

Col de la Quillane is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.714m (5,623ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, in southern France.

Col Bagargui is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.327m (4,353ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in south-western France.

Col des Basses is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.786m (5,859ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, near the border with Spain and the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.

Signale de Lure is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.826m (5,991ft) above the sea level, located in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in France.

Cirque de Cilaos is a large rock amphitheater, at an elevation of 1.586m (5,203ft) above the sea level, located on the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean. The sometimes nail-biting drive is well worth it!