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.

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.

Col du Tra is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.312m (4,304ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. Overall this road is a goody for motorbike drivers – but be careful – it could be your last.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Col du Grand Ballon is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.343m (4,406ft) above the sea level, located in the Haut-Rhin department of the Grand Est region, in France.

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.

Surrounded by rugged and rocky coasts, Corsica is a Mediterranean island located southeast of France and west of Italy. The island represents a large variety of morphological landscapes, and for the most part, the terrain of Corsica is mountainous: Mont Cinto is the highest peak, reaching to 2706m, while more than 30 summits surpass 2000m. It one of 18 French regions, with Ajaccio as its capital. It is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, behind Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus.

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.

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. 

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.

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 de Rat is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.372m (7,782ft) above the sea level, located on the border of France and Andorra. 

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.

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Col de la Forclaz is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.532m (5,026ft) above the sea level, located in the district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Défilé du Lancone is a scenic gorge located on the island of Corsica, in France. It’s one of the French balcony roads.