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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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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 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.

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.

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.

The Circuit de la Sarthe, used for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, includes public roads that are open to normal traffic most of the year. Located in northwestern France, this unique layout lets drivers experience more than 9 kilometers of a track known worldwide. While you won’t be racing, you’ll still be driving a section of one of motorsport’s most historic circuits.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Inversens Tunnel is a high-mountain tunnel, located in the Savoie department of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

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.

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.

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.

Located on the rugged west coast of the island of Corsica, in France, the road from Partinello to Porto is part of the D81 and offers one of the most memorable driving experiences on the island. Known for its narrow width, winding curves, and dramatic cliffside setting, this stretch is both scenic and challenging. Drivers should expect sharp turns, limited passing space, and occasional rockslides, but also panoramic views over the Mediterranean and access to several iconic viewpoints along the way.

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.

The Route des Lacs de Haute Montagne (translated as High Mountain Lakes Road) is a scenic high-mountain route located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, in the French Pyrenees. It provides access to several alpine lakes, including Lac d'Orédon, Lac d'Aumar, Lac d'Aubert, and Lac de Cap-de-Long. The road is fully paved and demanding, with steep gradients, numerous curves, and multiple hairpin turns. Due to its narrow width, it's advisable to avoid peak summer holidays, as it can be unnerving for drivers unfamiliar with tight mountain roads.

Estany de les Abelletes is a high mountain lake, at an elevation of 2,265m (7,431ft) above sea level, located on the border of France and Andorra. 

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