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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tucked away in the Haute-Corse department of Corsica, in France, Gorges de la Restonica is one of the island's most picturesque canyons.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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-Colle Clapier is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.480m (8,170ft) above sea level, straddling the Italian-French border.

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.

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.

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.

Col de Méhatché is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 716m (2,349ft) above sea level, located on the Spanish-French border.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,589m (5,213ft) above sea level, located in the Cantal department of France.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 very picturesque canyon located on the boundary between the Isère and Savoie departments of France. It is one of the famous French balcony roads.