Road trip through the French Alps
A road trip through the French Alps is an adventure every driving enthusiast and nature lover should put on their list. This iconic mountain range offers an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking views, winding mountain passes and picture-postcard villages. Whether you explore the vast green valleys in spring, the majestic snow-capped peaks in winter or the blooming alpine meadows in summer, the French Alps have it all. Here you find some of Europe’s most challenging roads, where every bend reveals a new panoramic view.
A playground for adventure
From towering peaks to green alpine meadows: the French Alps are a playground for adventure, perfect for the ultimate road trip.
Every kilometre in the French Alps is a painting in motion.
FCT Magazine
Alpe d'Huez: a must-visit for road trippers
Set in the French Alps, Alpe d'Huez is not only one of the world’s most iconic ski resorts, but also a legendary route for car lovers and road trippers. The picturesque mountain village and surrounding peaks offer an exciting challenge for those who love to drive, with famous hairpin bends, breathtaking views and the pure experience of mountain driving.
After the climb you can explore the charming village of Alpe d'Huez, lively in both winter and summer. It is a popular destination for winter sports fans and hikers alike, with plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops.
The road to Alpe d'Huez
The road to Alpe d'Huez is one of Europe’s most iconic mountain routes, famous above all for its appearance in the Tour de France. The climb counts no fewer than 21 hairpin bends, giving every driving enthusiast a real sense of adventure. It is an ideal destination for anyone who loves challenging drives with spectacular views.
Roads around Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez sits not only at the foot of a legendary ski area, but is also the gateway to some of the region’s most beautiful and challenging mountain passes. The Col de Sarenne, for example, is a fantastic route for adventurous drivers, with a narrow road winding through an impressive mountain landscape. Explore nearby passes such as the Col de la Croix de Fer and the Col du Glandon, two of the finest and most famous routes in the French Alps. These passes are an ideal way to drive deeper into the mountains and discover new, breathtaking views.
Best time to go
Summer is the ideal season for road trips to Alpe d'Huez. The roads are easily passable, the mountains are beautifully green and the weather is perfect for exploring by car. The mountain passes are open, and the fresh alpine air makes the drive even more enjoyable. In winter, Alpe d'Huez is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.
01. Col du Galibier
At 2,642 metres above sea level, the Col du Galibier is one of the highest passes in the French Alps. It is not only a legendary Tour de France stage, but also one of the most prestigious mountain passes for drivers. The road winds through dramatic alpine scenery and offers spectacular views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. What makes this pass so appealing is the challenge of the route combined with the incredible beauty of the landscape. The tight bends, rising terrain and ever-changing views create an unforgettable experience for anyone who takes it on. And although it is a demanding road, it is well paved and accessible — perfect for an unforgettable drive.
Season: open from June to September (depending on snow conditions).
02. Balcony Road Vercors
The Balcony Road is a narrow mountain road that winds through the heart of the Vercors massif. The route follows the ridge, giving drivers panoramic views over the surrounding valleys, forests and peaks. The name comes from the idea that the road stretches like a balcony above the valley. The route is about 60 kilometres long and offers several viewpoints where you can stop for photos or simply relax and enjoy the view. Whether you are a seasoned road tripper or simply looking for a scenic drive, the Balcony Road is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the French Alps in full glory.
Season: open from May to October (depending on snow conditions).
03. Col du Glandon
The Col du Glandon sits at 1,924 metres and winds through the mountainous Maurienne region and its surrounding valleys. The route is popular not only for the views, but also for the challenging drive. The pass has featured several times in the Tour de France, adding to its fame. The climb is relatively steep and the road snakes through impressive bends, making it an exciting experience for drivers. Although popular, it is often a little quieter than the better-known passes — so you have more chance to enjoy the route and nature in peace.
Season: open from May to October (depending on snow conditions).
Natural wonder: Gorges de la Bourne
In the heart of the Vercors, a mountain region in the French Alps, the Gorges de la Bourne offer one of the most spectacular driving routes for road trippers. This impressive gorge, crossed by the Bourne river, winds through dramatic rock formations, green valleys and charming villages. It is an unforgettable drive for anyone seeking adventure, nature and mountain beauty. The deeper you go, the more of the rugged Vercors landscape you see. The rock formations and winding river make this a photogenic route worth every road trip. There are plenty of places to stop, reflect and take in the scenery.
Choranche caves
Near the Gorges de la Bourne you will find the Grottes de Choranche, an impressive cave system where you can admire stalactites and stalagmites.
Charming villages and local culture
Along the Gorges de la Bourne you pass small, picturesque villages such as Pont-en-Royans and Villeneuve-en-Vercors. With their narrow streets and traditional architecture, they breathe the charm of the French Alps — perfect for a short break and local specialities in one of the cosy cafés or restaurants.
