Drivers AtlasThe world's best roads

A weekend · France

A weekend driving in France

Route Napoleon, the Vercors balconies, the Verdon rim and the highest paved pass in Europe.

One night away, one great road as the centrepiece and no more than four hours of driving on either day. Anything more and the weekend stops being a break.

Days

2 days, 1 nights

Rough distance

323.1 mi

Daily average

161.6 mi

Best months

May to October

Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk

Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Daily distances are set for enjoyable driving rather than maximum ground covered. How we score roads.

Last reviewed 19 March 2026

Day by day

How the trip breaks up

Day 1

Col de la Bonette

  • Col de la Bonette · 14.9 mi · 9.7 / 10. A looping summit road above 2800 metres that circles the peak itself for maximum theatre.

About 161.6 mi and 4 hr 7 min behind the wheel including transit.

Day 2

Col du Galibier

  • Col du Galibier · 11.2 mi · 9.6 / 10. The spine of the Route des Grandes Alpes, a relentless climb to one of driving's holiest summits.

About 161.6 mi and 4 hr 1 min behind the wheel including transit.

Practical

Where to start and what it costs

Base yourself

Nice, Grenoble or Strasbourg

Nights to book

1 night. On anything longer than five days, book two nights in the best base rather than moving hotel every evening.

Fuel and tolls

Budget for roughly 323.1 miles of driving plus any vignettes or tunnel fees for the countries you cross.

Other lengths

More time, or less, in France