The 7 most beautiful and lesser-known Route Nationale roads in France

France’s famous motorways — the fast, efficient autoroutes — often steal the spotlight. But for those who prefer the journey as much as the destination, the country’s network of Route Nationale roads offers a richer, more intimate way to travel. Many of these national roads weave through valleys, vineyards, and medieval towns, revealing a France that’s often missed when you stick to the toll roads.

Here are seven of the most beautiful, lesser-known Route Nationale routes where you can slow down, roll down the windows, and enjoy the ride.

1. N85 – The Route Napoléon

Winding its way from Grenoble to Cannes, the N85 traces the path Napoleon Bonaparte took in 1815 during his return from exile on Elba. This road is no secret to locals, but it remains delightfully uncrowded compared to the autoroutes.

Along the way, you’ll pass alpine meadows, dramatic gorges, and lavender fields as you descend toward the Mediterranean. Stop in the charming town of Sisteron, with its dramatic citadel perched above the Durance River, or take a detour into the Verdon Gorge for jaw-dropping views.

2. N2 – The Quiet Road to the North

The N2 is a gentle, underappreciated road connecting Paris to the Belgian border. While much of it is straightforward countryside driving, certain stretches — especially near Soissons and Laon — reveal Gothic cathedrals, rolling wheat fields, and sleepy villages with traditional cafés.

It’s the kind of road that invites unplanned stops: perhaps for a bakery’s fresh pain au chocolat or a stroll through a Sunday market in a small northern town.

3. N7 – The “Holiday Road” of France

Often called La Route Bleue, the N7 was once the classic holiday route for Parisians heading south before the autoroutes existed. Today, it retains much of its retro charm, with old service stations, vintage roadside signs, and stretches lined with plane trees.

From Fontainebleau through Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, and into Provence, the N7 offers a patchwork of French landscapes — from vineyards to olive groves — while leading you to sunny southern shores.

4. N20 – Through the Heart of the Pyrenees

The N20 connects Paris to the Spanish border, but its most beautiful section lies in the Pyrenees. Climbing through winding valleys, past mountain villages and lush forests, this road offers one of the most scenic approaches to the high mountains.

Stop in Ax-les-Thermes, a spa town known for its thermal baths, or take a picnic beside a glacial stream. In winter, the road is a gateway to ski resorts; in summer, it’s perfect for hiking adventures.

5. N112 – Vineyards and Medieval Charm in the South

The N112 is a delightful southern route linking Castres to Béziers. It passes through the Minervois wine region, where sunlit vineyards stretch to the horizon. Medieval towns like Saint-Pons-de-Thomières add a touch of history, with stone bridges and centuries-old churches.

Near Béziers, the road dips toward the Canal du Midi, where you can watch boats navigate its famous locks before heading to the Mediterranean coast.

6. N516 – The Road to the High Alps

Far from the tourist crowds, the N516 is a high-altitude road that climbs toward some of France’s most spectacular alpine passes. Snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and hairpin bends make this a dream for adventurous drivers and cyclists alike.

Because it’s less traveled, you may find yourself alone on certain stretches, with only the sound of wind and the occasional marmot for company. It’s an unforgettable drive for those who seek pure mountain air.

7. N164 – The Green Road Across Brittany

The N164 cuts through the rolling heart of Brittany, far from the region’s famous beaches. Here, the landscape is one of hedgerows, farms, and quaint villages with slate-roofed houses. It’s a peaceful, almost meditative drive, especially in spring when wildflowers brighten the fields.

Along the way, stop at local crêperies to taste Brittany’s signature buckwheat galettes, or visit ancient megalithic sites hidden in the countryside.

Slow Roads, Lasting Memories

In France, the beauty of travel is not just in arriving, but in the meandering routes that take you there. These seven Route Nationale roads may not be the fastest, but they offer something far more valuable: a deeper connection to the landscapes, culture, and rhythms of French life.

Whether you’re tracing Napoleon’s footsteps on the N85, winding into the Pyrenees on the N20, or sipping wine along the N112, each of these roads reveals a side of France you’ll remember long after the trip is over.

So next time you plan a French journey, consider leaving the autoroute behind. The slower road might just be the highlight of your adventure.

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• Travelinformation.eu