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The most beautiful roads in the Alps: a complete guide for an exceptional road trip
There are roads we forget as soon as we’ve driven them. And then there are those we remember for a long time, sometimes simply for a series of bends, a particular light, or a landscape that opens up at just the right moment.
In the Alps, and more specifically around Embrun and Lake Serre-Ponçon, the roads are an integral part of the journey. You don’t just travel from point A to point B: you build an itinerary, you choose your mountain passes, you take your time.
This guide was designed for those who love driving or touring, not necessarily seeking performance, but with the desire to fully experience the road.
What you come looking for on a road trip in the Alps
A road trip in the Alps isn’t just a succession of beautiful viewpoints.
It’s a feeling of progression. You leave a valley, you climb gently, and then the landscapes change. The road opens up, the air is fresher, the light different. We cross a mountain pass, and everything shifts on the other side.
What really matters isn’t doing as much as possible in a day, but linking routes that connect meaningfully. That’s what transforms a simple outing into a truly memorable experience.
Three Routes to Prioritize Around Embrun
To avoid getting lost in a multitude of options, we’ve created coherent, accessible, and complementary routes.
The Great Passes: A Day That Gives You the True Mark of the Alps
This is often where people start, and for good reason.
By tackling mountain passes like the Izoard, Vars, or the Galibier, you quickly understand what makes the Alps unique. Each climb has its own rhythm, each summit offers a different sensation, and each descent prolongs the pleasure.
These are accessible, well-maintained roads, varied enough to never become tiresome. You’ll encounter crowds in the summer, of course, but that’s also part of the atmosphere.
It’s an ideal route for a first day, or for getting back into the swing of things.
The Serre-Ponçon Lake Tour: Taking Your Time
The tour around the lake offers another way to discover the region.
Here, you ride differently. Less about speed, more about observation. You stop more easily, taking the time to look at the lake, to enjoy a view, to take a break.
This is a very pleasant route to do in a day, without any pressure. It also works very well as a complement to a more mountainous route.
Secondary Roads: To Get Away From It All
Once you’ve covered the main roads, these are often the ones you remember most.
Less busy, more secluded, they wind through more intimate landscapes. You encounter fewer people, you ride at your own pace, without any pressure.
They simply require a little more attention, but that’s also what makes them interesting. You’re more present, more attentive to your surroundings.
It’s an excellent option for a half-day, or to complement a main route.
How to Plan Your Days Without Making Mistakes
The most common mistake is trying to do too much.
In the Alps, travel times are always a little longer than expected. Not because of the difficulty, but simply because you stop, because the road makes you want to slow down, or because conditions change.
A good pace often consists of:
- a main route for the day
- a few well-chosen stops
- and the flexibility to adapt along the way
Leaving room for the unexpected is part of the fun.
The best times to ride
The experience varies greatly depending on the time of day.
Morning is often the most pleasant time: little traffic, soft light, a feeling of calm.
Late afternoon is also very appealing, especially around the lake, with warmer light and landscapes that take on a new dimension.
On the other hand, midday in summer can be busier, particularly on the high mountain passes.
An ideal starting point for exploring the region
Basing your stay in Embrun makes planning a road trip in the Alps considerably easier. Its central location offers quick access to major mountain passes as well as more secluded routes, allowing you to create well-structured days without excessive travel time.
Beyond location, the comfort of your stopover plays a crucial role in the quality of your trip. After several hours on the road, being able to easily park your vehicle in a suitable space, find a peaceful setting, and then enjoy a moment of rest makes all the difference.
At La Robéyère, everything is designed with this in mind. The secure parking accommodates cars and motorcycles. The spa offers a true moment of relaxation after a day on the road, and the restaurant allows you to extend the experience with refined cuisine, without having to get back on the road.
It is this combination—accessibility, comfort, and quality of service—that allows you to fully enjoy the routes, day after day, without Constraint.
To plan your routes
The routes mentioned in this article are available in detailed versions, with itineraries designed for immediate use. See all routes
In summary
A road trip in the Alps isn’t measured by the number of kilometers traveled, but by the quality of the roads chosen and how you experience them.
Varying the atmosphere, taking your time, sometimes retracing your steps… this is often how you create the best memories.
And it’s also what makes you want to come back.
© Photos – OT Serre-Ponçon