En route on the N88 between the Loire and Haute-Garonne via the Massif-Central, from north-east to south-west: presentation, route, stages and map.
The N88 trunk road?
Route nationale 88 (abbreviated to N88) is a major road in central France, historically linking Lyon to Toulouse across the Massif Central. Historically a postal route from Lyon to Toulouse created between the 16th and 18th centuries, the N88 was officially opened in 1824. Since then, it has established itself as a strategic artery for the opening up and economic development of the Massif-Central region, particularly Aveyron, Lozère and Haute-Loire.
It provides a transverse link between the Rhône and Garonne valleys, offering a shorter alternative (around 70 km shorter) to theA7 motorway which bypasses the Massif Central.
Layout and geography
The N88 stretches for 435 kilometres, linking key towns such as Saint-Étienne, Le Puy-en-Velay, Mende, Rodez and Albi and crossing seven départements:
- Loire
- Haute-Loire
- Ardèche (small portion at the junction with the N102)
- Lozère
- Aveyron
- Tarn
- Haute-Garonne
Here are the main towns and villages along the route:
To the north, the RN88 starts at Saint-Chamond in the Loire. TheA49 motorway or the D88 departmental road will take you there from the Rhône valley and the Lyon metropolitan area.
From Saint-Chamond to Le Puy-en-Velay (Loire and Haute-Loire)
- Saint-Chamond
- Saint-Étienne
- La Ricamarie
- Le Chambon-Feugerolles
- Firminy
- Saint-Ferréol-d’Auroure
- Pont-Salomon
- La Chapelle-d’Aurec
- Monistrol-sur-Loire
- Saint-Maurice-de-Lignon
- Yssingeaux
- Bessamorel
- Le Pertuis
- Saint-Hostien
- Saint-Pierre-Eynac
- Blavozy
- Saint-Germain-Laprade
- Brives-Charensac
- Le Puy-en-Velay
From Puy-en-Velay to Mende (Haute-Loire and Lozère)
- Cussac-sur-Loire (Les Baraques, Tarreyres)
- Solignac-sur-Loire (Montagnac)
- Le Brignon (Bizac)
- Costaros
- Landos (La Sauvetat)
- Pradelles
- Lespéron (La Ribeyre)
- Langogne
- Saint-Flour-de-Mercoire (Baraque de Saint-Flour)
- Chaudeyrac
- Châteauneuf-de-Randon (L’Habitarelle)
- Col de la Pierre Plantée (highest point at 1,263 metres)
- Laubert
- Lawn
- Badaroux
- Mende
From Mende to Rodez (Lozère and Aveyron)
- Balsièges
- Barjac
- Chanac
- Les Salelles
- Bourg-sur-Colagne
via the freeA75 motorway - Sévérac-le-Château (Sévérac d’Aveyron)
- Lapanouse
- Recoules-Prévinquières
- Gaillac-d’Aveyron
- Laissac (Laissac-Sévérac l’Église)
- Bertholène
- Onet-le-Château (La Roquette)
- Rodez
From Rodez to Albi (Aveyron and Tarn)
- La Primaube
- Calmont
- Baraqueville (recognised stopover village)
- Naucelle-Gare
- Tauriac-de-Naucelle
- Tanus
- Carmaux
- Le Garric
- Lescure-d’Albigeois
- Albi
- Marssac-sur-Tarn
To the south, the Route Nationale 88 ends at Marsac-sur-Tarn, after Albi: you need to follow theA68 motorway or the D988 departmental road in the Tarn and the D888 in Gaute-Garonne, in the direction of Toulouse.
Maps of the N88
Monitoring and mapping of the N88 trunk road, which crosses the N102.
Interactive maps
To explore, a map with adjustable backgrounds to suit your needs, with the RN102 in red and the N88 in blue:
With GoogleMaps, the interactive map of the route of the N88 trunk road:
Road maps, itineraries
Where to stay along the N88?
If you’re looking for a hotel or accommodation close to Route nationale 88, here are a few suggestions:
See the map in full screen
And to widen your search, here are other solutions with direct access to hotel chains and booking platforms to find where to sleep along your route on the RN88 and France :
All aboard!
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