Some are better than others and if you have limited time perhaps take my experience into account when choosing which to commit to.
I've chosen one top climb in terms of challenge, history, traffic and scenery for each French area - the Alps, the South of France and the Pyrenees.
The Alps - Col de Glandon/Croix de Fer - for the history and the scenery.
South of France - Col de la Madone - again history/pro connections plus stunning views and traffic free. Col de Vence has undemanding slopes and no view from the top but is a way into the fascinating, deserted scenery behind the congested Cote d'Azur.
Pyrenees - Col de Tourmalet - despite the traffic it is a memorable ride into the heavens. Col d'Abisque is a very close second.
One to avoid - Alp d'Huez - the traffic and no real finish make for an unrewarding climb. Similarly Hautacam is undramatic, but at least less traffic congested.
Col de Madelane also has too much traffic and is pretty mundane until you exit the ski station and suddenly enter an epic landscape.
That's it - if you are in the Alps do the Glandon (from La Chambre) and if in the Pyrenees do the Tourmalet (from Saint-Savier).
