Here's a breakdown:
* Chemin: A narrow, often unpaved, path or lane. It can be for walking, cycling, or sometimes driving, but usually not for high-speed traffic.
* Route: This is the more general term for a road or route. It encompasses all kinds of roads, from highways to small country lanes.
* Rue: This refers specifically to a street, typically in a town or city.
So, while "chemin" can sometimes be used for a road, it's not a direct synonym. It has a more specific meaning, usually indicating a smaller, less formal path.