The Napoleon Route follows the journey made by Napoleon in 1815, when he returned from exile to regain power. It extends from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble, over about 330 kilometers, and crosses various types of landscapes: Mediterranean coastline, Provençal hinterland and Alpine mountains. Travelling by motorbike on this route allows you to take advantage of the turns, viewpoints and historical testimonies that line the road.
In this article, we offer you a quick itinerary to cross this mythical road on two wheels, free...!
Stage 1: Golfe-Juan to Grasse (30 km)
Departure from Golfe-Juan
Golfe-Juan is a small port between Cannes and Antibes. You can arrive the day before to enjoy a sunset over the Mediterranean. A commemorative plaque on the port indicates the exact place where Napoleon landed on 1 March 1815. It is a symbolic starting point for your trip. Before leaving, fill up with fuel and check your equipment (helmet, gloves, etc.). The roads in the Alpes-Maritimes are sometimes very busy, especially in summer. Your road trip can begin!
Direction Vallauris and the Esterel Massif
Vallauris is known for its pottery and ceramic workshops. Picasso stayed there in particular, and contributed to the fame of this city. Moreover, if you want to take a short cultural visit, you will find the Picasso Museum, as well as numerous workshops of ceramic artisans.
Leaving the coast, the D6007 road climbs gently, and offers views of the sea on one side and, in the distance, of the Esterel hills on the other. Pay attention to traffic, as the road is sometimes narrow and winding.
Grasse, capital of perfume
If you want to visit a Fragonard perfumery, Molinard or Galimard offer free visits. You can discover the steps of making a perfume and even compose your own fragrance.
In the historic center of Grasse, you can also take the time to stroll through the medieval streets, discover shady squares and fountains, and enjoy a coffee in the shade of an olive tree. Grasse has several cafes and restaurants for a snack. Take the opportunity to taste an artisanal ice cream or a small Provençal dish before starting the second stage of the trip!
Stage 2: Grasse to Castellane (65 km)
Crossing the Prealps
Follow the N85, which is officially called the “Napoleon Road”. It really starts here, with its numerous bends and its first differences in altitude. Adapt your speed, as the road snakes and can be slippery at times if it has rained recently. As you cross this stretch of road, you will see an alternation of wooded hills, small plateaus and views of more or less deep valleys. The Prealps already offer a great foretaste of the mountains to come!
The village of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey
The atmosphere in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is typically Provençal, with its colorful shutters and its local market on certain days of the week. Do not hesitate to stop there and soak up the atmosphere that reigns there, it is really worth the trip.
Not far away is the Baume Obscure cave: it is an underground network designed for visits, with a sound and light circuit. It's an original break to do as well 🙂 Take appropriate shoes if you decide to go down into the cave, it slides quite a bit!
The Caussols Plateau and the Pilon Pass
The Caussols plateau is a karstic zone, the ground is carved out of sinkholes and caves. The landscape may seem a bit “lunar” in places, but that's exactly what gives the place its charm.
Further on you will arrive at the Col du Pilon (785 m), a small pass that marks a slight change of scenery, with a magnificent panorama of the surrounding mountains, the moment to pull out your smartphone to take some photos is just right!
Arriving in Castellane
Castellane is located at the foot of a large rock surmounted by a chapel (Notre-Dame du Roc). The village, with its medieval atmosphere with its ancient houses, its central square and its paved streets, is also worth a visit, and to take the time to immerse yourself in the place. And if you have some time, go up to the Notre-Dame du Roc Chapel (this is a trail of about 20-30 minutes). The view of the city and the Verdon Gorges is really nice.
We recommend that you stop in Castellane for the night, there is a good range of hotels and campsites on site.
Stage 3: Castellane to Digne-les-Bains (50 km)
The Clues of Taulanne and Chabrières
Leaving Castellane on the N85, you cross short gorges, called “clues”. The cliffs are sometimes very close together, which gives a particular atmosphere. When driving in the area, slow down and be careful, as visibility is limited and the walls easily trap moisture. The clues offer a contrast between the blue sky (in good weather), the rock and the vegetation. It is a passage that is not long to cross, but very interesting visually.
Barreme, lavender country
Depending on the season (June to August), you will be able to see and smell the lavender growing in the surrounding fields. It offers unforgettable postcard decorations, and photos that are very, very fun to make!
If you are a fan of lavender, there are local distilleries where you can stop by to learn more about lavender cultivation and its processing. Local shops also allow you to find nice lavender-based gifts (soaps, oils, body products).
Arrival in Digne-les-Bains
Digne-les-Bains is known for its thermal waters, it is the place to take a relaxing break if you have some time. The city center includes pedestrian streets, shops and café terraces that are worth getting lost after a session in the thermal pools!
Lavender honey, Sisteron lambs and local cheeses are specialties that must be tested 😉
Stage 4: Digne-les-Bains to Gap (70 km)
The ascent to the Col de Labouret
To go to Gap, you will climb up to an altitude of 1,240 meters. The road is winding, with switchbacks that require caution! As you go up, you will see the valleys below and the peaks getting closer, the vegetation changing,
Sisteron, the gateway to Provence (short detour recommended)
The strong point of Sisteron is its medieval citadel, perched on a rock overlooking the Durance. You can visit the Citadel (1 Rue de la Citadelle, 04200 Sisteron) to learn more about its history and enjoy a beautiful panorama.
Traversée du Devoluy
Halfway between Sisteron and Gap, you cross a massif that is less well known than the Great Alps, but with interesting landscapes, the Dvoluy massif: limestone cliffs, forests and small plateaus on the program. Roads are sometimes narrower and more isolated. Check the weather and the condition of the road, it can be very practical to anticipate according to the months of the year.
Arriving in Gap
Gap is the prefecture of Hautes-Alpes. It is surrounded by mountains, which makes it quite nice for outdoor activities (hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, etc.). Its city center. Do not hesitate to take a break on site, visit the city center and the cathedral. Several hotels, lodgings and campsites allow you to spend the night. Book in advance if you plan to stay there in high season, Gap is quite busy.
Stage 5: Gap to Grenoble (110 km)
Col Bayard
At an altitude of 1,246 meters, it is a fairly busy road crossing, so be careful of other vehicles, especially during the high season. On the way back down, you will see Lac du Sautet and the Trièves mountains, which can be pleasant for a short photo break.
La Mure and the Matheysin Plateau
Former mining town. You can see traces of the history of coal mining (museum, remains, etc.). Arrived on the Matheysin plateau, numerous lakes (Laffrey, Petichet, Pierre-Châtel) and forests will be available to you, it is a sector punctuated by small and very charming villages! Anticipate and fill up if necessary, as gas stations may be rarer in the area.
Lake Laffrey
This lake is a place full of stories. Napoleon would have met the royalist troops there on 7 March 1815. A statue is also a reminder of this event.
If the season and conditions permit, the lake is very pleasant for picnicking or swimming.
Arriving in Grenoble
Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors are mountain territories that surround Grenoble. Once in the city, take a cable car up to Bastille (Quai Stéphane Jay, 38000 Grenoble) for a panoramic view of the city and the peaks. Grenoble is a very lively university and research city. You will find museums (Grenoble Museum, Dauphinois Museum), cafes and a fairly dynamic atmosphere.
Practical information
Best time to travel
- From May to September, the weather is quite mild and the passes are passable.
- Avoid periods of heatwave in the middle of summer on the Côte d'Azur, and always check the condition of roads at altitude (risk of late snow in spring).
Road safety
- Driving: Adapt your speed when cornering and watch out for gravel or humidity, especially in clutches or at the bottom of the gorges.
- Equipment: In addition to the mandatory equipment, you may need rain gear or waterproof overpants.
- Weather: In the mountains, the weather can change quickly. Check today's weather forecast before you leave.
Conclusion
The Napoleon Route is an itinerary that combines history and landscape diversity. It makes it possible to understand a significant episode of Napoleon's return, while discovering very varied corners of France. On a motorbike, you can enjoy the mountain bends and the panoramas, while stopping whenever you want to discover a village, a natural site or a historical relic.
Take the time to taste the local gastronomy and meet the locals, because each step is an opportunity to make new discoveries. Prepare your trip well (weather, accommodation, equipment), then start on the Napoleon Road: it's a route that has everything to please if you like motorcycling, nature and history. Have a nice trip!
That you leave from our agency located in The airport from Nice, or from The train station, here is how to proceed to redo this layout:
- Choose your ideal motorcycle: Browse our online catalog or visit an agency to find the model that suits your desires.
- Book in a few clicks: Fill out the rental form on our site or contact us directly, and confirm your reservation dates.
- Pick up your bike on D-day: You get the information to pick up the bike on D-day!
