The Route Napoléon by motorcycle: a journey through history

The Route Napoléon follows the route taken by Napoleon in 1815, when he returned from exile to regain power. It stretches from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble, over some 330 kilometers, and passes through a variety of landscapes: Mediterranean coastline, Provencal hinterland and Alpine massifs. Travelling this route by motorcycle allows you to enjoy the twists and turns, viewpoints and historical landmarks along the way.

In this article, we suggest a quick itinerary for crossing 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 there the day before to enjoy a sunset over the Mediterranean. A commemorative plaque on the port marks the exact spot where Napoleon landed on March 1ᵉʳ, 1815. It's a symbolic starting point for your journey. Before you set off, fill up with fuel and check your equipment (helmet, gloves, etc.). The roads in the Alpes-Maritimes can be very busy, especially in summer. Your road-trip can begin!

Heading for Vallauris and the Estérel Massif

Vallauris is famous for its pottery and ceramics workshops. Picasso spent time here, contributing to the town's renown. In fact, if you'd like to take a cultural tour, you'll find the Musée Picasso, as well as numerous ceramic workshops.

Leaving the coast, the D6007 climbs gently, offering views of the sea on one side and the Esterel hills in the distance on the other. Keep an eye out for traffic, as the road can be narrow and winding.

Grasse, capital of perfume

If you'd like to visit a Fragonard perfumery, Molinard or Galimard offer free tours. You can learn how a perfume is made and even compose your own fragrance.

In Grasse's historic center, you can also take 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 many cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a snack. Take the opportunity to sample an artisanal ice cream or a Provençal dish before embarking on the second leg of your journey!

Stage 2: Grasse to Castellane (65 km)

Crossing the Pre-Alps

Follow the N85, officially known as the Route Napoléon. It really starts here, with its many curves and initial gradients. Adjust your speed, as the road meanders and can be slippery if it has rained recently. As you cross this stretch of road, you'll see an alternation of wooded hills, small plateaus and views of shallow and deep valleys. The Pre-Alps already offer a fine foretaste of the mountains to come!

The village of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey

The atmosphere in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is typically Provencal, with its colorful shutters and local market on certain days of the week. Don't hesitate to stop off and soak up the atmosphere - it's well worth the detour.

Not far away is the grotte de Baume Obscure: this is an underground network set up for visits, with a sound and light trail. It's an original break to make too 🙂 Take suitable footwear if you decide to go down into the cave, it's quite slippery!

The Plateau de Caussols and the Col du Pilon

The Caussols plateau is a karst area, with the ground carved out by dolines and caves. The landscape may seem a little "lunar" in places, but that's precisely what gives the place its charm.

Further on you'll come to 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 perfect moment to pull out your smartphone and snap a few photos!

Arrival at Castellane

Castellane lies at the foot of a large rock surmounted by a chapel (Notre-Dame du Roc). The village, with its medieval ambience of old houses, central square and cobbled streets, is also well worth a visit, and a chance to soak up the atmosphere. And if you've got a bit of time, climb up to the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Roc (it's a 20-30 minute walk). The view over the town and the Gorges du Verdon is really nice.

We recommend an overnight stop in Castellane, where there's a good choice of hotels and campsites.

Stage 3: Castellane to Digne-les-Bains (50 km)

Les Clues de Taulanne et de Chabrières

Leaving Castellane on the N85, you cross a series of short gorges known as "clues". The cliffs are sometimes very close together, creating a very special atmosphere. When driving in the vicinity, slow down and be careful, as visibility is limited and the walls easily retain moisture. The clues offer a contrast between the blue sky (on a clear day), the rock and the vegetation. It's a passage that doesn't take long to cross, but is very interesting visually.

Barrême, lavender country

Depending on the season (June to August), you'll be able to see and smell the lavender growing in the surrounding fields. It makes for unforgettable postcard scenery, and great photos!

If you're a lavender enthusiast, there are local distilleries where you can stop and learn more about lavender growing and processing. You can also find lovely lavender-based gifts (soaps, oils, body products) in local boutiques.

Arrival in Digne-les-Bains

Digne-les-Bains is famous for its thermal waters, so it's the place to take a relaxing break if you've got a little time on your hands. The town center features pedestrian streets, shops and café terraces that are well worth getting lost in after a session in the thermal pools!

Lavender honey, Sisteron lamb and local cheeses are must-try specialties 😉

Stage 4: Digne-les-Bains to Gap (70 km)

The climb to Col de Labouret

To get to Gap, you'll have to climb to an altitude of 1,240 meters. The road is winding, with twists and turns that call for caution! As you climb higher, you'll see the valleys below and the peaks approaching, the vegetation changing,

Sisteron, gateway to Provence (short detour recommended)

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Sisteron's highlight is its medieval citadel, perched on a rock overlooking the Durance River. You can visit the citadel (1 Rue de la Citadelle, 04200 Sisteron) to learn more about its history and enjoy a beautiful panorama.

Crossing Dévoluy

Halfway between Sisteron and Gap, you cross a massif less well known than the Alps, but with interesting landscapes, the Dévoluy massif: limestone cliffs, forests and small plateaus on the program. The roads are sometimes narrower and more isolated. Check the weather and road conditions - it's a good idea to plan ahead, depending on the month of the year.

Arrival in Gap

Gap is the prefecture of the Hautes-Alpes region. It's surrounded by mountains, which makes it a great place for outdoor activities (hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, etc.). Its town center. Don't hesitate to take a break and visit the town center and cathedral. Several hotels, gîtes and campsites offer overnight accommodation. Book in advance if you plan to stay in high season, as Gap is quite busy.

Stage 5: Gap to Grenoble (110 km)

Le Col Bayard

At 1,246 meters above sea level, this is a busy road crossing, so watch out for other vehicles, especially during the high season. On the way down, you'll catch a glimpse of Lac du Sautet and the Trièves mountains, which can make for a pleasant photo break.

La Mure and the Matheysin plateau

Former mining town. Here you can see traces of the history of coal mining (museum, remains, etc.). Once you've reached the Matheysin plateau, you'll find numerous lakes (Laffrey, Petichet, Pierre-Châtel) and forests, dotted with charming little villages! Plan ahead and fill up your tank if necessary, as service stations can be scarce in this area.

Lake Laffrey

This lake is steeped in history. Napoleon is said to have encountered Royalist troops here on March 7, 1815. A statue commemorates this event.

Season and conditions permitting, the lake is a pleasant place to picnic or swim.

Arrival in Grenoble

The Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors mountain ranges surround Grenoble. Once in town, take the cable car up to La Bastille (Quai Stéphane Jay, 38000 Grenoble) for a panoramic view of the city and its peaks. Grenoble is a lively university and research city. You'll find museums (Musée de Grenoble, Musée Dauphinois), cafés and a lively atmosphere.

Practical information

Best time to travel

• From May to September, the weather is mild and the passes are passable.
• Avoid midsummer heatwaves on the Côte d'Azur, and always check road conditions at higher altitudes (risk of late spring snow).

Road safety

• Driving: Adapt your speed on bends, and watch out for gravel or wet conditions, especially in clues or at the bottom of gorges.
• Equipment: In addition to the mandatory equipment, bring rain gear or waterproof overtrousers.
• Weather: In the mountains, the weather can change quickly. Check today's weather forecast before setting off.

Conclusion

The Route Napoléon is an itinerary that combines history and landscape diversity. It allows you to understand a key episode in Napoleon's return, while discovering a wide variety of corners of France. On your motorcycle, you'll enjoy winding mountain roads and panoramic views, while stopping whenever you like to discover a village, a natural site or a historical vestige.

Take the time to sample the local cuisine and meet the locals, as each stage is an opportunity to make new discoveries. Plan your trip well (weather, accommodation, equipment), then set off on the Route Napoléon: it's a route that has everything to please motorcyclists, nature lovers and history buffs alike. Enjoy your trip!

Whether you start from our agency at Nice airport, or from the train station, here's how to redo this route:

1. Choose your ideal motorcycle: browse our online catalog or visit one of our branches to find the model that suits your needs.
2. Book in just a few clicks: Fill in the rental form on our website or contact us directly, and confirm your booking dates.
3. Pick up your bike on D-Day: You'll receive all the information you need to pick up your bike on D-Day!

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