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The Route Napoléon is one of France’s most scenic and historically rich road trips, running from the Mediterranean coast at Golfe-Juan to Grenoble in the French Alps. It follows the path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 after his escape from exile on Elba, crossing mountain passes, forested valleys, and remote highland towns as he marched north to reclaim power.
Today, the route is less about military ambition and more about the journey itself. It’s a slow, dramatic drive that moves steadily from sea level to the Alps, trading Riviera glamour for quiet villages, wide mountain views, and roads that feel made for road tripping rather than rushing. Distances are manageable, scenery is constantly changing, and the sense of travelling through layers of history adds depth without ever feeling heavy.
This Route Napoléon itinerary is designed as a 5–7 day road trip, balancing driving with time to explore towns, viewpoints, and short detours. It works just as well as a standalone journey as it does folded into a wider south of France or Alps road trip.
This route is part of our wider France road trip series, which brings together the country’s best scenic routes, historic drives, and slow-travel itineraries. If you’re planning a longer journey or want to compare regions, our complete France road trip guide shows what’s possible by car across the country.
Route Napoléon Map
This map shows the full Route Napoléon from the Mediterranean coast to Grenoble, including the main overnight bases and key stops along the way.
Route: Golfe-Juan – Grasse – St-Vallier-de-Thiey – Castellane – Digne-Les-Bains – Sisteron – Gap – La Mure – Grenoble
Distance: ~324 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Best time to go: May–June, September–October
Best for: Scenic driving, alpine landscapes, history, quieter inland France
This map shows the main bases and driving route. You can save it to Google Maps for planning or offline use while driving.
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Getting to the Route Napoléon
The route officially runs south to north, starting in Golfe-Juan near Antibes and finishing in Grenoble.
If you want to begin at the historic start point, fly into Nice Airport, which is around 20 minutes from Golfe-Juan by car. If you’re including the route as part of a wider Provence or Alps road trip, it can work just as well in reverse, starting in Grenoble and heading south.
Both Nice and Lyon airports are well connected internationally and work well for car hire and one-way rentals if needed.
How to Travel the Route Napoléon
A self-drive trip is by far the best way to experience the Route Napoléon. Whether you’re travelling by car, motorcycle, campervan, or motorhome, driving gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, explore small villages, and adjust your pace as the landscape changes.
The route follows a mix of national and departmental roads, clearly marked by the brown-and-green eagle signs that commemorate Napoleon’s journey. Roads are fully paved and generally well maintained, with mountain sections that are scenic rather than technical.
Public transport is possible in sections, but it’s slow and fragmented. This is a road trip that really benefits from having your own wheels.
Day 1: Golfe-Juan to St-Vallier-de-Thiey
Your Route Napoléon road trip begins on the Mediterranean coast at Golfe-Juan, where Napoleon landed on 1 March 1815 after escaping exile on Elba. A plaque beside the marina marks the exact landing point, making this a meaningful place to start before heading inland.
If possible, arrive the night before. Golfe-Juan is a relaxed seaside town with sandy beaches and a compact harbour, and starting fresh here allows you to begin the route early, before Riviera traffic builds.
Cannes
Just a few miles north, Cannes is the first major stop. Known today for luxury hotels and the film festival, it was here that Napoleon camped on the night of 1–2 March 1815. A large commemorative plaque on the north wall of Église Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Voyage marks the spot, topped with a carved stone eagle in flight.
A short walk along La Croisette gives a sense of modern Cannes, while Le Suquet, the old quarter above the port, offers a quieter glimpse into the town’s earlier history. The Marché Forville is a good place to pick up snacks before leaving the coast behind.
Grasse
From Cannes, the road climbs steadily inland to Grasse, the historic perfume capital of the world. The town holds UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for its perfume-making traditions, and visiting one of the historic houses, Fragonard, Galimard, or Molinard, adds cultural depth to the day.
Galimard even released a fragrance called “Napoléon 1815” to mark the route’s bicentenary. Beyond perfume, Grasse’s old town rewards a slow wander through steep lanes and shaded squares, with views stretching across the surrounding hills.
St Vallier-de-Thiey
Continue north to St Vallier-de-Thiey, a small plateau town where Napoleon passed on 2 March 1815. A bust of the emperor stands in Place de l’Apiè, a reminder that even this quiet village played a role in the march north.
The town also sits above an extensive cave system. If time allows, the Baume Obscure caves offer a short underground detour that contrasts nicely with the open landscapes of the drive.
St Vallier-de-Thiey makes a calm and practical overnight stop, with traditional restaurants and a distinctly rural feel after the Riviera.
Day 2: St Vallier-de-Thiey to Digne-Les-Bains
Today’s drive leaves the Alpes-Maritimes behind and enters the wide valleys and high plateaus of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This is where the Route Napoléon begins to feel more remote and purposeful.
Castellane
The road winds north toward Castellane, dramatically set beneath limestone cliffs at the gateway to the Verdon region. Napoleon stopped here on 3 March 1815, and a plaque at 34 Rue Nationale marks the house where he paused for lunch.
Castellane itself is compact but striking. The Notre-Dame du Roc chapel, perched high above the town, offers sweeping views of the valley below if you have time for the climb. In summer, the town hosts traditional festivals and evening events that bring the square to life.
Just after Castellane, the route climbs over the Col des Lèques at 1,146 metres, passing waterfalls and rocky outcrops that make this one of the most scenic stretches so far.
Barrême
Barrême is a small, understated village best known for lavender distillation. The Musée de la Distillerie de Lavande gives insight into the region’s aromatic heritage, and the brick chimney of the former distillery is visible from much of the town.
A walk along the Asse de Moriez river and a relaxed lunch here break up the drive nicely. Barrême feels very much like the rural Provence Napoleon’s troops would have encountered, far removed from the coast they had left behind.
Digne-les-Bains
Napoleon arrived in Digne on 4 March 1815 and stayed overnight at the Château de Malijai, now the town hall and tourist office. Digne is best known for its thermal waters, fed by hot springs emerging from the surrounding mountains, and it makes an ideal place to slow the pace.
After a day on the road, a visit to the thermal baths is a fitting reward. Alternatively, the riverside Plan d’Eau des Ferréols offer easy outdoor options in warmer months.
The historic centre is small but pleasant, with Gothic architecture, a cathedral, and several museums that reflect the town’s scientific and cultural history.
Gorges du Verdon Side Trip
Castallane makes the perfect place for a day trip to the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, the 765-yard-deep river canyon. Head for Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a charming Provencal village with a tiny monastery high in the hills behind the town before exploring the gorge. It’s a bit touristy, but beautiful nonetheless, and on most days they have a great farmers market here.
Spend the rest of the day making the most of the Verdon Regional Natural Park and the Lac de Sainte-Croix, both of which offer various recreational activities like swimming, hiking, horseriding, and water sports, or explore the nearby lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau.
Day 3: Digne-Les-Bains to Gap
Today’s drive takes you out of the Provençal foothills and into the southern Alps, with landscapes becoming sharper, higher, and more dramatic as the day goes on. Distances are short, but this is a day that rewards steady pacing and well-chosen stops.
Digne-les-Bains
Leave Digne-les-Bains in the morning, following the Bléone Valley as the road begins a gradual climb north. If you didn’t have time the previous evening, this is a good moment for a short walk through the centre or a quick coffee before heading out.
The scenery here still feels distinctly Provençal, with dry hillsides and wide skies, but the transition toward alpine terrain begins almost immediately once you’re back on the road.
Sisteron
Sisteron is the first major stop of the day and one of the most dramatic towns on the Route Napoléon. Wedged between steep limestone cliffs and the River Durance, it’s instantly recognisable thanks to the Citadelle that towers above the town.
Park near the river and walk into the historic centre, where narrow streets, stairways, and small squares lead naturally upward. The cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers sits quietly below the citadel, while higher viewpoints offer wide views over the valley and surrounding mountains. Sisteron is compact but layered, making it ideal for an unhurried wander rather than a long stay.
Tallard
Leaving Sisteron, the route heads north through open countryside toward Tallard, best known today for its aerodrome and skydiving centre.
The historic core is anchored by the Château de Tallard, which reflects the town’s former strategic importance. If you’re stopping for lunch, the restaurant at the airfield is a surprisingly good option, with terrace seating and views of the surrounding peaks.
Gap
The final stretch into Gap is short, with the mountains closing in as you enter the Hautes-Alpes. Gap is more functional than picturesque, but it plays an important role in the Route Napoléon story. Napoleon spent the night here on 5 March 1815, and plaques around town mark his passage.
Spend the afternoon exploring the compact centre, passing the cathedral and strolling the main streets before settling in for the evening. After a day of villages and valleys, Gap feels like a natural pause point before the higher and more dramatic mountain stages ahead.
This is a transitional day that gently shifts the tone of the trip, moving you from Provence into the Alps and setting up the wild scenery of the days to come.
Day 4: Gap to La Mure
Today marks the shift into the high alpine section of the Route Napoléon. The scenery becomes more dramatic, the roads quieter, and the sense of following Napoleon’s original march feels more tangible. Although the mileage is modest, this is a full day of varied stops and changing landscapes.
Col Bayard
Leaving Gap, the route climbs steadily toward the Col Bayard, the highest point on the Route Napoléon at around 1,250 metres. The views open up quickly, with wide alpine meadows and distant peaks framing the road. This is a good early stop to stretch your legs and take in the first real mountain scenery of the trip.
Just beyond the col, a small detour leads toward Col de Gleize, a dramatic minor road with tight bends and expansive views. Even a short drive along this stretch gives a sense of the rugged terrain Napoleon’s troops had to cross.
Corps
The road descends gently into the isolated village of Corps, surrounded by mountains and deeply shaped by religious history. Despite its small size, Corps plays an important role in the Route Napoléon story, as Napoleon stayed here on the night of 6 March 1815.
The village centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. The church of Saint-Pierre reflects centuries of rebuilding after fires and conflict, while plaques around town quietly mark Napoleon’s passage. Just outside the village, views over the Lac du Sautet introduce the striking hydroelectric landscapes that characterise this part of the Alps.
If you enjoy local flavours, this is a good place to pause for regional products or a light lunch before continuing higher into the mountains.
La Salette-Fallavaux
From Corps, a detour climbs sharply toward La Salette-Fallavaux, home to one of France’s most important pilgrimage sites. The Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de la Salette sits high in open mountain terrain, with vast views and an atmosphere that feels distinctly removed from everyday life.
Whether or not you’re interested in religious history, the setting alone makes the detour worthwhile. The road itself is scenic, and the sense of isolation contrasts strongly with the busy coastal start of the route. Even a short stop here adds depth and variety to the day.
La Mure
The final stretch into La Mure crosses the Plateau Matheysin, a broad upland area with open skies and long views. La Mure was Napoleon’s last overnight stop before reaching Grenoble, and it feels like a natural pause before the journey’s conclusion.
The town centre is modest but welcoming, with a clock tower, old market area, and small museum that helps contextualise local history. This is a good evening to seek out regional dishes and slow the pace, as the following day is shorter but rich in historical significance.
Day four is one of the most atmospheric stages of the Route Napoléon, combining high mountain passes, quiet villages, and a strong sense of following history through the landscape rather than just passing through it.
Day 5: La Mure to Grenoble
The final day of the Route Napoléon is short in distance but heavy with historical significance. This is where the march turns from a risky gamble into a political turning point, as Napoleon confronts royalist troops and secures his return to power, at least temporarily.
Laffrey
Leaving La Mure, the road descends gently toward Laffrey, passing lakes and open countryside before reaching one of the most pivotal moments of the entire journey. At the Pré de la Rencontre, Napoleon came face to face with royalist soldiers sent to arrest him.
Rather than fleeing or fighting, he stepped forward alone and challenged them to fire. Instead, the troops rallied to him, shouting their allegiance and effectively sealing his success. Today, a statue commemorates the event, and the site is clearly marked. Even without deep historical knowledge, standing here gives a strong sense of how close history came to turning out very differently.
Nearby lakes and open spaces make this a good place for a short walk or pause, especially if you want to break up the drive before Grenoble.
Vizille
A short drive brings you to Vizille, where the Route Napoléon overlaps with the broader story of the French Revolution. The Château de Vizille sits within expansive landscaped grounds and now houses the Museum of the French Revolution, offering context that helps frame Napoleon’s return within the wider political upheaval of the era.
The park is ideal for a relaxed stroll, and the château provides one of the most substantial cultural stops of the day. Vizille also works well as a lunch stop, with a handful of reliable restaurants close to the château entrance.
Grenoble
The Route Napoléon officially ends in Grenoble, where Napoleon was welcomed and stayed before continuing north toward Paris. Today, Grenoble is a lively Alpine city, framed by mountains on all sides and offering a striking contrast to the villages and high passes of the previous days.
The historic centre is compact and walkable, with museums, cafés, and river views that make it easy to spend an afternoon exploring. For a final highlight, take the cable car up to the Bastille fortress, where panoramic views stretch across the city and surrounding peaks. Walking back down is a rewarding way to close out the journey on foot.
Grenoble makes a natural endpoint for the Route Napoléon, but it also connects easily with wider France. From here, you can continue north toward Lyon and Paris, loop west into Provence and the Drôme, or head deeper into the Alps.
Day five brings the Route Napoléon to a fitting conclusion, blending decisive historical moments with a modern city that still feels shaped by its mountain setting. The journey may be short on the map, but the sense of arrival is unmistakable.
Where to Stay on the Route Napoléon
This road trip works best when you treat accommodation as part of the journey rather than a choice between bases. Each overnight stop follows the route north, keeps daily driving manageable, and avoids unnecessary backtracking through mountain roads.
All locations below sit directly on, or very close to, the official Route Napoléon and are well suited to travellers with a car or motorbike.
Day 1: Vallauris Golfe-Juan or St Vallier-de-Thiey
Luxury: Bastide Saint Antoine is a refined countryside stay near Grasse, with gardens, a pool, and easy parking. Ideal for a relaxed first night after arriving on the Côte d’Azur.
Mid-range: Logis Le Relais Imperial in St Vallier-de-Thiey sits directly on the route and has historic links to Napoleon’s march, making it a fitting and practical overnight stop.
Budget: Hotel le Préjoly is a simple, car-friendly option with straightforward access and good value for a one-night stay.
Day 2: Digne-les-Bains
Mid-range: Kyriad Digne-les-Bains is modern, comfortable, and easy to reach by car, with parking and good access to the town and thermal baths.
Budget: Hotel Saint-Michel is centrally located and practical for an overnight stop without complications.
Day 3: Gap Area
Luxury: Hôtel Spa & Restaurant Les Autanes in Ancelle offers mountain views, spa facilities, and a peaceful setting above Gap, ideal after a longer driving day.
Mid-range: Les Olivades is a comfortable, reliable choice with parking and good road access.
Budget: Logis Havvah Hôtel Gap is affordable, straightforward, and well suited to short stays.
Day 4: La Mure or Corps
Mid-range: Hotel de la Poste in Corps sits directly on the route and makes a logical stop before the final push north.
Budget: Logis Murtel in La Mure is practical, good value, and easy to reach after mountain driving.
Day 5: Grenoble (Route Finish)
Luxury: Hotel Restaurant Chavant offers a refined final night with easy access and excellent dining.
Mid-range: RockyPop Grenoble Hotel is modern, relaxed, and ideal for road trippers.
Budget: Maison Barbillon Hôtel Grenoble Centre Gare is a comfortable and affordable central option with private parking.
Booking Tips for the Route Napoléon
Accommodation along the Route Napoléon is more limited than in coastal or city-based routes, especially in the mountain sections. Booking with the route in mind makes the trip far smoother.
Road Trip Tips for the Route Napoléon
This route is about the drive as much as the destinations. A little planning makes a big difference.
Route Napoléon: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to road trip the Route Napoléon?
Late spring and early autumn are ideal. May, June, and September offer clear roads, mild temperatures, and far fewer crowds. July is a good choice if you want to combine the route with Provence or the coast, but expect hotter temperatures and busier towns. Winter is not recommended due to snow, unpredictable weather, and mountain driving conditions.
How long does the Route Napoléon take to drive properly?
Although the route is only around 324 km and can technically be driven in a day, that misses the point entirely. To enjoy the landscapes, towns, and historical stops, allow 5–7 days. This gives you time to explore without rushing and makes the drive feel like a journey rather than a transit route.
Is the Route Napoléon dangerous?
No, not in normal conditions. The route follows well-maintained national and departmental roads and is suitable for confident drivers. There are mountain sections with bends and elevation changes, but nothing extreme. Drive during daylight, take your time, and avoid bad weather, and it’s a very manageable road trip.
Can you do the Route Napoléon in a motorhome or campervan?
Yes. The route is fully paved and passable for motorhomes and campervans. Villages are generally bypassed, and parking is usually available near town centres. Take extra care on narrower mountain sections, and avoid driving into historic town cores where parking can be tight. Many travellers complete the route very comfortably in larger vehicles.
Where does the Route Napoléon start and finish?
Officially, the Route Napoléon starts in Golfe-Juan, where Napoleon landed after returning from exile on Elba, and ends in Grenoble, where he was received before continuing north toward Paris. The route can be driven in either direction, but south-to-north best reflects the historical journey and the gradual shift from coast to Alps.
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