How long is Route Napoleon?
France, europe
325 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Get ready for an epic road trip along Route Napoleon, a seriously stunning drive that snakes through the French mountains, linking the glitzy French Riviera to the rugged southern Pre-Alps. It's basically following in the footsteps of Napoleon himself when he made his daring escape from Elba back in 1815!
We're talking about 325 km (200 mi) of pure driving bliss on perfectly paved roads (routes N85, D1085, D4085, and D6085 to be exact).
The adventure kicks off in Golfe-Juan, a charming coastal town on the Côte d'Azur where Napoleon first stepped ashore on March 1st, 1815. From there, you'll wind your way through Provence, hitting spots like Cannes and Grasse before heading inland. Expect to pass through picturesque towns like Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, Castellane (home of the Napoleon Bridge!), and Barrême. You'll conquer the Col des Leques (1,146 m), cruise along the Bléone river, and even spot a castle where Napoleon supposedly spent the night. Sisteron and Gap are on the itinerary before tackling the Col Bayard (1,248 m) and pushing on to Grenoble.
Trust me, this drive is worth it. Imagine charming towns and villages begging to be explored and Imperial Eagle statues marking your way. The road itself is a masterpiece, designed for speed and showcasing your car's performance. Inaugurated in 1932, this historical route is dotted with monuments and commemorative plaques.
Give yourself around 8 to 9 hours to complete the whole route. Napoleon took a week with a thousand men in tow, but you might want to spread it out over a few days to soak up the incredible views. Just keep your eyes peeled for the brown eagle signs, and get ready for the ride of your life!
Where is it?
How long is Route Napoleon? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 43.8843, 6.4394
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 325 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 43.8843, 6.4394
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Val Pelouse?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Val Pelouse, a totally abandoned ski resort nestled high in the Savoie department of France! Picture this: you're in the southeastern part of the country, heading up to 1,728m (5,669ft) above sea level. What awaits you at the top? A parking lot, and… well, not much else. So, what’s the story here? Back in the day, during the Alps' winter sports boom, some bright sparks decided to create a ski resort way up here. It started small, just a few lifts and a cozy chalet. Over time, it grew, boasting five lifts serving nine slopes, and even a unique dormitory-restaurant combo. Locals and school groups flocked here, but sadly, it was never a roaring success. The slopes were deemed a bit too intense for families, though off-piste adventurers loved it. Plans for expansion never panned out, and the resort eventually closed its doors. These days, Val Pelouse is a ghost of its former self, a free flight take-off site, and the starting point for some epic hikes. But let's talk about the road! It's paved, but don't expect smooth sailing. Expect some potholes and rough patches, so keep your eyes peeled, especially on the way down. This relentless, steep climb winds through the woods before emerging above the treeline, offering some gorgeous views. The road may be deserted, but it's also used by hikers and paragliders. Ready for the numbers? The ascent is a solid 13.5 km (8.38 miles). The first 4 km are a gentle warm-up, but then BAM! The remaining 12.4 km average over 9%, and the last 10 km never dip below that. Be prepared for a challenge! Oh, and one more thing: the road to the summit is typically closed in winter, only opening to the village of Arvillard at 728m.
hardWhere is the French Road that Disappears Underwater?
🇫🇷 France
Picture this: a road in France that vanishes twice a day! I'm talking about the Passage du Gois, a 5.3km (3.29 mi) stretch of the D948 that connects mainland Beauvoir-sur-Mer to the island of Noirmoutier. It's on the Atlantic coast in the Vendée department. This isn't your average scenic drive; it's a wild ride dictated by the tides. For a few precious hours around low tide, you can cruise across this stone-paved causeway, but mistime it, and you'll be swimming (along with your car!). At high tide, it's submerged under up to 4 meters of water. Keep a close eye on the tide times and the signs at either end of the road - they'll let you know if it's safe to cross. After the tide recedes, watch out for slippery seaweed. Trucks and buses are restricted to one-way traffic, heading from the mainland to the island. Fog can also roll in quickly, so take it slow and use your lights. Despite the challenges, it's an unforgettable experience. The Passage du Gois is a national monument attracting hordes of visitors eager to see it appear from the sea. You'll be flanked by fishing boats and stunning views. It's a must-see if you're in the area!
hardCorne de Sorebois
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Corne de Sorebois: A Summer Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,879 meters (9,445 feet) in Switzerland's Valais region, Corne de Sorebois is one of the country's most extreme mountain roads. This chairlift access trail winds through the stunning Swiss Pennine Alps with rocky, gravel terrain that'll test your nerve and your vehicle's suspension. Fair warning: this isn't for the faint of heart. The gradient exceeds 30% in places, and it only gets gnarlier as you climb higher, with loose stones giving way to pure rock. Those upper sections? Absolutely relentless. The wind here is no joke either—it howls year-round and can be seriously powerful, even catching experienced drivers off guard. Here's the kicker: you can really only tackle this in late August when conditions are semi-reasonable. Even then, don't be shocked if summer snow catches you. Winter? Forget about it—the temperatures are absolutely brutal, and the road becomes virtually impassable. This is genuinely one of Switzerland's highest drivable routes, and it demands serious respect. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, this is your sign to skip it. But if you're a seasoned mountain driver craving an unforgettable alpine challenge, Corne de Sorebois delivers the goods.
extremePort d’Aula is one of the most beautiful roads of the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Port d'Aulà: A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees Perched at 2,265 meters (7,431 feet) in the heart of the Pyrenees, Port d'Aulà marks the border between France and Spain—connecting Ariège in southwestern France with Lleida in Catalonia. But this mountain pass is more than just a scenic viewpoint; it's a place steeped in history. During Spain's Civil War (1936-1939), desperate refugees fleeing Franco's regime scrambled across these peaks toward France, only to face grim conditions in overcrowded camps. Decades later, French Jews would reverse the journey, using this same route to escape the Nazis during World War II. The mountains have witnessed both hope and heartbreak. Today, the French side offers something truly special: the Route Forestiere du Port d'Aulà. Built in the 1970s and remaining unpaved, this road is a serious contender for one of the Pyrenees' most stunning drives. But don't mistake "beautiful" for "easy." Starting from Couflens, you're looking at a relentless 17.8-kilometer (11-mile) climb with nearly 1,600 meters of elevation gain. The road pitches up to a brutal 12.9% gradient with 43 hairpin turns that demand respect—it's so narrow that two cars simply can't pass. The final stretch? That's reserved for foot traffic and mountain bikers only. As you wind your way up, the Etang de Prat Matau and Etang d'Areau—pristine alpine lakes—will reward your effort with views that make every hairpin turn worthwhile. The Spanish side, by contrast, has no road to the summit at all, making the French approach the only way to reach this isolated high-altitude crossing.