Route Napoleon is one of the best drives across France
France, europe
325 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
# Route Napoleon: Following in the Emperor's Footsteps
Ready for a road trip with serious historical vibes? The Route Napoleon is a stunning 325 km (200 mi) drive that traces Napoleon's dramatic escape from exile in 1815. The entire route is paved and perfectly drivable, making it way more accessible than you'd think for such an epic journey.
Starting at the charming coastal town of Golfe-Juan on the French Riviera—the exact spot where Napoleon landed on March 1st, 1815—this drive takes you through some seriously gorgeous French countryside. You'll wind through Provence, hitting spots like Cannes and Grasse before heading inland toward the Pre-Alps. The route passes through a bunch of picturesque villages and towns that are totally worth stopping to explore, like the striking Sisteron and the elegant Digne-les-Bains.
The highlights? You'll cross two impressive mountain passes: Col des Leques (1,146 m) and Col Bayard (1,248 m), plus navigate some stunning natural features like the dramatic Clue de Taulanne gorge. Keep an eye out for the iconic brown eagle statues marking the way—they're your guide and a cool historical touch. The road itself is beautifully engineered with smooth corners and incredible views, ending in the charming alpine city of Grenoble.
Most people knock this out in 8-9 hours of driving, but honestly? Take your time. Split it over a few days and soak in the scenery, history, and charm. The route is studded with monuments and plaques telling Napoleon's story, and you can even visit the castle where the man himself spent a night. It's history you can actually drive through.
Where is it?
Route Napoleon is one of the best drives across France 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
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