Discovering the Route NapoléonOne of the finest road trips in Europe
{{vm.getLabel('Global.Loading')}}
{{getLabel('Filters.Advanced')}}
{{vm.getAdvancedFilterTitle()}}
{{vm.getShowHideAdvancedFilterLabel()}}
{{vm.getShowHideAdvancedFilterLabel()}}
{{vm.getShowHideAdvancedFilterLabel()}}
Show more filters
Search vacation
Search vacation
Search vacation
Search vacation
In Napoleon's footsteps through ProvenceRoute Napoléon is 324 kilometres of the most beautiful France - from rugged Alpine peaks in the north to the southern lushness of Provence and ending on the Mediterranean coast. The Route Napoléon is a historic route that follows the path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 when he returned to France from his exile on the island of Elba. After spending a year in exile, he landed at Golfe-Juan on the French Mediterranean coast with one clear goal: to reach Paris and reclaim the throne from King Louis XVIII. Accompanied by his army of 1200 men, Napoleon chose to cross the Alps and follow the narrow mountain passes to avoid Royalist opposition. In six days, they covered almost 324 kilometres, spanning the beautiful regions of Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur. This journey marked the beginning of his short-lived comeback, which became known as The Hundred Days (Les cent jours). The route got its name in 1932 and became a symbol of Napoleon's triumph and his unforgettable moments in French history. Today, the Route Napoléon is a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and travellers who want to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture that the route connects. Read more about the experiences along the Route Napoléon below. 👇 
Follow Route Napoléon 🚗Take an unforgettable self-drive holiday to the South of France along the historic Route Napoléon. Experience the freedom of driving through the scenic countryside, where every kilometre takes you through magnificent mountains and breathtaking valleys. Arrive at your own holiday oasis in sunny Provence or on the glittering Côte d'Azur. Find your holiday oasis hereA historic journey through the South of FranceAdd a few extra days to your self-drive holiday to the French Riviera and take a beautiful detour off the beaten tourist track. One of the most popular and classic routes through the south of France is the Napoleonic route, which stretches from Grenoble to the Mediterranean coast. After Grenoble you enter the Napoleonic route, the N85, and continue southwards into breathtaking countryside. Pass through rolling mountains, lush valleys and charming villages, with each stop providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and history. The route is framed by majestic Alps to the north, which gradually give way to gentle hills and olive groves until you reach the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. This journey is not just a transport from A to B; it's an opportunity to experience the best of southern France's nature and culture, making the drive south an unforgettable experience in itself. 
Experiences along the routeNapoleon's meeting at Lac de Laffrey Just south of Grenoble, you come to Lac de Laffrey , surrounded by the most beautiful nature. At Lac de Laffrey stands an impressive monument in honour of Napoleon. It was here that he met the government troops from Paris who tried to block his way. Napoleon bravely stepped to the front, unbuttoned his grey cloak and challenged them with the words: ‘Which of you dares to shoot your emperor?’ No one took up the challenge, which is why Napoleon then had free passage to Paris. The town of Gap at the foot of the Alps Continue on to Gap, which, with its location at 735 metres above sea level, is impossible to miss. Take a stroll through the charming old town, passing the cosy Place Jean Marcellin square, perfect for enjoying a bite to eat at one of the local cafés. Continue along the nearby pedestrianised streets and admire the beautiful façade of the 18th-century town hall. The 19th-centuryNotre-Dame-et-Saint-Arnoux Cathedral with its impressive 70 metre high bell tower is definitely worth a visit. Gap has a lot to offer and if you're interested in museums, don't miss the Gap Department Museum dedicated to art history and archaeology. Sisteron - the pearl of upper Provence Just an hour's drive from Gap is the town of Sisteron, often referred to as the pearl of upper Provence. Its historic centre takes you back to the Middle Ages with its fortified towers, the Roman cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers, and the winding streets and small squares with picturesque fountains. Perched high above the city on a cliff top is the Château de Sisteron, a castle that dates back to the Middle Ages. Strategically located between the provinces of Provence and Dauphiné, now the Hautes-Alpes department, this castle has been at the centre of the region's history for centuries. From up here you can enjoy the most stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 
Where Napoleon stopped 20 kilometres further south, you'll reach the small town of Malijai, where the rivers Bléone and Durance meet. Napoleon stayed here in the town's elegant pink castle, which today serves as the town hall. The castle's ground floor also houses an interesting collection of plaster ornaments. The capital of lavender From here, the journey continues through the winding roads of the Alps towards the charming Digne-les-Bains, known as the capital of lavender. The city is famous for its healing springs that have attracted visitors since antiquity. Take a relaxing stroll along Rue Mère de Dieu, which has hardly changed since Napoleon walked here, and stop at the Hôtel de Petit Paris, where a plaque commemorates the Emperor's passing. 
Castellane at the Verdon Gorge Continue your journey through the lush mountain landscape to Castellane at the northern end of the Verdon Gorge. On the banks of the Verdon River, the town sits at the foot of a 184 metre high rocky peak with a small chapel on top. The historic town centre is partially surrounded by its ancient fortifications and features several medieval buildings. From Castellane you can take a detour to the magnificent Gorges du Verdon, France's answer to the Grand Canyon, where the emerald green river has cut its way down the mountain for centuries. The perfume city of Grasse Follow the Emperor's trail to the winding, flower-filled streets of Mougins and on to Mouans Sartoux, where the old 16th-century castle and handcrafted artworks are waiting to be explored. The scent of the rose leads you to the lively town of Grasse, famous for its exclusive perfume made from the rare Rose Centifolia. Its enchanting scent will surely lure you to the city's intriguing perfume museum.
The glittering Mediterranean Your journey ends along the French Mediterranean coastline with the glittering azure sea. Visit picturesque coastal towns like Antibes, whose narrow cobbled streets and historic houses create an authentic atmosphere. In Golfe-Juan, where Napoleon landed, a charming seaside resort awaits for a refreshing swim. Continue like Napoleon to Cannes, the legendary playground of the jet set, where you can explore Rue Bivouac Napoléon and the beautiful church Église Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage, built in honour of the emperor's voyage. Whether you're drawn to the cultural and historical significance or simply want to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the South of France at your leisure, the Napoleon Route is an experience you won't want to miss. With a perfect blend of history, nature and food, this route offers a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories on your holiday. Let the Napoleon Route take you from north to south, or south to north, with each kilometre telling its own story! 
MarketsA guide to the best markets on the Riviera. The Côte-d'Azur is a paradise of picturesque towns, lux... 
Sights in Southern FranceThe South of France is a destination that offers a unique combination of breathtaking natural lands... 
Wine regionsAs France's oldest wine region, Provence has a magnificent history stretching back to around 600 BC... |