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ROUTE NAPOLÉON, FRANCE – RIVIERA TO THE ALPS

Scenic: ★★★★☆

Thrilling: ★★★★☆

The Route Napoléon follows the historic path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815, stretching from the Côte d’Azur deep into the southern Alps of France. Today, this legendary road combines sweeping curves, rolling hills, pine forests, lavender fields (in season), and traditional French villages, offering one of the most rewarding scenic drives in southern France.

WHAT IS ROUTE NAPOLEON?​


Officially designated as the N85, the Route Napoléon covers approximately 325 kilometres (200 miles), beginning in Golfe-Juan on the French Riviera and running north through the Alpes-Maritimes to Grenoble.

The route marks the path Napoleon took after escaping exile on the island of Elba, aiming to reclaim power from the restored French monarchy.


DRIVING THE ROUTE NAPOLÉON TODAY


Napoleon originally travelled south to north, but for drivers today the recommended direction is north to south, finishing at the Mediterranean. This direction offers:


  • Expanding views toward the Riviera

  • Better visual flow

  • A more dramatic sense of arrival at the coast


Along the way, reminders of Napoleon’s march remain visible in the form of Imperial Eagle statues, marking key points along the route. The road passes through a varied landscape that includes rolling hills, pine forests, open plateaus, and areas near the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, adding to its scenic appeal.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU ALLOW?

In 1815, Napoleon and his entourage needed around one week to complete the journey.

Today, the Route Napoléon can be driven in 7–8 hours, but doing so turns it into a transit road rather than an experience. To truly appreciate it, we recommend:


  • Breaking the drive into stages

  • Combining it with nearby highlights such as the Gorges du Verdon

  • Planning overnight stops in Provence or the Verdon region

HISTORY OF THE ROUTE NAPOLÉON


Red Ferrari sports car parked beside the Route Napoléon plaque in Cannes, marking Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1815 landing and the start of his historic journey into the French Alps.
Ferrari on Route Napoléon in Cannes — paused beside the historic plaque marking Napoleon Bonaparte’s landing in 1815 and the start of his march from the French Riviera into the Alps.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE ROUTE NAPOLÉON PROPERLY

Route Napoléon works best when treated as a connector road, linking the Riviera with Provence and the Alps rather than as a standalone drive. Natural extensions include Gorges du Verdon and Mont Ventoux through Provence backroads and hill towns.


When combined thoughtfully, the route becomes part of a coherent, scenic driving journey through southern France.



Aerial view of a winding mountain road with tight hairpin bends cutting through an autumn forest in the mountains
Two Porsche sports cars driving along a high alpine mountain pass bordered by snow walls.
Scenic mountain road descending through a wide green alpine valley with layered mountain ridges in the distance.
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