Roadtrip on the Route Napoléon: the essential steps

Do you want to discover one of the most mythical tracks in the history of France? Here are the essential steps of the Route Napoléon!

And why not offer a road trip on the Route Napoléon? Located from the Côte d’Azur and to Grenoble, it is one of the most mythical roads in France. In March 1815, the fallen Emperor Napoleon I exiled to the island of Elbe, landed in Juan-les-Pins to join Paris . He is committed to reconquering power on a winding road with 1,200 men. In Golfe-Juan, he states that “the eagle will fly from bell tower to the towers of Notre-Dame”. 205 years later, it is a 324-kilometre tourist adventure traced back to this major episode of the history of France.

Rolling on the steps of the Route Napoléon is making a unique journey through the small villages of Provence to the foot of the Alps. Here are the essential steps of this road called "The Eagle Flight".

Step 1: Golfe-Juan and Vallauris

It was at the port of Golfe-Juan, today Vallauris, that Napoleon I landed on 1 March 1815. Vallauris is a small seaside town between Cannes and Antibes . The beach of the city is protected from winds, which makes it its main asset. It is an opportunity to visit the island of Sainte-Marguerite and Antibes (old city, port Vauban, Fort Carré, cathedral, Cap d’Antibes).

Juan-les-Pins is immanquable if you also like art, including the Picasso Museum and the Painters Route. It is a circuit of the villages that inspired the impressionist painters (Renoir, Monet), cubists (Picasso) and surrealists (Cocteau). Your steps will be guided by the effluves of the Provencal markets (eucalyptus, pines, spices, flowers and lavender) and the bright colours of the alleys, typical of Midi.

Step 2: Cannes

Rendez-vous the Côte d’Azur , Cannes is the den of luxury amatists. Don't miss the typical Suquet area, the old city of Cannes, and visit the picturesque alleys. Visit the church of Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage. This is where Napoleon I and his men established their camp.

The program also includes the old-port, markets, the Palais des Festivals, the Croisette, the path of the stars and the beaches. If Cannes symbolizes cinema and luxury, it is also a charming city where to enjoy beautiful romantic getaways.

Step 3: Mougins

Direction the north and the hinterland of the Alpes-Maritimes, with Mougins. This is one of the many picturesque villages of the Côte d’Azur : Mougins has preserved a medieval old town, with its paved alleys wrapped around its central fountain.

The heights allow you to have nice views of the bay of Cannes. On the streets, enjoy the art galleries and terraces of the city. Visit also some historic chapels, including Notre-Dame-de-Vie Chapel or Saint-Barthélémy Chapel.

Step 4: Grasse

The fourth stage of the Route Napoléon is undoubtedly passing by Grasse. The world capital of perfume, this city is emblematic of the Provencal hinterland. Colored, it exhumes scents and flavors to anyone stirring up its picturesque alleys. It awakens the senses and invites to explore the culture of perfume flowers by local artisans.

North of the city, you enter the regional natural park of the Préalpes d’Azur. It was on the plateau of Roquevignon that the emperor stopped there. On your way, discover the village of Cabris. Perched on its hill, it gives a splendid view of the sea and the massif of the Estérel. To the north, the Col du Pilon and the pretty village of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey lead you to almost 1,000 meters of altitude, enjoying the eyes.

Step 5: Castellane

After the magnificent pass of Valferrière, take a step in Castellane. At the east end of the Verdon Gorges, it is a typical town of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Between the mountains and on the verdon, we change the scenery. In Castellane, there is no longer the palm trees of the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounded by green hills and limestone valleys, the city reveals its colourful facades and its peaceful atmosphere to visitu·rs·ses.

Do not miss a detour by the lake of Castillon before taking over the Route Napoléon: the villages of Senez, Barrème and Chateauredon. Castellane is also an ideal destination for outdoor sports (hiking, rafting, canyoning swimming, etc.).

Step 6: Digne-les-Bains

The prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department is nicknamed the "Lavender capital". The Valensole Plateau, world renowned for its lavender fields, is not far away. In the summer, these fields of blue-violet flowers extend to a loss of sight: make a small detour.

Digne-les-Bains is also known for its hot water sources and air quality. The Geopark of Haut-Provence, a must-see, is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your way north, stop, like the emperor, in the castle of Malijai.

Step 7: Sisteron

With its imposing pierced citadel on the Durance, Sisteron is a strategic crossing point in Haute-Provence since the Roman era. Its picturesque historic centre and lavender fields mark the transition between Provence and Dauphiné. The acerated peaks of the Alps, the alpine and Mediterranean vegetation.

The citadel of Sisteron is classified as a Historic Monument, erected by the Henry IV engineer . In summer, the Marres Water Plan offers an excellent swimming spot, which is rare in the city centre. The citadel recalls the passage of the fallen emperor, with the hippomobile museum, Napoleonic places and the epic museum from February 26 to March 20, 1815.

Sisteron’s stage was decisive on the Route Napoléon: the population and the mayor were royalists in 1815. They were therefore potentially hostile to the return of the emperor. The latter was received at the Hôtel du bras d’Or, rue Saunerie. He said "soldiers, we are saved, we are in Paris!" when we arrive. The population, who became nervous, forced him to leave the city quickly.

Step 8: Gap

On the road to Gap (now D4085), the villages recall the passage of Napoleon I: Le Poët, Upaix, Ventavon and Monêtier-Allemont. It was only in Upaix that Napoleon Bonaparte had received the warmest welcome since his landing in Provence.

In Gap, a very sporty city, cross the mountain and Mediterranean climates. Perched at more than 700 metres above sea level, the city is between the National Park of the Ecrins and the Devoluy Mountains. Don't miss the historic centre and the gardens of Domaine de Charance. You then start the crossing of the Alps.

Step 9: Laffrey

Passing the Bayard pass, the Champsaur valley and the village of Corps, find the village of Laffrey. This is the first-ever unmissable stage of the Route Napoléon. A stage in Laffrey allows a beautiful view of the homonymous lake and the surrounding mountains. But it is above all an important historic halt. The fallen Emperor met the royal troops of Louis XVIII, who came to arrest him. Brave the rifles of the royalist soldiers, Napoleon I manages to deter them from firing and rally them to his cause.

On the wall of Lafrrey Cemetery, you can read a commemorative plaque of the event, with the words of the Emperor to the king’s soldiers. This episode took place at the Prairie de la Rencontre, west of Lake Laffrey.

Step 10: Grenoble

After Vizille and Brié-et-Angonnes, the Route Napoléon ends in Grenoble, the Isère prefecture. Between March 7, 1815, he noted a very enthusiastic reception of the population. It was in Grenoble that he restored by decree the imperial power, without using any weapon.

In Grenoble, take the cable car to visit the fortified site of the Bastille, overlooking the city. The centre reveals its charms: the park Paul Mistral, the Place Grenette, the Museum of Resistance and Deportation, the fountain of the Lion, the Place de Verdun.

Finally, do not miss walking on the St.Lawrence Bridge. Grenoble is also a very festive and very sporty student city. Gathered between the mountains (Belledonne, Vercors, Chartreuse, Chamrousse), Grenoble is an ideal sport destination all year round.

With all these steps, you now know what to miss on the Route Napoléon. You will be able to relive the greatest moments of this journey, which has entered the history of France.