Route Napoléon: itinerary, stages and tips 2025

Route Napoléon: the historic route between Cannes/Golfe-Juan and Grenoble, its key stages and all our 2025 tips to organize it without stress.

Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon's return in 1815, along the legendary RN85. In this guide, you will find a clear itinerary (3 to 5 days), the unmissable stages, the best times of year, ideas for stops and practical advice for driving with complete peace of mind — with a focus on the Grasse region and Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, the strategic heart of the route.

In short

• A historic route of approximately 320 km between Golfe-Juan and Grenoble, marked by the imperial eagle.

• Ideal duration: 3 to 5 days to enjoy Grasse, Castellane, Digne, Sisteron, Gap and the Trièves.

• Best time: April-June and September-October; winter possible but conditions at altitude vary.

• Scenic road without tolls (RN85), some mountain passes >1200m: smooth driving and engine braking are essential.

• Practical base on the azure section: Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, with the charm of the Relais Impérial .

Understanding the Napoleon Route

Historical origin (1815)

On March 1, 1815, Napoleon landed at Golfe-Juan after his exile on the island of Elba and marched back to Paris through the Prealps, bypassing the Rhône Valley. This route, which became known as the “Route Napoléon,” is punctuated by significant events (Sisteron, Laffrey) that have fueled the legend. To explore the context and sources, consult the Fondation Napoléon website .

The current route and its signage

The modern route largely follows the RN85, recognizable by the imperial eagle marking the road. It connects Golfe-Juan/Cannes to Grenoble via Grasse, Castellane, Digne-les-Bains, Sisteron, Gap, Corps, and La Mure. Allow approximately 7–8 hours of driving time (excluding sightseeing). For an overview, the Wikipedia page – Route Napoléon – remains a useful resource.

Who is this road for?

• Travelers by car in search of varied landscapes: Mediterranean, Pre-Alps, lakes and valleys.

• Motorcyclists, for its series of bends and panoramas.

• Families and history buffs, thanks to numerous museums, citadels and nature stops.

Recommended itinerary 2025 (3 to 5 days)

Day 1 — Golfe-Juan/Cannes > Grasse > Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey > Castellane

• Departure from Golfe-Juan or Cannes, heading towards Grasse (capital of perfume).

• Perfume break in Grasse: museums and workshops (see the Museums of Grasse – MIP and Fragonard ).

• Continue towards Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, a village on the RN85, a strategic location between the sea and the Pre-Alps.

• Stopover or overnight stay in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey: opt for the authenticity and tranquility of the Relais Impérial , ideal for exploring the area.

• Continue towards Castellane, gateway to the Verdon Gorges.

Local tip: Make a stop in midday in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey: you avoid the coastal crowds, enjoy the panoramas of the Grasse region and leave rested towards Castellane.

Day 2 — Castellane > (Verdon detour) > Digne-les-Bains

• Nature option: short loop in the Verdon Gorges – Verdon Park .

• Route to Digne-les-Bains, spa town and capital of Haute-Provence, known for its geological landscapes (UNESCO Global Geopark – see UNESCO Global Geoparks, Haute-Provence section).

Day 3 — Digne-les-Bains > Sisteron > Gap (Col Bayard)

• Sisteron and its citadel: a key stop on the route (info and tickets:Sisteron Citadel ).

• Head towards Gap via the RN85, crossing high plateaus and the Col Bayard (>1,200 m).

Day 4 — Gap > Corps > La Mure > Grenoble

• Lakes, views of the Trièves and Matheysine regions.

• Arrival in Grenoble, a city of museums and sciences, at the foot of the mountains (see Grenoble Tourism ).

Reverse the direction

You can absolutely travel from Grenoble to the French Riviera: the visual experience changes, and arriving on the Mediterranean at sunset is memorable.

Approximate distances and times on the Route Napoléon

The values below are orders of magnitude (method: usual map surveys and average traffic outside of peak times; add the visit time).

Section	Approximate distance	Estimated driving time (without stops)	Points of interest
Golfe-Juan/Cannes > Grasse	~20 km	~40 min	Perfume museums, historic alleyways
Grasse > Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey	~12 km	~20 min	Balconies of the Grasse region
Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey > Castellane	~38 km	~50 min	Verdon Gates, Notre-Dame du Roc
Castellane > Digne-les-Bains	~75–80 km	~1h30	Gorges, geology, thermal baths
Digne-les-Bains > Sisteron	~55 km	~1h10	Durance Valley
Sisteron > Gap	~70 km	~1h20	Col Bayard, alpine bocage
Gap > Corps > La Mure	~60 km	~1h10	Lakes and viewpoints
La Mure > Grenoble	~35–40 km	~50 min	Vercors and Trièves in panorama

Must-see stops and gourmet breaks

Grasse and the Grasse region

The world capital of perfume, Grasse, offers workshops and museums to help you understand essences and perfume-making techniques. Allow 2–3 hours for a museum visit and a stroll. The village of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, 15 minutes away, offers a peaceful retreat for the night and direct access to the RN85 highway. Enjoy a meal on the terrace at Le Relais Impérial, a blend of bistro fare and wood-fired pizza.

Castellane and the gateway to the Verdon

Castellane, dominated by the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel, is the gateway to the Verdon Gorge. Canoeing, hiking, viewpoints: adapt your activities to the season and weather. The Verdon Regional Natural Park publishes safety advice and suggested routes.

Digne-les-Bains: Geology and Thermal Baths

Beyond its thermal waters, the region is famous for its geological heritage (Haute-Provence Nature Reserve, a UNESCO Global Geopark). Check out the trails and museum spaces on the UNESCO Global Geoparks portal.

Sisteron, the Gateway to Provence

Its iconic citadel overlooks the Durance River. Climb up to the ramparts for the view and to learn about its history. Practical information, opening hours and tickets:Sisteron Citadel .

Gap, the Matheysine region and Grenoble

Cliffs, lakes and valleys open the road to Grenoble. A final scenic stretch before plunging into the capital of the Alps, rich in museums, innovation and gastronomy (events and ideas: Grenoble Tourism ).

Practical advice for 2025

Direction of travel and ideal duration

• 3 days: efficient overview with 1–2 major visits per day.

• 4–5 days: ideal pace for nature + heritage + gastronomy.

• Southbound to northbound: gradual climb in altitude; reverse direction: spectacular arrival at sea. Anticipate traffic by consulting Bison Futé .

Weather and best time

• Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October): mild temperatures, pleasant light.

• Summer: hotter and busier; leave early, stay hydrated, book your accommodations.

• Winter: passable but mountain passes sometimes snow-covered or icy. Check the Météo-France weather forecast and adapt your tires/equipment accordingly.

Driving and safety in the mountains

• Favor a smooth driving style, anticipate turns, use engine braking on descents.

• Take breaks every 2 hours; monitor temperature and brakes.

• Motorcyclists: equip yourselves (gloves, back protector) and adapt your speed; useful reminder:Road Safety – motorcycle .

Budget, fuel and tolls

• The RN85 is toll-free; the costs come from fuel, visits and stops.

• Gas stations: present in major cities; in the mountains, plan ahead and fill up.

• To estimate your costs and time outside of peak hours: calculate with ViaMichelin .

Where to sleep and eat well on the French Riviera

Just 15 minutes from Grasse and directly on the Route Napoléon, the Relais Impérial offers 28 cozy rooms, some with terraces and views of the hills. Two dining options are available on-site: a bistronomic restaurant (featuring local produce) and a wood-fired pizzeria, both with terraces. Discover the rooms and services , or book your stay .

Napoleonic Heritage and Events

Museums, historical reenactments, and exhibitions take place throughout the year in various towns and cities. For historical information, the Fondation Napoléon provides reliable resources, including dossiers and thematic calendars. Plan ahead by also consulting the websites of local tourist offices.

Join and prepare your journey

Access from the French Riviera and the Alps

• Plane/train: arrive in Nice or Cannes, rent a car; north side, Grenoble train station.

• Trains and connections: check timetables on SNCF Connect .

• South departure: Golfe-Juan/Cannes; departure north: Grenoble.

Maps, navigation and location

• The imperial eagle marks the route; combine GPS and paper map to plan breaks.

• Map reference: Géoportail – IGN for relief, paths and viewpoints.

Traveling by motorcycle or bicycle

• Motorcycle: popular road; watch out for gravel after winter and changes in grip between shade and sun.

• Bike/gravel: demanding sections; favour secondary sections and variants, inquire locally.

• Before leaving, check roadworks and events: Bison Futé .

The Imperial Relay, your base camp on the RN85

In the heart of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, the Relais Impérial offers rest and authenticity between the sea and the mountains. Enjoy a peaceful setting, friendly cuisine, and spaces to relax between stops. Discover the history of the house , organize a private event on the Route Napoléon, or contact the team for personalized advice via the contact page .

FAQ

What is the length of the Route Napoléon and how long does it take to travel it?

The historic route between Golfe-Juan/Cannes and Grenoble mainly follows the RN85 and covers approximately 320 km, depending on your chosen itinerary (detours to the Verdon Gorge, visits to citadels, etc.). Driving continuously, allow 7 to 8 hours. To fully enjoy the trip, plan for 3 to 5 days, with 2 to 3 stops per day. The route is marked with the imperial eagle. To plan your travel times, a route planner like ViaMichelin is useful.

Which direction should I travel the Route Napoléon in: south-north or north-south?

Both directions have their advantages. South to north (Golfe-Juan towards Grenoble) follows the historical route of 1815 and offers a gradual climb in altitude. North to south presents a spectacular finale overlooking the Mediterranean. In summer, leaving early limits the heat on the French Riviera; in spring/autumn, adapt to the light to enjoy the viewpoints of the Trièves region. Check traffic conditions before setting off on Bison Futé (the French traffic information service ).

Is the Route Napoléon open all year round?

Yes, the RN85 is open year-round except for occasional restrictions (roadworks, landslides, localized snow/ice). In winter and early spring, some higher-altitude sections may require caution and appropriate equipment. Check the weather forecast and traffic reports before setting off: Météo-France and Bison Futé . If in doubt, seek advice from local tourist offices and accommodation providers.

What are the most beautiful milestones for a family?

Grasse (perfume museums), Castellane (easy hikes, viewpoints), Digne (fun geology), Sisteron (citadel), and the lake district between Corps and La Mure appeal to all ages. Plan for short driving times, picnic areas, and regular breaks. Select one or two activities per day. In hot weather, opt for mornings and late afternoons, and check the weather forecast with Météo-France .

Where to stay on the Route Napoléon near Grasse?

Just 15 minutes from Grasse, in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, the Relais Impérial offers 28 cozy rooms, some with terraces and views of the hills, and two restaurants (a bistro-style restaurant and a wood-fired pizzeria). Its location on the RN85 makes excursions to Grasse, the Verdon Gorge, and Castellane easy. Check availability and book directly .

Key points to remember

• A historic, scenic and toll-free route between the Mediterranean and the Alps.

• 3 to 5 days recommended for museums, gorges, citadels and lakes.

• Best seasons: spring and autumn; in summer, leave early.

• Smooth driving and regular breaks: mountain passes >1,200m and spectacular views.

• An ideal base on the French Riviera: Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey and the Relais Impérial to combine charm, comfort and good food.

• Ready to get away? Discover our rooms and services , or contact us for itinerary advice.