Napoleon, France

Route Napoleon, one of the most beautiful drives in France, is the road that Napoleon Bonaparte and his army took in 1815 after having made their way out of exile from Elba to Grenoble. To avoid royalists, Napoleon tried to choose a remote road and that's why a route that passes through the picturesque countryside was chosen. The current Route Napoleon, established in 1932 as a paved tourist route, comprises segments of the routes N85, D1085, D4085, and D6085. Taking this road trip means that you are following in the legendary historical footsteps of the greatest general of all time and understanding more about the memorable milestones of France's history while sightseeing the scenic route.

This epic route begins at the coastal town of Golfe-Juan, crosses spectacular mountains and ends in Grenoble, the southern Pre-Alps. The 325 kilometers (200 miles) drive can be completed in a single day, but it is recommended that you take your time and stop frequently to extend your trip to six or seven days. Route Napoleon crosses two regions and four departments so there are a lot of places for you to visit. Highlights of this road trip are lavender fields, beautiful towns, the Gorge de Verdon National Park and the statues of the French Imperial Eagle, etc.

Take your time to drive along this stretch of road and combine sightseeing the fantastic scenery with learning about the culture and history of France.