The road Napoleon marched in 1815, from the Riviera through lavender country into the Alps. That is what Route Napoléon promises, and it delivers. At about 200 miles (322 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 2–3 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Cannes to Grenoble.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Cannes
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Cannes is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Perfume houses of Grasse. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Grasse, Castellane, Digne-les-Bains and Sisteron. Each one makes a natural break, and Digne-les-Bains sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Castellane, gateway to the Verdon Gorge.
Arriving in Grenoble
Save energy for the final stretch: Citadel of Sisteron is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Perfume houses of Grasse, Castellane, gateway to the Verdon Gorge and Citadel of Sisteron, and you will understand why Route Napoléon belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is May–September. Plan on 2–3 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Check route weather and fuel stops on the Plan tab before you go.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
