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    • France - Drive in Napoleon's footsteps
    OVERVIEW
    DETAILED ITINERARY

    Suggested Itinerary for this self-drive holiday in France.

    Days 1-2: Cannes to Grasse, France
    Kick around in the plateau above Cannes for breathtaking views of the coast.  This was the first town easily captured on Napoléon’s march. While you are based in Grasse, visit St Valliers-de-Thiey. You need to be sharp eyed, but the spot where.Napoléon ordered a halt under an elm tree can still be seen in the Place D’Apié, just behind the tables and chairs of a bar-restaurant. Accommodation in Grasse.

    Day 3-4 Escragnolles-Castellane-Barrême-Dignesles-Bains-Volonnes, France
    Near Escragnolles Napoleon stopped to dine in the village of Le Logis du Pain and then in Castellane. Today Castellane throngs with cyclists and canoeists so get to the main square early for lunch and you will be rewarded with stunning views. Next he pressed on to Barrême, Dignes-les-Bains, Aiglun and halted at Volonne. Try not to miss the plaques above doors and in village squares on this historic trail.  Accommoation in Volonnes.

    Days: 5-6: Volonnes-Sisteron-Gap-Vizille-Grenoble, France
    Climb the bell tower of the Citadel for a fine view down over the river for 60 kilometres in each direction. He also visited many of the nearby pretty, Swiss style villages and stayed a night at the Hôtel Marchand in Gap. Once in Vizelle, you should visit the chateau that was the country residence of French presidents until 1972 and is now a fine Museum of the French Revolution.

    Having arrived in Grenoble, Napoléon stayed at what is now called Auberge Napoléon. It can just about be spotted from the summit of Grenoble’s téléferique where wonderful views of the city can be seen. We can recommend a lovely restaurant in Grenoble. Accommodation in Genoble.

    Day 7: Grenoble to Lyon, France
    Whilst Grenoble marks the end of the Route Napoléon, it is only 95 kilometres to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France and perhaps of the world. Napoleon travelled on to Lyon where he stayed with an uncle in what is now the city library. We recommend the Michelin-starred restaurant in a very appealing hotel. Overnight in Lyon.

    Typically Included:

    • 7 or 8 days car hire in choice of vehicle
    • Breakfast daily
    • 7 nights in recommended accommodation
    DETAILS
    PRICE
    Contact Swiss & Europe Travel for pricing.
    YOU WILL LOVE

    The Route Napoléon is considered to be one of the greatest cycling, motorcycling and driving trips in France. You can continue on to Lyon at the end of the Route, as Napoléon did. The whole route is, as yet, reasonably unspoiled by mass tourism.

    DATES
    March to October is recommended.
    France - Drive in Napoleon's footsteps

    In 1815 Napoléon journeyed on horseback from Golfe Juan, east of Cannes, to Grenoble on what is now known as the Route Napoléoon (Route Nationale 85). It features some of the most dramatic scenery in France. The places where he and his troops ate meals and spent their nights will thrill anyone who has a penchant for French history. A one-week drive using comfortable hotels, coupled with some satisfying meals and glorious scenery, has never made history so appealing.

    YOU WILL VISIT
    • Cannes
    • Grasse
    • St Valliers-de-Thiey
    • Place D’Apié
    CONTACT US ABOUT THIS ITINERARY
    Email enquiries@swisseurope.com.au
    Phone (02) 8270 4866
    Address Level 3
    332 Kent St
    Sydney 2000
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    France - Drive in Napoleon's footsteps

    In 1815 Napoléon journeyed on horseback from Golfe Juan, east of Cannes, to Grenoble on what is now known as the Route Napoléoon (Route Nationale 85). It features some of the most dramatic scenery in France. The places where he and his troops ate meals and spent their nights will thrill anyone who has a penchant for French history. A one-week drive using comfortable hotels, coupled with some satisfying meals and glorious scenery, has never made history so appealing.

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