This route has a total of more than 300km, starting in Golfe Juan and finishing at Grenoble. Its course through the French Riviera takes drivers to some of the region's most beautiful towns and countryside.
Scenic Drives in Provence
Discover the top Provence scenic drives
Napoleon was forced to abdicate in 1814 and exiled to the Mediterranean island of Elba. However, a year later he decided to return to France, disembarking at Golfe Juan on 1st March 1815 with an army of around 1,000 men, beginning the Hundred Days War that ended at Waterloo. In order to avoid the royalist troops camped in Low Provence, he decided to march to Grenoble across the country's interior, moving then onto Paris.
This historical route was designed in 1932 to recreate his journey, although the current roads did not exist at Napoleon's time. It's signalled by statues of the French Imperial Eagle along the way.
It takes drivers on the N85 road, across beautiful countryside in the French Riviera, with spectacular views. You will visit stunning towns such as Vallauris Golfe Juan, where the route begins, Antibes, Cannes, Le Cannet, Mougins and Grasse. It is an intense route with steep descents and climbs and hairpin beds, but its spectacular scenery makes it worth it.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Musee Nationale de Fernand Leger, near Biot
Museum dedicated to the life and work of Fernand Léger
A few months before his death in 1955, artist Fernand Léger acquired a farmhouse at the foot of the village of Biot. It was here that his widow Nadia Leger, decided to create a museum to honour him and showcase his life's work.
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Eglise de Biot, Saint Marie Madeleine church, Biot
15th-century catholic church in Biot
Classified as a historic monument this 15th-century catholic church is located in the heart of the village of Biot.
Read more about Eglise de Biot, Saint Marie Madeleine church, Biot
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Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse
Guided tours & perfume workshops
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
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Cathedrale Notre Dame du Puy, Grasse 
Cathedrale Notre Dame du Puy, Grasse
Romanesque cathedral built in the 12th century
The medieval church of Notre-Dame du Puy was raised to cathedral status in 1244, when the bishop transferred from Antibes to Grasse.
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Provence Art & History Museum, Grasse
Bringing together collections devoted to the history & art of eastern Provence
With items from prehistoric times, and fine arts and decorative arts from as early as the 17th century, all the way up to the first half of the 20th century.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
Perfume museum in one of the oldest parfumerie's in Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
Where to lunch
The beautiful town of Mougins is well-known for its gastronomic restaurants, so it is a great place to stop and enjoy authentic Provençal cuisine. However, you can't go far wrong if you stop at any of the pretty villages along the route, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants to meet your needs.
Depending on the day you travel through you may also catch the local market which offers up the perfect food for a picnic!
Restaurants in Provence
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L'Autruche Restaurant 
L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Beautiful courtyard & local French cuisine in an unusual, magical setting
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Small friendly restaurant with a great selection wines & cheese dishes
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
The only organic Michelin Starred restaurant in Europe
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour 
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Ideal for truffle lovers who are looking for a gourmet experience
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
Aquatic leisure park within a 5star campsite close to Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
11 super water slides, rapids & a flying boat, great for the family
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Enjoy cycling in Provence with experienced local guides, premium electric bikes and a choice of guided tours or independent rides. From tailored cycling experiences and wine-tasting tours to Mont Ventoux climbs, there are options for different abilities and interests, with convenient bike delivery to your accommodation also available.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark situated in the heart of Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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La Madelene B&B, Malaucene
Guest rooms in a renovated 12th century priory building
This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
A B&B with views of Mont Ventoux and a swimming pool
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
Small hotel with a bar restaurant, popular with cyclists
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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La Garance Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a swimming pool and a view of Mont Ventoux
Set in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, the hotel has 16 bedrooms with a choice between queen-size or twin beds.
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
Charming guest house in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
Impressive B&B in a great location with plenty of outdoor space
Located a 5-minute walk from the heart of Bonnieux, this charming guest house features 3 comfortable rooms suitable for families as every room has a mezzanine for 2 children.
