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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeFranceRoute Napoleon Sud
File:Route Napoleon 02.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Route Napoleon Sud

Lyon - Valence - Orange - Sisteron - Grasse - Antibes - Mandelieu la Napoule

Expect on your itinerary

Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Road conditions Road conditions
Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Urban life Urban life
Route Napoleon Sud ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km547 h/stage1.4

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Route Napoleon Sud in France?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 135EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 605EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 740EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 189EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 396EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 928EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,117EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 138EUR sleep & more 638EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,352EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,730EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 603EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,278EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Route Napoleon Sud Road Trip Itinerary

Route Napoleon Sud is a road trip that takes you from Lyon to Mandelieu la Napoule in France. The journey is 547 km and takes about 3 days to complete. Along the route, you will pass through Valence, Orange, Sisteron, and Antibes, each of which offers its own unique attractions. The best time of the year to take this journey is during the summer, when you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and excellent road conditions. Be aware that there are some curvy and narrow roads along the route, but the overall experience is well worth it. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, but it may require a higher budget to make it a reality. The memories you will make on this journey will stay with you forever.
number of days 3 number of days
route length 547 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Lyon

Distance 547 km Driving time 8.7 h Pace: fast 164.1 kWh Airports LYS , LYN
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Lyon - located in the south-east of France - is a great starting point for a road trip named "Route Napoleon Sud". This city is a vibrant, cultural and historical hub, offering many interesting sights to explore. The old town, Vieux Lyon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many narrow cobbled streets, lined with Renaissance-era mansions and churches. A must-see is the Basilique de Notre-Dame de Fourvière, located atop the Fourvière hill. Also, don't miss the Roman amphitheatre, the Théâtre Gallo-Romain and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. For travelers arriving by air, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the closest international airport. Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to get around and start the "Route Napoleon Sud" road trip. Lyon is a great starting point for a road trip, offering a perfect blend of culture, history and modernity. Be sure to explore the old town, marvel at the stunning architecture, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

1 Lyon - Valence

Distance 117 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 35.1 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues
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Are you ready for a road trip from Lyon to Valence? This stage of the tour is only 117km and you can drive it in less than 2 hours. Start your journey in Lyon, the third-largest city in France and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore its many museums and galleries, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée des Confluences. Continue your journey to Valence and explore its many attractions. Visit the Château de Crussol, a 12th-century castle, and the Musée de Valence, which houses a collection of Roman artifacts and sculptures. Make sure to also explore the city’s many churches, including the Gothic Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth and the Romanesque Saint-Apollinaire. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road to explore Lyon and Valence!

2 Valence - Orange

Distance 102 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 30.5 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues
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Welcome to the Valence - Orange road trip stage! This 102 km journey is one of the most exciting stages of your tour, and it takes less than 2 hours to complete. Start your journey in Valence, where you can explore the beautiful old town and the impressive Valence Cathedral. Then, drive to the charming village of Montélimar, where you can enjoy the local specialties such as nougat and honey. Continue your journey to the charming city of Orange, where you can visit the impressive Roman Theatre and the Triumphal Arch of Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your way there, you can also visit the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known for its vineyards and its famous wines. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Orange - Sisteron

Distance 140 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: modest 36.5 kWh View map Itinerary
not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Start your road trip in Orange, France, and take a 140km drive to Sisteron. This journey will take less than 3 hours, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenic road. As you drive, you'll pass through some sections of winding roads, as well as some narrow sections. Along the way, you'll find some of the most interesting places to visit in these locations. In Orange, you'll want to check out the Triumphal Arch, the Ancient Theatre, and the Musée d'Orange. In Sisteron, you'll find the Citadel, the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, and the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage.

4 Sisteron - Grasse

Distance 146 km Driving time 2.5 h Pace: modest 38.1 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Start your journey in Sisteron, France, a picturesque town situated at the foot of the Alps. From there, you can take a 146km drive to Castellane, a charming village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region. Along the way, you'll be treated to some of the most stunning views of the French countryside, with winding roads and breathtaking landscapes. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery! In Castellane, you can visit the iconic Notre-Dame du Roc, a 12th-century church perched atop a rocky outcrop. Next, you'll make your way to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. Here, you can explore the old town and take a tour of the Fragonard perfumery, where you can learn about the history and craftsmanship of perfume-making. After a few hours, you'll be ready to move on to the next stage of your road trip. Don't forget that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

5 Grasse - Antibes

Distance 23 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: slow 5.2 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road sections of steep road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an amazing road trip starting in Grasse, France and ending in Antibes, just 23 km away. This journey will take you less than an hour, but you won't want to miss the stunning views and interesting places to visit along the way. The winding roads, steep ramps, and narrow sections will make for an exciting ride. You'll be surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque villages, so keep your eyes open for the perfect photo opportunity. Your first stop should be the Fragonard perfumery in Grasse, where you can learn about the history of perfume-making and even create your own unique scent. Then, head to Valbonne, a medieval village with cobblestone streets and plenty of quaint shops and restaurants. As you continue your journey, don't forget to explore the charming fishing village of Biot and its glass-blowing workshops. Finally, arrive in Antibes, a stunning seaside town with plenty of attractions. Visit the old town and its impressive ramparts, explore the Picasso Museum, or take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

6 Antibes - Cannes - Mandelieu la Napoule

Distance 18 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: slow 4.2 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Embark on an exciting road trip starting in Antibes, France, and passing through Cannes and Mandelieu la Napoule. This 18 km journey will take you fewer than 1 hour to complete, and you'll be able to take in some breathtaking views along the way. The road is winding in some sections, so be sure to stay alert and enjoy the scenery. Make sure to take a break in Cannes to visit the iconic Promenade de la Croisette and admire the old town's beautiful architecture. Then, in Mandelieu la Napoule, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Château de la Napoule and its lush gardens. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

  Mandelieu la Napoule

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Mandelieu la Napoule is a commune located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France, and is the perfect ending point for a road trip along the “Route Napoleon Sud”. This area is well known for its Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The town of Mandelieu la Napoule is home to a variety of attractions and activities. Visitors can explore the medieval castle and its grounds, which offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The town’s old fishing village is a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere. There is also an interesting open-air museum, displaying a variety of sculptures and artworks. For those seeking some relaxation, the beaches of Mandelieu la Napoule offer a great spot to soak up the sun. The area also has plenty of watersport activities, including sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. The nearby Esterel Mountains provide plenty of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The closest international airport is Nice Cote d’Azur Airport (IATA: NCE), which is located approximately 20 miles away. From the airport, it is a short drive to Mandelieu la Napoule and the start of the “Route Napoleon Sud”. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventurous road trip, Mandelieu la Napoule is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Experience the culture and history of this charming French commune, and explore the stunning landscapes of the Esterel Mountains. Whatever you choose to do, you can be sure that a visit to Mandelieu la Napoule will be an unforgettable experience.

Route Napoleon Sud Road Trip at a glance

Facts for safer driving in France

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 90 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 130 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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