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.
3
number of days
548 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Lyon
Distance 548 km
Driving time 9.9 h
Pace: modest
142.5 kWh
Airports
LYS
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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 1.6 h
Pace: fast
35.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Valence - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Valence
- Orange
Distance 102 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
30.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Orange - France - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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3
Orange
- Sisteron
Distance 138 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: modest
35.9 kWh
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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.
Sisteron - France - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
Sisteron - France - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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4
Sisteron
- Grasse
Distance 146 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: modest
38.1 kWh
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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!
Grasse - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Grasse
- Antibes
Distance 25 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: slow
5.8 kWh
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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.
Antibes - France - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Antibes - France - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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6
Antibes
- Cannes
- Mandelieu la Napoule
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: slow
4.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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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 - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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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
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Start:
Lyon
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End:
Mandelieu la Napoule
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Distance:
548 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS),
Lyon-Bron Airport (LYN)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Route Napoleon Sud is a historically rich and visually stunning Road Trip from Lyon to Mandelieu-la-Napoule in France, spanning 547 kilometers. Typically completed over 3 days, this journey allows travelers to immerse themselves in the varied landscapes and cultural treasures of the region, tracing the path taken by Napoleon in 1815 during his return from Elba.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Valence: Dive into the city's cultural scene with its art and history museums, and enjoy the serenity of its lush parks and gardens.
- Orange: Step back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman theatre, one of the best-preserved in the world, and marvel at the majestic Triumphal Arch.
- Sisteron: Be captivated by the strategic Sisteron Citadel perched high above the river Durance, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
- Antibes: Relax on sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches, explore the historic old town, and gain artistic insight at the Picasso Museum, housed in the Château Grimaldi where Picasso once lived.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal period for this Road Trip is from June to September, when you can take full advantage of the sunny climate and the region's full bloom of natural beauty.
Potential Risks:
Drivers should be prepared for winding and at times narrow Roads, especially in mountainous areas, requiring a confident driving ability and extra caution.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The journey retraces the epic `Route Napoléon,` marked by imperial eagles along the way to commemorate Napoleon Bonaparte's historic march.
- A moderate to high budget is advisable as some sections of the route offer luxury accommodations and dining experiences.
- Familiarity with French driving regulations and local Road customs is essential for a smooth journey.
- Strategic planning of overnight stops in principal towns will enhance your experience, allowing for deeper exploration and appreciation of each destination.
A good choice for:
The Route Napoleon Sud presents a blend of exhilarating drives and enriching stops, making it an exceptional choice for adventure and culture enthusiasts. While mindful driving and budget planning are important, the rewards are a tapestry of memories woven from the region's picturesque towns, historic landmarks, and breathtaking vistas.
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