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 Cannes
Discover the top Cannes 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.
Jump to
What to see
Sights in Cannes
See all Sights in Cannes-
Exflora Park, Juan les Pins
Stunning greenery & colour explosion on the coastline of the Cote d'Azur
A magnificent example of Mediterranean gardens with a large olive grove, fountains and of course the wonderful Antibes roses!
-
Musee Picasso (Chateau Grimaldi)
National museum in honour of Picasso in a beautiful medieval castle
The Picasso museum is housed in the Chateau Grimaldi in the centre of the town of Vallauris. The chateau was built over a Roman fort in the 16th century.
-
Villa Domergue & Gardens
Wonderful art deco style villa and Mediterranean gardens
Built by painter Jean-Gabrial Domergue in 1929 it was originally named Villa Fiesole. The style of the villa is highly influenced by the Italian Renaissance style and a Tuscan villa that the painter had seen near Florence.
-
St George's Church
Church erected in the 19th century in honour of the Duke of Albany
To the west of the town centre is the church of Saint George, built in a typically English Neo-Gothic style.
-
Bellini Chapel
Private chapel forming part of Villa Fiorentina, now a museum & gallery
Villa Fiorentina dates back to the 19th century and was one of the first luxury villas that paved the way for aristocrats to build their holiday homes in Cannes.
-
Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret, Cap d'Antibes
Stunning botanical gardens and a 19th century villa
When Gustave Thuret arrived in Cap d'Antibes, he fell in love with the wild nature of the place and bought five hectares on which to build his stunning villa and cultivate a beautiful park and gardens.
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 Cannes
See all Restaurants in Cannes-
La Table du Chateau Restaurant
Refined seasonal cuisine inspired by nature, tradition and the château’s own garden
The Château de la Tour feels like a private residence, offering an intimate and refined experience. With Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2000, Chef Didier Anies, at the helm, the restaurant is a true destination for elegance, creativity and exceptional cuisine - unique in Cannes.
-
Le Jardin Restaurant
Authentic bistronomic experience at Hôtel de Mougins
Ideally located on the hill in Cannes, the Hotel de Mougins is only five minutes from Sophia Antipolis, ten minutes from Cannes and Grasse, and twenty five minutes from Nice International Airport.
-
La Plage du Martinez
Refined Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant beachside setting
La Plage du Martinez blends relaxed elegance with gourmet flair, offering Mediterranean dishes by Chef Jean Imbert in a stunning seafront setting.
-
La Plage 45 Beach Club
Grand Hotel's private beach club and restaurant
Just a short walk through the hotel garden and you can sink your feet into the soft white sand of the Grand Hotel's private beach, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.
-
La Plage Belles Rives Beach Club, Juan les Pins
Private beach of the Belles Rives hotel in Juan les Pins
Soft white sand, a private pontoon, a lounge bar and a restaurant at the water's edge make this beach club a very special place to be.
-
L'Or Bleu Restaurant, Theoule-sur-Mer
Michelin-starred dining with surprise menus and breathtaking sea views
L'Or Bleu, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience where cuisine is elevated to the level of art. Set in an elegant, contemporary setting with breathtaking views over the bay of Théoule-sur-Mer, this Relais & Châteaux establishment is the perfect place for a memorable evening.
What to do
Things To Do in Cannes
See all Things To Do in Cannes-
Luxury To Escape Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
-
One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Specialised yacht charter itineraries to truly experience the French Riviera, leaving from Cannes
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
-
Motorbike hire
Wide selection of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles available for rent
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
-
Road bike hire
Quality road bike rentals with delivery to the French Riviera
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
-
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.
-
Luxury Chantella Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
