Route Napoléon

France, 423km

Breathtaking scenery, picturesque French villages, Alpine peaks as high as 3,000 metres and awe-inspiring mountain roads – small wonder the Route Napoléon is usually included in lists of the greatest European motorcycle rides.

Tracing the route Napoléon took in 1815, from Golfe-Juan near Grasse to Grenoble, the ride can be taken in either direction depending on whether you wish to end up in the Alps or the French Riviera. Either way, the route is stunning, boasting some of the most spectacular landscapes in France.

The route largely follows the N85 and can be completed in a day, but allow more time to fully absorb the sights revealed by the sweeping mountain passes – including the famous Gorges du Verdon, vast pine forests and fragrant fields of lavender.

Dizzy heights
Visit the gorgeous Gorges du Verdon, a dramatic canyon of limestone cliffs with turquoise waters at the bottom.

Pit-stop
The quintessentially Provençal town of Sisteron is an ideal half-way stopping point. This ancient fortified settlement is dominated by its clifftop citadel, which now contains a museum and provides spectacular views.

Click here to view this route in the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner and start planning your next adventure.

First published in 2025.

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