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 Antibes
Discover the top Antibes 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 Antibes
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Exflora Park, Juan les Pins 
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!
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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.
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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.
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Espace Mer et Littoral (Graillon Tower), Cap d'Antibes
Maritime museum located in an old fort
This museum is located in the Graillon Tower on the tip of the Cap d'Antibes. It boasts panoramic views from its large terrace.
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Musee de la Carte Postale
The Postcard Museum exhibits a permanent collection of thousands of postcards
From all period and all countries, this museum has a wonderful collection that showcases the history of the postcard.
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Musee d'Histoire et d'Archeologie (History & Archaeology Museum)
Museum showcasing the history of Antibes through the ages
Take a look into the ancient past of Antibes which includes some artefacts from the Greek occupation when the town was known as Antipolis.
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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 Antibes
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Le Nacional Restaurant
First-class cuts of beef and excellent wine list
Le Nacional is a THE Beef and Wine restaurant in the heart of historical Antibes. A restaurant that will excite the taste buds of gourmet meat aficionados. The choicest pieces of beef provided by the highest quality butchers.
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La Passagère Restaurant
Michelin-starred dining with sea views and Art Deco charm
La Passagère at Hôtel Belles Rives offers a refined culinary journey shaped by the creative talents of Chef Aurélien Véquaud and Pastry Chef Steve Moracchini. Set against a stunning Riviera backdrop, this restaurant pairs inspired cuisine with a spectacular setting.
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La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Exceptional Provençal dining surrounded by masterpieces
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
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Royal Beach Beach Club
Beach club that is part of the prestigious Royal Antibes Hotel
This private beach club is situated opposite the hotel.
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Eden-Roc Restaurant
Rooftop haven of sunset views, signature cocktails, and Riviera elegance
Savour signature cocktails and exclusive wines while enjoying panoramic Mediterranean views at Eden-Roc Lounge. Open to resident and restaurant guests, subject to availability.
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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Antibes
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Motor Yacht REHAB - French Riviera Weekly Yacht Charter
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the Riviera, to any destination of your choosing.
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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.
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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.
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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the Riviera, cruising to any destination of your choice.
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Cannes Islands Boat Trip
Motor boat trip to Cannes for up to twelve people
A trip on a luxury motor boat with the professional crew to guide you on a fabulous day out on the ocean from Antibes to Cannes.
