The Napoleon Route, a Scenic Drive in France, Episode 402

Today Annie Sargent talks with Brian Revel about a trip he took in France with his father on the theme of the Napoleon Route.

The Villages on the Napoleon Route

This route takes visitors from the Mediterranean all the way to Grenoble in the Alps. It is spectacular because the landscapes are ever changing and often breathtaking.

The big hits are the village of Castellane in the Verdon, Tauleanne, Senez and Barrême, Chabrieres, Sisteron, Gap and all the way up the Rhone.

And since it's all tied to the steps of a fallen Emperor making his way back up to Paris to reclaim what he saw as his rightful place makes it a wonderful story.

Accommodations Recommended in this Episode

La Maison du Bois Doré B&B in Montagnac-Montpezat

For a Deeper Dive into the Napoleon Route

Des Racines et des Ailes brief summary of the Napoleon Route on YouTube (in French).

The authentic way to retrace the steps of Napoleon is to walk it. This is the walking path between Castellae and Sisteron called GR 406.

You'd rather ride or drive it? Look for la Route des Grandes Alpes between Lac Léman in Switzerland and Nice.

• These guys did it with electric bikes.
• They did it in a "camping car" (travel trailer) and their cat.
• A group that did it on motorcycles and tents (and a dog!).
• With fancy cars and a drone.

You get the idea, there are many ways to do this!

Bastille Day in Paris

Brian spent Bastille Day in Paris and shares tips on where to stand to watch the parade. It is also quite different in Paris than in other parts of France.

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:00:42] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:10] Thank you patrons
• [00:02:15] A Brief Intro on the Napoleon Route
• [00:02:49] Napoleon Route
• [00:03:56] The Route
• [00:04:43] A family trip
• [00:07:05] Friendly people of Provence
• [00:08:03] Grasse, perfume center of the world.
• [00:09:47] Car or bike?
• [00:11:00] What places he enjoyed the most
• [00:11:56] People tend to rush too much
• [00:13:25] Lavender and sun flowers
• [00:13:57] What’s the best time to see the lavender fields?
• [00:16:57] La Maison du Bois Doré
• [00:18:08] Moustiers Sainte-Marie
• [00:20:46] Riez
• [00:21:22] TGV-only train stations
• [00:22:41] TGV ride
• [00:26:41] Luggage security on the trains
• [00:28:30] ATM problems
• [00:31:07] Bastille Day in Paris
• [00:33:09] Would love to try the provincial La Fête Nationale experience
• [00:34:45] Bring your own utensils
• [00:38:42] You don’t need to plan every little detail in France
• [00:46:18] Are French people snotty?
• [00:49:57] Provence and La Province
• [00:53:39] Legal notice

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