5 days on the Route Napoléon and the Route des Grandes Alpes

5-day motorcycle tour starting from Annemasse or Geneva, combining the legendary Route Napoléon and the Route des Grandes Alpes.

Departure from Annemasse heading south along the Salève to Cruseilles and Annecy.

Ride around Lake Bourget from the north, then reach Bourgoin-Jallieu, the official start of the Route Napoléon.

Continue south toward Grenoble. After Laffrey and La Mure, the road becomes more winding.

Overnight stop near Corps.

Continue on the Route Napoléon toward Gap and Sisteron.

After Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, head east to Digne-les-Bains, then south toward Castellane.

Fast, flowing roads lead to Grasse and finally to Antibes, on the Mediterranean coast.

Follow the coastline past Nice and the Promenade des Anglais.

Climb above the sea to enjoy views over Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Monaco and Cap-d’Ail.

From Menton, head north toward Sospel and climb the legendary Col de Turini.

Continue west via Saint-Martin-Vésubie, crossing Col Saint-Martin and Col de la Couillole.

Ride north through the Mercantour National Park via the Col de la Cayolle to Barcelonnette.

Leave Barcelonnette toward Jausiers and climb the Col de Vars.

Descend to Guillestre and enter the Queyras region.

Climb the Col d’Izoard, then ride through the Guisane valley to the Col du Galibier.

Descend into the Maurienne valley and continue to the Col de l’Iseran.

Overnight stop in the Tignes area.

Descend toward Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then climb the Cormet de Roselend.

Cross the Col des Saisies and the Gorges de l’Arly.

Ride over the Col des Aravis and the Col de la Colombière.

Descend to Lake Geneva at Thonon-les-Bains.

Return to Annemasse via Bons-en-Chablais.

Updated: 21/10/2011

Road books are provided for information only. Riders are responsible for checking road and weather conditions and riding within their abilities.