Route Napoléon

[canam-phil]

Hi, planning to do the route later in the year in what may be a quieter period. Is it better going north or south in terms of the views? Any recommendations of eateries or overnight accommodation on the route?
Will be stopping in Beaune at some point on the journey.

Thanks

[trackdemon]

canam-phil said:

Hi, planning to do the route later in the year in what may be a quieter period. Is it better going north or south in terms of the views? Any recommendations of eateries or overnight accommodation on the route?
Will be stopping in Beaune at some point on the journey.

Thanks

Southern section is best. Castellane a lovely stop over. I stayed in Beaune last time we went, that's an excellent choice. If you don't fancy doing the whole drive in one go, I can heartily recommend this place to break up the trip https://www.maisoncremeanglaise.com/ and make sure to do the D996 (roughly between Troyes & Dijon) on the way down. If you're down there anyway (the best section is from around Castellane to Grasse) then you simply must do the D2 - fabulous bit of road that adjoins the N85. Bit jealous, want to do it myself again soon!

[canam-phil]

trackdemon said:

Southern section is best. Castellane a lovely stop over. I stayed in Beaune last time we went, that's an excellent choice. If you don't fancy doing the whole drive in one go, I can heartily recommend this place to break up the trip https://www.maisoncremeanglaise.com/ and make sure to do the D996 (roughly between Troyes & Dijon) on the way down. If you're down there anyway (the best section is from around Castellane to Grasse) then you simply must do the D2 - fabulous bit of road that adjoins the N85. Bit jealous, want to do it myself again soon!

Beaune for us on the way down. We always enjoy Beaune centre and have a hotel with private parking booked. Thanks for confirming that detail about Castellane to Grasse, I had that in mind. The gite suggestion looks good. Will definitely use it this year but not on this trip. The D996 is not a road I've used before but will do this time for a change. Usually gone down on the D971 past Dijon Prenois circuit (but no real access these days), just for old times sake, as indeed, a run by the old pits at Reims circuit (picnic stopping the field behind) when down that way. I had an idea to use a stop at Castellane on the way down so that we would be fresh for the Napoleon the following day. Not identified any stopover yet though. Staying at Eze for a few days as well. Roll on September.

[trunnie]

For somewhere to stay, try La Gabetière, in Estrablin, South of Lyon, a privately owned small country house hotel, with secure private parking. You get the feeling that you're staying in your eccentric rich aunt's country house. Not as expensive as you'd think; they don't do evening meals, but will give you cutlery if you want to dine in their garden and an honesty box fridge stocked with beers and wine. Great breakfasts with locally produce. Only a little off route, so, as I'd stayed there before, I stopped there again on the way to the Route Napoleon.

Oh and think about the Route de Grande Alpes if you're looking for an amazing drive to fill up your holiday.

[canam-phil]

trunnie said:

For somewhere to stay, try La Gabetière, in Estrablin, South of Lyon, a privately owned small country house hotel, with secure private parking. You get the feeling that you're staying in your eccentric rich aunt's country house. Not as expensive as you'd think; they don't do evening meals, but will give you cutlery if you want to dine in their garden and an honesty box fridge stocked with beers and wine. Great breakfasts with locally produce. Only a little off route, so, as I'd stayed there before, I stopped there again on the way to the Route Napoleon.

Oh and think about the Route de Grande Alpes if you're looking for an amazing drive to fill up your holiday.

That sound a good shout for accommodation . I do try to avoid the route around Lyon and will look how this fits in. As to the Grand Alps, will do on another trip but what’s the situation re cyclists and bikers? Is it busy? Planning mid June for one trip and September for another one. We have one in France in July but that’s in the Dordogne.

[trackdemon]

Lyon reminds of another hotel recommendation... I'm a sucker for a view, so.....

https://www.lermitage-hotel.com/fr/

Outdoor heated pool with awesome vistas. Not expensive. Good food, safe parking.

[trunnie]

I did the Grande Alpes in late September when it was mostly cyclist free. There were more bikers than cyclists, but that wasn't an issue for me.

[Moonpie21]

If driving down from the UK this is at the start of the N85 and a lovely place to stay:

https://www.commanderie.fr/en/hotel-spa-grenoble