Why this road
This is the main road between Grasse and Castellane, and it happens to be a great one: smooth, well built and full of flowing curves. Within minutes of Grasse the Riviera is gone and you are among limestone, oak scrub and pine. At the Pas de la Faye you look back down to the sea one last time; after that the land gets higher, quieter and more like the Alps. It is also the natural way to reach the Gorges du Verdon from the coast.
The route
- AGrasse
Leave the perfume town to the north-west on the N85, signposted Digne. The road climbs in hairpins above the town right away.
- 1Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey
A village on a green plateau, with a Napoleon column topped by a bust in the village.
- 2Pas de la Faye
A pass at about 980 m with a parking area. Turn around: on a clear day you see the hills falling to the coast and the sea beyond.
- 3Escragnolles
A small village on the slope, with long views over the valleys. The road now winds through open, rocky country.
- 4Séranon
High, empty plateau country with meadows and pine. From here the road crosses a couple of passes and starts its descent.
- BCastellane
The road drops into the Verdon valley and ends below the chapel of Notre-Dame du Roc on its rock. The gorges start just west of town.
Stops worth it
Fifteen minutes at the parking area for the last view back to the Mediterranean. Clearest in the morning, before the haze builds.
Light and the best time
You drive mostly north-west, away from the sun in the morning. Start around 9: the sun is behind you on the climb out of Grasse and lights the hills ahead, and at the Pas de la Faye the view back to the coast is clearest before the midday haze. In the afternoon you would drive into the sun on the western half, and on summer afternoons the plateaus can get hot and hazy. If you continue into the Verdon gorges, late morning is the right time to arrive there.
April to June and September to October are best: green hills in spring, clear air in autumn and pleasant temperatures. July and August are hot and the road is busy with motorbikes and holiday traffic towards the Verdon. The N85 is a main road and open all year, but the higher sections can see snow and ice in winter, so check the weather.
By vehicle
One of the classic rides in Provence: good surface, flowing curves and long sightlines. On summer weekends you will have plenty of company.
Ideal with the roof down: wide views, smooth curves and the smell of pine and herbs in warm weather.
An easy, enjoyable main road. Overtaking is possible in places, but take it easy on the hairpins above Grasse.
Fine on the N85, it is a wide, well-built road. Expect to be overtaken on the climbs and use the lay-bys to let traffic pass.
Good to know
No toll on the N85. Fuel up in Grasse, there are few stations on the way. Parking in Castellane can be tight in summer, use the car parks at the edge of town. Watch for cyclists on the climbs and for motorbikes overtaking on weekends.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
What is the Route Napoléon?
The road Napoleon took in 1815 from the coast near Antibes to Grenoble after escaping from Elba. Today it is mostly the N85, marked with eagle signs along the way.
How long does it take from Grasse to Castellane?
About 1 hour 15 minutes of pure driving for roughly 65 km. With a stop at the Pas de la Faye and in a village, plan around 2 hours.
Is the Route Napoléon a toll road?
No, the N85 is free.
Can I combine the Route Napoléon with the Gorges du Verdon?
Yes, that is the classic plan. Castellane is the eastern gateway to the gorges, so drive the Route Napoléon in the morning and the gorge in the afternoon.