Day 4 - Route Napoleon, Verdon Gorge

  Baratier, France
Monday, September 8, 2008

Leaving Cannes we picked up the Route Napoleon at Grasse, straight away we could see how good this was going to be. The further we went the steeper the terrain, we encountered a few slow moving coaches which provided a little entertainment (got a video somewhere in this lot) but we were generally able to get past and make good progress. Then we got to the Verdon Gorge. Stunning place, beautiful weather, but too much traffic. The road itself became secondary to the views as around almost every corner was a camper van or coach so spirited driving wasn't really possible.





Until we left Verdon and rejoined Napoleon, then it livened up considerably!

Stayed at a charming chalet type place in Baratier with sauna, jacuzzi and a pool (great for unwinding after 6+ hours of full-on driving) and the best dinner I've had all trip.

View from my hotel window:



Dinner conversation turned to why it was called 'Route Napoleon' and it was decided that he had to go the twisty way as you can't reach the toll ticket machines on a horse. If only he'd had an elephant.