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Horse trekking on the Napoleon Road

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Saddle up for one of the world’s most illustrious horse treks on the Napoleon Road in the footsteps of an emperor! Climb aboard your trusty steed for a foray into the region’s cultural treasures, historic secrets and scenic riches. In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, even the simplest excursion can turn into an epic voyage… Giddy up!

Departure from Grasse, two centuries on

Trotting to the Alpes-Maritimes

After contemplating Napoleon’s column in Golfe-Juan, erected in memory of Napoleon’s first stop-off, head to Grasse to begin your fabulous horse trek. Breathe in the heady scents and lap up the dazzling colours that have forged the typical Mediterranean charm of the world’s perfume capital. Maison Galimard has even launched a perfume called “Napoleon 1815”! Cross the vast forests and woodland to Escragnolles for lunch – just like the illustrious emperor before you –, then stop to rest at the Elevage du Thiey in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey: your horses will enjoy plenty of pampering at this gorgeous estate. While you’re there, don’t miss the Souterroscope de la Grotte de Baume Obscure at the heart of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve. This fairytale site teaches visitors all about how water has carved out the local limestone rocks… Last but not least, admire the rolling farmland leading to Malamaire as you wind up the first stage of your adventure in the Alpes-Maritimes.

 

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©Juppeaux.E

    From Peyroules to Digne-les-Bains

    Galloping to the majestic Verdon Canyon

    The second stage of your trek starts out from Peyroules, nestling amid the rocky relief of the Alpes de Haute Provence. The lanes of this traditional little village, perched up high, are lined with adorable stone houses. Take a detour to visit the village of Castellane just 15 km away. An emblem of the Verdonarea’sgeologicalheritage, the Maison Nature et Patrimoines harbours a fabulous ethnological collection you can explore at your leisure, after tying up your horses on rings the near the old bridge. Head onwards to the Verdon Canyon – the panoramic roads gazing over azure – blue lakes and rivers are simply breathtaking. Also boasting an astounding geological heritage, Barrême is home to a marine fossil museum (Musée de Fossiles Marins du Barrêmien). You can leave your horses at the lavendermuseumdistillery (Musée de la Lavande). Wind up your second day with a welcome rest at Domaine de la Clappe, a friendly gite where Napoleon enjoyed lunch on March 4th, 1815, during his epic voyage.

    From Digne-les-Bains to Sisteron

    Equestrian escapade in the Alpes de Haute Provence

    The third stage of your trip starts in Digne-les-Bains. A renowned spa town, Digne is a haven of peace and temple of well-being. It is also the gateway to the Land Art trail: an ode to nature and contemporary art, with magnificent outdoor works and curiosities on show at the Musée Gassendi and Cairn Centre d’Art. Retrieve your horses at the bottom of the Musée Promenade car park and follow the trails through Vallée de la Bléone to Malijai, where you’ll find the castle that housed Napoleon for a night. Revel in a picnic at L’Escale, a Natura 2000 site, where you can admire an astonishing ballet of 160 bird species swirling and soaring overhead. Get back on the trail in the early afternoon and follow the signs to Sisteron and its majestic citadel. The power of this strategic fortress was reinforced over time, in particular thanks to master engineer Vauban. Its highest point boasts one of the finest views over the region.

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    ©Dallaporta A.

      From Ribiers to Gap

      The clip-clopping charm of the Hautes-Alpes

      Leave the citadel, then head left to Riviers and Château des Iles along the peaceful and preserved trail running beside the Buëch river, lined with orchards, forests and lakes. Next, you’ll come to a succession of typical and authentic mountain villages you can visit in the company of your steed, reins in hand: Upaix and its church perched on a rocky spur, Ventavon with its picturesque old buildings and superb views over the Duranceriver, and Tallard, home to a castle and pretty ancient quarter – a memorable trio. Soon you’ll come to Gap. Cross the Tourrondequarter, owing its name to its Round Tower (a lookout point for Napoleon), before admiring the eagle statue carved in memory of the emperor’s visit… But before that, enjoy a well-earned night’s rest at the cosy Relais du Terrail or Gaec de l’Hysope B&B.

      All the way to the Massif des Ecrins

      The final furlong with views to infinity

      For your last day, you’ll be following the quiet, refreshing and shaded Canal de Gap, lined with superb viewpoints. Take it slow – you’ll want to save your horse’s energy for the 7 km climb up to Col de Gleize. Once you reach the summit, take plenty of time to gaze out over this natural, 360° fresco, spanning the Champsaur, Valgaudemar and Dévoluyareas, Gap Basin and the jagged mountains of the Alpes de Haute Provence. This final stage of your adventure is a genuine ode to the mountains. Stop off at Notre-Dame du Bois Vert Aire, with its sweeping vistas over the Massif du Vieux Chaillol under the high cliffs of Moutetmountain. The magnificent Massif des Ecrins soon comes into view. To cross the range, you’ll follow the fault formed by Vallée de Valgaudemar, wrapped in the arms of giants soaring to over 3,000 metres and marking the end of your epic trek paced by the comforting sound of horse’s hooves…

       

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