To Chamrousse France

Day 87 Thursday 30 July 2026

Unfortunately the hot weather has returned to France and so today was more about seeking a spot in the higher altitude as we make our way north. We picked a spot we had been to before in 2024, Chamrousse. 

After a peaceful sleep, we had a walk around the lovely ski resort of La Joue du Loup which prides itself in mainly having timber chalets. The baguette and pastries we bought at the boulangerie for breakfast were one of the best we gave had. 

On the way down we had amazing views of the escarpments (drove the opposite way in 2024).

First straight road we have driven in for awhile 

We stopped at the Barrage du Sautet (stayed overnight in 2015). It is an impressive 126-meter-high arch-gravity dam that is holding back the Drac River to form the 350-hectare Lake Sautet. Built between 1930 and 1935. 

After a walk around we continued our journey along the N85. 

We stopped at a lookout onto the Lac de Laffrey that commemorated a musician.

Part of the drive was along the Route de Napoleon, which is a famous 325km scenic and historic drive that traces the path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in March 1815 upon his return from exile on Elba. It runs northward from Golfe-Juan on the French Riviera to Grenoble in the Alps and marked by distinctive roadside eagle statues. We visited the site where he was confronted by Royal troops to prevent his advance to Paris. 

From here we drove through Vizille. Unfortunately the castle was closed so we kept going up towards Chamrousse. Before the summit we found a shady spot to spend a few hours out of the heat.

Around 4pm we made our way up to the ski resort and found our spot for the night. Just outside the new paid aire.

100km

Gorges de Daluis France

Day 86 Wednesday 29 July 2026

Today we turned around to head back north towards our finishing point in Montluel, near Lyon. But first we drove south from Guillaumes through the Gorges of Daluis. We had previously done the drive in our first year in 2013. We decided to do the drive early in the morning so that we had more opportunities to stop to take in the views. The drive heading in the southerly direction included an extraordinary 17 tunnels.

We continued along the road and stopped to have breakfast on the banks of the aqua blue Lac de Castillon.

We had a brief stop at the service point in Saint Andre les Alpes before parking up in Barreme to go and visit the ancient lavender distiller museum. 

As we walked back to Bluey we popped in to have a look at the church.

Our next stop was to visit the Vauban Citadel in Seyne (€6pp).  It bears witness to a strong history with its impressive stone walls, it also offers a breathtaking view of the mountains and the village from the top of the Great Tower listed as a Historic Monument. There was lots of historical information about the fort but also about Vauban's work.

From here we drove another 83km through some lovely country side, avoiding Gap and then up to the ski resort of La Joue du Loup, arriving at 6pm. So it was time for a drink and dinner..

We also chose the location to have a bit of reprieve from the heat in the lower altitudes. It is a winter sports resort located in the commune of Le Dévoluy, in the Hautes-Alpes, 40 km northwest of Gap. It was created in 1976 following the “village” resort model, with shops at the center and small wooden-clad or wooden-built apartment houses and chalets scattered across a green landscape. Its authentic and friendly character is appreciated by family visitors.

224km