The GR®406 Route Napoléon follows as closely as possible the path taken by Napoleon in March 1815 after his return from the island of Elba. In Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, FFRandonnée offers a 6-day walk between Castellane and Sisteron in 2026, passing through villages, mountain passes, narrow gorges and Alpine foothill landscapes.
Why is this walk as much about history as scenery?
The route does more than follow a modern road. Between Castellane and Digne-les-Bains, it also follows sections of the ancient Roman road used under Emperor Caracalla. Monuments, hamlets and traces of historic travel therefore add another layer of interest to the walk.
Can you try the GR406 in less than a week?
Yes. FFRandonnée documents a 53 km Castellane – Digne-les-Bains section, which can be completed in 3 to 5 days, depending on how it is divided. It crosses the areas of Senez, Barrême and Chaudon before reaching Digne.
Which landscapes stand out?
Narrow gorges, ravines, mountain passes and panoramic views punctuate the route. The contrast between Napoleonic heritage and the geology of Haute-Provence clearly sets this GR trail apart from a simple commemorative path.
Good to know in 2026
A new FFRandonnée hiking map covering Castellane – Sisteron has been available since March 2026. For planning several days of walking, it provides a more up-to-date reference than older route divisions found online.
A historical detail: Napoleon landed at Golfe-Juan on 1 March 1815 before travelling through the Alps to Grenoble to avoid major roads more favourable to royalists.
