Route Napoleon / Stelvio Pass / Black Forest [Archive] - SV650.org

L3nny

30-05-10, 12:26 PM

Here is a rough idea for this year's tour.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Grenoble,+France&daddr=Avenue+du+Commandant+Dumont%2FN85+to:D4202+t o:Antibes,+France+to:Como+Italy+to:23032+Bormio+SO ,+Italy+to:Mythen-Quai+to:Wehrer+Landstra%C3%9Fe%2FL148+to:B500+to:H ornberger+Str.%2FB33+to:L405+to:L401+to:Maximilian stra%C3%9Fe%2FB500+to:L613+to:karlsrue+to:Hauptstr a%C3%9Fe%2FL498+to:Hunsr%C3%BCckh%C3%B6henstra%C3% 9Fe%2FB407+to:49.841525,6.075439+to:L207+to:Aachen ,+Germany&geocode=FSScsQIdMnVXAClvvonWi_SKRzGYU5luzRCMYQ%3BF dYGqAIdUtNcAA%3BFQCvngId6rFoAA%3BFTL9mAId6KdsACmpk VqeRdXNEjGwn5f9pRkIBA%3BFRQJuwIdfKKKAClbKEYgNZyGRz EEtngwIo0d3A%3BFQmBxQId84ieACn3AV40WwWDRzFgXuF6BXg GHA%3BFYii0gIdzD2CAA%3BFXYT2AIdYP15AA%3BFbiQ3AId4i x9AA%3BFQDh3wIdsHJ9AA%3BFaop4wIdRCKAAA%3BFezW5AIdL OJ9AA%3BFd7S5wIdIgB-AA%3BFYrt6QIdBFiAAA%3BFdXN6wIdLDuAACkJeOCiSAaXRzF_ 7rdMc1X8tg%3BFSKv7wIdMup0AA%3BFczI9AIduK9lAA%3B%3B FUpGAwMdvL1iAA%3BFarFBgMdxstcACkdGYqwfJnARzFPRA4Lr g6jYw&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=5&mrsp=17&sz=8&via=1,2,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,17,18&dirflg=ht&doflg=ptm&sll=49.852152,6.707153&sspn=2.528917,4.938354&ie=UTF8&ll=46.301406,7.261963&spn=5.419496,9.876709&z=7

Planning on doing it over 5-6 days in August. Has anyone done any parts of this route before?

Apart from the bits in the subject line I am open to suggestions on how to connect them together, routes in the Black Forest and Eifel also welcome.

Also is there an interesting way to get from Calais to Grenoble or is the best way just to get your head down on the motorway and get on with it?

Will be taking 2 days to get to Grenoble so any suggestions on places to stay will also be welcome.

In fact places to stay anywhere on the route will be good as well.

Cheers :D

DarrenSV650S

30-05-10, 12:33 PM

Here is a rough idea for this year's tour. LINKY

Planning on doing it over 5-6 days in August. Has anyone done any parts of this route before?

Apart from the bits in the subject line I am open to suggestions on how to connect them together, routes in the Black Forest and Eifel also welcome.

Also is there an interesting way to get from Calais to Grenoble or is the best way just to get your head down on the motorway and get on with it?

Will be taking 2 days to get to Grenoble so any suggestions on places to stay will also be welcome.

In fact places to stay anywhere on the route will be good as well.

Cheers :D
Linky no worky

L3nny

30-05-10, 12:42 PM

Bad linky, naughty boy.

I'll try again

Hmm thie link thing doesn't seem to work. I've done it the old fasioned way.

DarrenSV650S

30-05-10, 01:02 PM

For blasting down the motorways the F1 hotels are the best

http://www.hotelformule1.com/gb/home/index.shtml

There's a train that will take your bike down south but it is silly money

www.raileurope.co.uk

dyzio

30-05-10, 08:09 PM

I should be on the route from Grenolbe to Nice in July, I'll try to update this when im back.

Any idea how busy the F1 motels get in early July? Don't really fancy booking in advance :/

Sorry for derail ;)

DarrenSV650S

30-05-10, 08:22 PM

Dunno about July but a couple I tried when I was across last month were full. So might be an idea to book ahead if you can.

L3nny

30-05-10, 08:22 PM

When I went last year I booked F1 and etaps for every night just to make sure but only stayed in one. As long as you cancel online before a certain time you dont get charged.

30-05-10, 10:11 PM

There's a scenic route for everywhere in France, Lenny. Quezzie is, how long you got??? I'm doing autoroute to Dijon and then I'm doing the scenic bit from there to Grenoble. Well, Bourg St Maurice actually, which is where I'm going to be based. If you Google b&bs in Troyes (or Dijon) it comes up with quite a few possibilities.

Incidentally you really MUST get the map that Jelster recommends, it's called 'Route des Grandes Alpes', get it on Stanford's web site. It's brilliant, has all the cols on it, well worth the £9 or so to include P&P. I keep looking at it and planning my routes.

I'm there end June - beginning July. I'll look out for you!!! Similarly, graphite D675 = me:D

L3nny

31-05-10, 09:53 AM

I want to go away for a total of 8 days, if I cain it down the Autoroutes I can probably make Lyon by the end of day 1.

On day 2 I could then have a couple of hours on the motorway before starting the Route Napoloen and spending night 2 on the Cote D'zure somewhere. Hopefully Monaco :)

However if there are really nice roads in between Calais and Lyon I could take 2 days to get there instead of one and go the scenic route. However the roads would have to be pretty special because the more time I spend on them the less time I have in the Alps.

I have been trying to find that map but can't seem to find it. Have you got a link?

L3nny

31-05-10, 10:02 AM

Darren I cant seem to find the prices for taking a bike on that site. Do you know which bit I have to click on? Cheers.

dyzio

31-05-10, 10:04 AM

This is what I wanted to do, jump on the motorway and hit Lyon on day1, but now I'm more towards splitting it into 2 days and switch the "avoid motorway and major roads" option in my sat nav on.
Or just forget about the satnav :)

L3nny

31-05-10, 10:51 AM

I have since looked at doing the Routes Des Grandes Alpes (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Monaco&daddr=D2566+to:Unknown+road+to:D902+to:D902+to:45. 69467,6.904907+to:SS26+to:Via+Circonvallazione+Sud %2FSS26+to:como&geocode=FZqTmwIdaRxxACkxhT97b8LNEjH8nMQ6THj3dA%3BF ShpngIdAhRxAA%3BFaaJpQIdODNnAA%3BFciwsQIdcq1iAA%3B FXRItAIdkHdrAA%3B%3BFXzquQIdjt1rAA%3BFczquQIdxupxA A%3BFRQJuwIdfKKKAClbKEYgNZyGRzEEtngwIo0d3A&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=5&sz=8&via=1,2,3,4,5,6&doflg=ptm&sll=44.781835,7.739868&sspn=2.783893,4.938354&ie=UTF8&ll=44.781835,7.739868&spn=2.783893,4.938354&z=8)

Probably a bit ambitious to try this in a day maybe

31-05-10, 02:14 PM

Stanfords are out of stock buggerit. Suggest try Amazon, or else the IGN Institut Geographique National) website, (they publish it) www.ign.fr. It's called 'Route des Grandes Alpes' ISBN 3 282118 102426.

31-05-10, 02:18 PM

Here ya go:

http://loisirs.ign.fr/5279118/produit/route-des-grandes-alpes.htm

DarrenSV650S

31-05-10, 04:51 PM

Darren I cant seem to find the prices for taking a bike on that site. Do you know which bit I have to click on? Cheers.
Hmm can't see it on their site but here's (http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/holidays-in-france/france-holiday-guide/getting-to-and-around-france/discount-travel/great-value-rail-fares.cfm) the info. Try giving them a phone
Rail Europe’s French Motorail

From May to September, Rail Europe operates a unique service to South of France. So if you want to take your car or motorbike to France, but don't fancy spending hours on the road at the start of your holiday, you can! French Motorail is an overnight train that can transport both you and your car to one of 6 destinations. Prices start from just £290 per car one way and that includes all your passengers!
Services depart from Calais and take one of two routes. Stopping at either Brive, Toulouse and Narbonne or Avignon, Fréjus/St Raphaël and Nice.
The passengers will be allocated a private sleeping compartment, which will allow them to get a relaxing night’s sleep whilst they are whisked effortlessly to the South of France.
French Motorail is great as you depart in the evening and you can bring as much luggage as you can fit into your car. You will also avoid French toll roads and save on mileage, petrol and wear and tear - so you, and your car, will arrive fresh and ready to make the most of your holiday.
French Motorail runs between 16th May and 13th September 2008. For more information visit Rail Europe (http://clkgb.tradedoubler.com/click?p=40263&a=934531&g=16174510)

switch the "avoid motorway and major roads" option in my sat nav on.
That's what I did. I just picked somewhere I wanted to go on the satnav and told it to stay off the main roads. It found me some brilliant country roads and places that I would have missed

L3nny

31-05-10, 05:21 PM

Here ya go:

http://loisirs.ign.fr/5279118/produit/route-des-grandes-alpes.htm

Nice one mate, is this just a map?

I don't really fancy buying a book in French as I dont parlez the old Francais too well.

DarrenSV650S

31-05-10, 05:28 PM

Yeh it's just a map of the Alps

robin

31-05-10, 06:35 PM

Stelvio was closed when I was there 2 weeks ago, major rebuilding/resurfacing work. Mind you by the time you get there then you have done enough high mountain passes to be all switchbacked out and just fancying a few nice long sweepers anyway.

Personally if time is limited I would blast down to the interesting bits then slow up. We went down from Derbyshire to Luzern in 2 days then headed East. If you have sat nav it's fun to go through Switzerland avoiding motorways (and not paying the motorway tax) not as easy but possible using maps.

L3nny

31-05-10, 06:40 PM

Cheers for the info, will have to check before I leave. Got a sat nav, well my mate has.

Tim in Belgium

31-05-10, 07:39 PM

Did a few of these roads in the past:

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=82336

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?p=1294911#post1294911

&

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=139613

If you can't get the route des grandes alpes map the normal michelin maps are just as good, if not a little better. Pick your passes then start your engine and go.

I'd autoroute down to at least the Vosges area, then take twisties through the Vosges and on to the Alps.

Have fun.

littleoldman

31-05-10, 07:46 PM

Never used sat nav and don't need it in uk (in car or on bike) as most of the time on the bike I don't care if I get lost afterall its another new road. Have traveled Europe in the car with wife n map no probs. What sat nav do you guys n gals use . I have many questions such as how do you work the touch screen when with gloves on I've got fingers as big as cows tits. Regards Mal

DarrenSV650S

31-05-10, 07:57 PM

I don't have a fancy bike specific one (but I do want one). Just a normal garmin that I put in the clear window of the tankpad. You can still press the buttons when it's in there, just not very easily

L3nny

31-05-10, 08:06 PM

My mate has an all singing all dancing Garmin thing.

I never use a satnav, i just follow him lol.

Tilt

31-05-10, 10:37 PM

Your original route actually missed the stelvio pass which is in the park stelvio just to the east of where you were turning nort into switzerland for Davos.

The road from Nice to Milan via the Astis region is fun whilst topping the Alps but not great after that. There is a biking tour to the SE of Aup but its off your beat and the country side is very much hazlenut orchards and vinyards. Road North of Asti to Milan is a grinder.

Sat Navs help if your riding to a schedule. I use my GPS on my phone via audio only.

Re route s de grand alps

Briancon is a lovely place to stay (old town) if you want to split this or better still take the alpine route (from Nice) upto Chamonix (over night there) then cross to switzerland and take the Simplon Pass out of switzerland into the Italian lakes (overnight in Varrena ..beautiful) then head for Stelvio via St Moritz looping up into Austria Before striking out for the black forest.

L3nny

01-06-10, 12:30 PM

Thanks Tilt, just the sort of advice I am after.

Does this route include all the places you said?

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Nice,+France&daddr=All%C3%A9e+du+Mar%C3%A9chal+de+Lattre+de+Tas signy%2FD2566+to:D2565+to:Avenue+de+Beauregard%2FN 94+to:D902+to:D902+to:Chamonix,+France+to:Route+9+ to:SS340dir+to:Stradun+Chantunel%2FRoute+3+to:Via+ Strada+Statale+301%2FSS301+to:Localit%C3%A0+Passo+ dello+Stelvio%2FSS38+to:SS38+to:Innrain+to:Basel,+ Switzerland&hl=en&geocode=FYPcmgId2t9uACkxLYVqENDNEjFwmpf9pRkIBA%3BF cIcnAIdaFxyAA%3BFXpCoAIdKNJuAA%3BFbplqwIdfh1kAA%3B FRofsAIdcB5iAA%3BFRgCtgId3PppAA%3BFbTDvAIdFdNoACnn Lv4tBkyJRzGAo7rkKqsIBA%3BFV4QwQId_LV6AA%3BFRR7vgId OPmMAA%3BFdbpxAIdqICVAA%3BFQp5xQIdyMObAA%3BFcwLxgI d9vWfAA%3BFdzgxwIdbBOoAA%3BFaAT0QIdXJutAA%3B&mra=ls&via=1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12&dirflg=ht&doflg=ptm&sll=46.935261,9.228516&sspn=2.903012,7.064209&ie=UTF8&ll=46.240652,9.030762&spn=5.880643,14.128418&z=6

Tilt

01-06-10, 09:57 PM

Nearly but that route seems very interesting. You will not make Chamonix to innsbruk in one day. certainly not using all thiose twisties.

At Martigny get on the auto route. Its the same valley the same views and its quicker than farting from one little Swiss village to another at 60 Km/hr. The prize is at the end ie Simplon.

If you leave early enough you may make Valsoldo (Lake Lugano) for lunch. We stayed there last year. There is a bikers cafe on the right as you enter town. or avery nice lake fron Hotel on the left in the middle of town (well its a big village really). Plus you buy food in Euros and not Swiss francs. The road to Managgio is fun if you had time the road south via San Fedele (and then up the lake side to Managgio is even more fun but I dont think you do have the time.

Your route after St Moritz is very technical and will slow you down. Plan on ending your day at or near Merano.

The next day take the motor way over/thru the Brenner and on upto Innsbruck then join your posted route. You show it joining the 309 (Deutche Alpine strasse) but its not the best bit (DAS is better to the east of where you join) and IMO the 199/308 is the better route to Immenstadt with some challenging twisties before you break out north of the lake for the run to the black forest. Go straight for Frieberg or somewhere centrally on the 500 (OTW to Frieberg)ready for the next day.

L3nny

01-06-10, 10:14 PM

Thanks again. Was planning on taking 3 days to do that Route from Nice to Innsbruck, want to get to places mid afternoon so I have time to explore them before bed time.

With regards to going on the Swiss motorway, don't you need a special pass for that. Seems a bit of a waste of time buying one for only a couple of hundred miles.

Don't suppose you could quickly make a google maps route of what you just said for the Austria bit and post up a link. It's very difficult to plan a route to places I've never heard of and have no idea where they are.

Cheers mate.

01-06-10, 10:24 PM

Think I'd best print off this thread and all the linkies too:)

jacksuzukisv650

02-06-10, 04:52 PM

i just come back from stelvio i wouldnt go this time of year it was closed all week .. last week . most of the passes was closed from avalanches..

L3nny

02-06-10, 05:08 PM

Do you think it would be ok in late August?

Tilt

02-06-10, 06:50 PM

August is good but for Italy BOOK AHEAD. its their national holiday month.

http://tinyurl.com/37rpe39

I have shortened your route to chamonix but its takes you into Italy twice finally emerging from the Mont Blanc tunnel. the pass at Briancon is stunning.

I have shown the next overnight in Verenna (a personal favourite stay at the Hotel de lac and enjoy a Pizza at the lake side bar at the bottom of town) you will approach via the ferry across lake Como from Managgio. Over nighting here gives you time to explore Managgio and detour over some nice roads from Lugano.

No change then in your route to Inns bruck via Stelvio. I have shown to 308 to the black forest. Lunch in the old harbour at Lindau as we enjoyed with pete & lissa in 2007.
http://www.btinternet.com/~fulltilt/pics/lunchinlindau.jpg

L3nny

02-06-10, 09:12 PM

Thanks mate much appreciated

02-06-10, 09:44 PM

I'm now thinking of extending my trip. It's all Tilt's fault!!!!!

Bluefish

20-06-10, 08:53 PM

Thanks you lot, i am now planning a trip to the french alps immediately after the AR :D, however i cannot commit untill i know my bike will be sorted properly, should find out by end of the week exactly what is going to happen.
Have been checking the ferries, the cheapest is dover -calais £40 rtn, as opposed to £115 pool -st malo, or £125 to le-havre, what route would you regulars reccomend, cheers andy.

L3nny

20-06-10, 08:56 PM

I'd would always go Dover to Calais, I find the boat very boring, more boring than sitting on a motorway.

L3nny

13-07-10, 12:50 PM

I'd would always go Dover to Calais, I find the boat very boring, more boring than sitting on a motorway.

Just about to book the ferry.

Portsmouth to Le Harve :smt081

Mainly cause my mate is scared of the M25

15-07-10, 06:57 PM

Mainly cause my mate is scared of the M25

I used to hate motorways but the only way to tolerate them is to practise.... so tell him to get on said M25 - and JFDI.

L3nny

15-07-10, 07:00 PM

I've tried, he's a proper country bumpkin.

15-07-10, 09:06 PM

I've tried, he's a proper country bumpkin.

Er... how is he going to cope with French autoroutes?

L3nny

15-07-10, 09:44 PM

The problem is not with motorways as such, just trying to keep up with my dodgy filtering through incredibly congested motorways.

Last year we came back via Dover and he just really hated the drive from Dover to the M40

L3nny

20-09-10, 01:43 PM

Well I completed the expedition, had set myself way too many miles for 8 days so ended up doing a bit of motorway riding each day so we got to the hotels in time, otherwise we'd be looking at arriving at 8-9pm each night.

Only managed half the Route Napoleon, a 3rd of the Grandes Alpes and spent all of Austria on the motorway.

2800 miles in total!

Between us we spent a total of £600 on fuel and £200 on tolls!!

Also got through a whole tire and a whole service interval so that's another £300.

Still it was worth it.

Tim in Belgium

22-09-10, 06:20 PM

Looking forward to the trip report :thumbsup:

L3nny

23-09-10, 08:32 PM

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=157891

jacksuzukisv650

24-09-10, 09:33 PM

i have done this before ride of my life gona go nxt year again ..

littleoldman2

31-08-12, 10:43 PM

Tim in Belgium

22-09-12, 08:30 PM

Thank you very much for this route and information. Rode most of this route and more over the last 2 weeks, down to Millau, then the Gouge du Tarn over to Grenoble then down he route Napoleon etc. A total of 4400 miles including those in the UK. Absolutely wonderful. Will post a ride report as a new thread

Have I missed the report or is it elsewhere? Looking forward to seeing it.