Originally planned by Napoleon, they begin at "Point Zero," a brass marker in the square in front of Notre Dame in Paris: the French national roads that stretch from the capital to the corners of the Grande Nation. Among them, the N7 is the longest and most beautiful: it runs for about 1,000 kilometers from the island in the Seine south to the Italian border, from Paris to Menton. The road is legendary: millions of European drivers and their families, as well as hitchhikers, troubadours, artists, and street performers have traveled along it, following their longing for the south and the sea - the N7 became synonymous with sunshine and holidays, the ease of living, and the joy of temporary freedom, celebrated not only by Charles Trenet. Michael O. R. Kroeher and Wolfgang Groeger-Meier are on this route of longing in their book.