Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most influential rulers in European history. Renowned as a military commander, he was also a great statesman, administrator, lawmaker and builder – and his civic achievements outlived and arguably eclipsed his victories on the battlefield. Yet while there are a host of biographies and studies of his military and political career, few books have been written about his connections with Paris, the capital of his empire, where many remarkable buildings and monuments date from his time in power. That is why David Buttery’s highly illustrated guidebook to Napoleon’s Paris is such a timely and valuable addition to the literature designed for visitors to the city.
Many of the most famous sites in the city were built or enhanced on Napoleon’s instructions or are closely associated with him and with the period of the First French Empire – the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Hôtel des Invalides, Musée de l'Armée, Notre Dame Cathedral, Père-Lachaise Cemetery among them. David Buttery’s guide covers them all in evocative detail. His work is essential reading for every visitor to Paris who is keen to gain an insight into the influence of Napoleon on the city and the tumultuous period in French history in which he was the dominant figure.
Author(s): David Buttery
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
Year: 2020
Language: English
Pages: 256
City: Barnsley
Cover
Book Title
Copyright
Contents
List of Maps
Introduction
Chapter 1:The Corsican Adventurer
A Rising Star, 1792–1795
The Little Corporal, 1796–1799
The Consulate, 1800–1804
Charlemagne’s Successor, 1804–1807
Redrawing the Map, 1807
Imperial Decline, 1808–1814
First Exile
The Hundred Days, 1815
The Cult of Napoleon
Chapter 2: Napoleon’s Vision
The Grand Plan
Civic Works
The Beautification of Paris
Overview
Chapter 3:Musée Napoléon
Visiting the Louvre
Origins of the Louvre
Musée Napoléon
The Tuileries Gardens
Place du Carrousel and Arc du Carrousel
Repatriation
Unfinished Business
The Finest Collection in the World
Napoleonic Exhibits
Highlights and Observations
Chapter 4:The Arc de Triomphe
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe
Highlights and Observations
Napoleon’s Vision
Renewed Construction
The Inauguration, 1836
Funerals and Tragedies
Franco-Prussian and World Wars
National Celebrations and Sporting Events
Restoration
A National Icon
Chapter 5:The Battle of Paris
Invasion of France
Joseph’s Folly
The Assault on Paris
Weakness and Betrayal
Occupation
The Battlefield Today
Chapter 6:Walks along the Seine
Planning
Walk 1 – La Rive Droite (Map p. 118)
Walk 2 – La Rive Gauche (Map p. 125)
Walk 3 – Across the Isles (Map p. 133)
Other Napoleonic Locations
Chapter 7:Heroes of the First French Empire
Visiting Père Lachaise
Napoleon’s Marshalate
In Search of Heroes (refer to Map p. 153)
Other Tombs
The History of Père Lachaise
Fighting among the Tombstones
Highlights and Observations
Chapter 8:A Fitting Tribute
Visiting Les Invalides
History of the Hôtel des Invalides
The Emperor’s Funeral
Église du Dôme
Napoleon’s Tomb
Musée de l’Armée
Highlights and Observations
Chapter 9:Napoleonic Sites Outside Paris
Château de Vincennes
Palace of Fontainebleau
Château de Malmaison
Chapter 10:Exploring Paris
Travelling to Paris
Timing the Visit
Where to Stay
Planning an Itinerary
Travelling around Paris
Admission Charges
Speaking the Language
Safety and Security
Food and Drink
Paris Online
Ten Unusual Facts about Napoleon
Annotated Bibliography
Index
Back Cover
