"The true home of kings, the house of centuries"
, we read in the
Memorial of Saint Helena
.
And Napoleon added about the Château de Fontainebleau:
"It was undoubtedly what was most convenient, most happily situated in Europe for a sovereign."
1804: the former artillery lieutenant who became a conqueror chooses these august walls, neglected since the Revolution, to welcome Pius VII who came from Rome to carry out the coronation.
It will then be six exceptional years.
Up to 1,500 guests accommodated, including around 20 princes, dignitaries or house ministers.
The refurnishing was, as it should be, carried out at a rapid pace: only 19 days.
From 1807, Napoleon made long stays in Fontainebleau.
Its objective is to be part of the lineage of the kings of France;
confronting himself in particular on the spot with François Ier.
Like him, he has endowed the castle with books (35,000!), Gardens and galleries.
Read also
Napoleon's Bicentenary: Figures of the Napoleonic Empire
Fontainebleau could therefore only be in the front line for the demonstrations
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