The French don’t have a national museum devoted to Napoleon, but French politician Yves Jégo is proposing to build “Napoleonland,” a theme park based on the legacy of Napoleon and the First Empire. The chosen site is near Disneyland Paris, on the grounds of the 1814 Battle of Montereau, a Napoleonic victory over the Austrians during the War of the Sixth Coalition.
At first, it’s heartening to see the French honoring their best known historical figure, but then the silliness begins. The Telegraph and The Economist quote Jégo as envisioning tourists skiing through a Russian battlefield “surrounded by the frozen bodies of soldiers and horses.” He’d have reenactments of Louis XVI being guillotined. The Battle of Waterloo and the naval Battle of Trafalgar, both French disasters, would be recreated every day. “It’s going to be fun for the whole family,” Mr. Jégo told the London Times.
Is this mockery simply British bias or does it reflect the former French minister and history buff’s intentions? Perhaps we’ll hear the whole story on February 18th when Yves Jégo makes a full announcement.
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that the French victory at Montereau only briefly slowed the Coalition’s invasion of France. Eight weeks later, Napoleon abdicated and accepted exile on Elba with an annual pension of 2,000,000 francs. The pension, however, was never paid, contributing to Napoleon’s decision to escape Elba and return to France for his Hundred Days rule before his defeat at Waterloo.
I’m not so sure I’d say “fun” regarding the proposal. “Educational” or “immersive experience in an intense period of history” might better suit this one. *squints* Reenactments of Louis XVI being guillotined? *shudders*
Yes, Melanie, the whole thing is weird. Skiing by bodies of frozen dead soldiers? If I hadn’t read several articles in serious journals like The Economist I’d assume it’s all a hoax. I’m holding back judgment until I read the formal announcement on Feb 18th. There are, of course, many topics that could be interesting–Napoleon’s venture into Egypt, Josephine’s influence on fashion and style, bringing clean water to all Parisian neighborhoods, recreation of Longwood House on St Helena, the coronation, etc, but really, I’m not sure an amusement park is the best venue for learning history. It would be hard to communicate the nuances.
Margaret, now past that 18th of February deadline for announcements, have you heard any further updates on this Napoleon-a-rama proposal?
Yes, Melanie, it appears that the project has a real future as a public/private partnership. If they can raise sufficient funds, they’d like to break ground in 2014 and be open for business in 2016. The promoters claim they’ll present a balanced image of the man and his contributions. I don’t know about the ski adventure through frozen bodies of retreating French soldiers. It all sounds a bit bizarre, but you can be sure I’ll try to make the Grand Opening!
Sure would be great if they could have your book in the associated gift store! You’d better get the thing translated into French (by you, or a publishing house) when you’re done. Since we *know* that this work will sell (!!!), do make sure the agent works out good contract deals on out of country versions!
🙂
(btw, what a pitch you could give a publishing house with this potential theme park in the future!)
I’m working on it!
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