Paris, the romantic heart of Europe, and a city inextricably linked with the glories of the Napoleonic era, provides the centrepiece of this most appealing of tours. Using many of its streets, monuments, chateaux and museums as backdrops to Napoleon’s life, our expert historian will discuss, amongst many other topics, the impact of the French Revolution on his early career, his usurping of power, the control of his empire, his loves, prominent personalities and his final downfall. A full itinerary includes visits to the Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, Père-Lachaise cemetery, the tomb of Napoleon, Fontainebleau and Malmaison. Our hotel is based in the heart of Paris allowing us to enjoy a selection of local restaurants for dinner. Travel to/from Paris is by Eurostar.

Napoleon is a controversial figure but, whether you love or loathe him, his influence upon history is immensely important. Among the world’s greatest generals, his military achievements are almost eclipsed by what he did for France, being more at home in the office than on the battlefield. This is especially evident in Paris, which he employed as an ideal model throughout his Empire. He rose during the French Revolution (1789-1799) rising swiftly from the rank of second lieutenant to become Emperor of the French aged only thirty-five. While a ruthless defender of the Republic during the ‘Whiff of Grapeshot’ (1795), he softened the negative impacts of the Revolution as First Consul (1799-1804) and proved to be a great builder, reformer, law giver and administrator. He intended to make Paris pleasant to live in by constructing or modifying palaces, monuments, museums and parks but also introduced practical improvements like better roads, pavements, markets, quaysides, cemeteries, sewers, bridges and canals. His Civil Code was his greatest achievement introducing sweeping cultural, political and legal reforms that was so well designed that it remains the basis of French law today. This tour provides an insight into this enigmatic figure and his close association with one of the world’s greatest cities.

Day 1. Late morning departure to Paris from London St Pancras International. Check in to our hotel before enjoying a brief introductory walk to set the scene for Napoleon in Paris including the Place de la Concorde and church of St Roche, scene of the famous “whiff of grapeshot”. Hotel in Paris for three nights. (D).

Day 2. Travel to Malmaison where we visit the Église Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, site of the grave of the Empress Joséphine We visit the sumptuous palace of Bois Préau and Château de Malmaison, the latter home to Napoleon and Joséphine between 1799 to 1814 where they lived out their tempestuous relationship. This is nevertheless the one building where Napoleon felt truly at home. We return to the city to visit the Musée de la Légion d'honneur, repository of a rich collection of decorations and medals. (B, D).

Day 3. Travel to the magnificent chateau of Fontainebleau to explore the twilight of Napoleon’s Empire and his first abdication. Return to the city to enjoy an informative walk though Napoleonic sites from the site of Marshal Ney’s execution via the Pantheon and Île de la Cité to finish at the Hôtel de Ville (outside of sites only). (B, D).

Day 4. We start the day at the Arc de Triomphe where we discuss the many Napoleonic victories carved on to this famous landmark and how news of them was generally reported during Napoleon’s time. We travel by metro to the Musée de la Marine where we gain an insight into the French navy during Napoleonic times especially through the Trianon collection, a unique series of ship models commissioned by the Emperor. We then stroll through the Camps de Mars, site of the presentation by Napoleon of the eagle standards on assuming the role of Emperor in 1804, to the Musée de l’Armée at Les Invalides with its treasury of arms, paintings, models and relics and the Eglise du Dome, the final resting place of the Emperor. (B, D)

Day 5. Our final morning we visit the Père-Lachaise cemetery, the last resting place of many key characters during Napoleon’s reign, where we consider their achievements and contributions to Napoleon’s success and failures. We relax with some free time in Paris, before catching an evening train to London. (B)