Cerise went to #Paris to see where #Napoleon lived, abdicated #Regency #boxset #99cents @TheIncomparables

Old print of 'Abdication of Napoleon, His Departure from Fontainebleau for the Island of Elba'.

A representation of Napoleon signing his abdication.

Two hundred and one years ago, Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated his imperial throne, after leading France politically and militarily for nearly two decades.

When I visited France recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit many of the places where Napoleon lived. Among them was the gorgeous hunting lodge and chateau of French kings, then turned palace, Fontainebleau.

In the suburbs of Paris and accessed easily by train, Fontainebleau offers a dramatic experience in French history. A marvelous example of French Rococco, the hunting lodge became a grander palace under the direction of Francis I. So the mixture of ancien regime decor and architecture is a true delight.

Abdication Room as it is today.

Among the rooms is the one in which Napoleon signed his abdication April 13, 1814. Adjacent is his bedroom where the night before, he drank poison. Ill and then purged by an elixir brought by his servants, Napoleon recovered to sign the document. He grumbled that "even poison failed him."

This abdication agreement was between Napoleon and the representatives of Austria, Russia and Prussia and by this treaty, Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba. After signing in this room, he went to the steps facing the main entrance to the palace and addressed his officers assembled in the courtyard.  These are my pictures of the steps where he stood and the view he would have had of the courtyard and his imperial gates, which still have the two eagles atop.
   And do look for a new box set 99 cent deal June 18, 2015 when I  join 5 other marvelous Regency authors for a release to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo!  What is the title of this not-to-be-missed collection?  THE INCOMPARABLES: 6 HEROES OF WATERLOO and THE 6 LADIES THEY ADORE!

Front steps of Fontainebleau where Napoleon stood
to bid farewell to his troops.

Fontainebleau's full front facade where Napoleon addressed his troops.

This is same view Napoleon would have had of courtyard. Do note his Imperial Eagles on gate posts.