Travel with me to Fontainebleau and learn about Napoleon's 1st abdication!

Travels with CeriseFontainebleau, Grand Courtyard of Main entrance

Travel is a wonderful way to do historical research for novels. Time-consuming, it is an intriguing way to put drama into your day...as you eat and drink you way around your chosen paths!

My biggest kicks come from standing in the very spots that others infinitely more interesting than I have stood. Reflecting on how they must have felt at certain points in their lives—or seeing what has become of those places long after they have passed sends ripples of ennui down my spine. (Here you see my pictures from this memorable day in this lovely palace!)

Closeup of front steps of Fontainebleau

Here you see the grand staircase of Fontainebleau outside. Why is this an interesting view? Well! Not only was this the main entrance to the palace during the Ancien Regime, but also one used by Napoleon and his coterie. On these very steps, Napoleon emerged from the palais in April 1814. The previous night he had attempted suicide, swallowing a poison which proved ineffective. I wish I had a picture of his bedroom where he slept and the room where he signed his abdication from imperial power. Alas, the ones I took were terribly out of focus! It's what comes of being too enraptured and soaking up the scenery instead of tending to the camera!

Napoleon signing abdication papers in Fontainebleau, April 1814

Greeting many of his generals and troops who were gathered in the courtyard below (see next picture), he bid them farewell. He boarded a coach, escorted by a small French retinue and a few Englishmen to assure his departure, and left for Elba. He arrived there May 30, 1814.

The Golden Courtyard where Napoleon's troops would have heard his farewell in April 1814 before he departed for Elba. Here you have the view Napoleon had as he addressed his troops.

To read a fast-paced romance about two lovers who must escape Napoleon’s return, do read BECAUSE OF YOU!

Love does not advertise. Love is not proud.

But when a young woman has nothing left but pride, she places an ad and hopes for a husband to treasure.
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