The 100 Days and
La Charente and Rochfort

Napoleon's Footsteps

Flight of the Eagle















Antibes




Golfe-Juan

Mobirise

The Arrival of the Emperor

Golfe-Juan to Le Cannet to Mougins

Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey


















  • Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is a commune located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. It's situated in the arrondissement of Grasse, about 15 kilometers northwest of Grasse.
  • Ancient times: The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by dolmens and other megalithic structures found in the vicinity.
  • Roman era: The region was part of the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. A Roman road passed through the area, connecting the coast to the Alpine regions.
  • Middle Ages: The village developed around a feudal castle, with the earliest mentions of Saint-Vallier dating back to the 11th century. It was part of the County of Provence.
  • 14th-15th centuries: Like much of the region, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey would have been affected by the various conflicts and epidemics of the time, including the Black Death.
  • 16th-17th centuries: The village remained a small rural community. The current Church of Saint-John-the-Baptist dates from this period, built in the 17th century.
  • 18th century: Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, like much of Provence, saw gradual changes as the feudal system declined. The village was known for its production of wheat, wine, and olives.
  • French Revolution and Napoleonic era: The village, like many rural communities, experienced the broader impacts of these political changes, but specific events in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey are not widely documented.
  • 19th century: The commune saw gradual modernization, though it remained primarily rural. The development of nearby Grasse as a center of the perfume industry may have had some impact on Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.
  • 20th century: The village began to develop as a tourist destination, particularly for those interested in outdoor activities. Its location in the pre-Alps made it attractive for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
  • Present day: Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is now known as a picturesque village that serves as a gateway to the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park, established in 2012.

The Road to Séranon

  • Ancient times: While the area was likely inhabited in prehistoric times, there's limited specific information about Séranon during this period.
  • Middle Ages: The earliest mentions of Séranon date back to the 11th century. It was part of the County of Provence and later came under the influence of the House of Grimaldi.
  • 14th-15th centuries: Like much of the region, Séranon would have been affected by the turbulent events of the time, including conflicts and epidemics, though specific details are scarce.
  • 16th-17th centuries: Séranon remained a small rural community during this period. The village's church of Saint-Michel dates from the 17th century.
  • 18th century: Séranon, like much of Provence, saw social and economic changes as the old feudal system began to break down.
  • French Revolution and Napoleonic era: The village, like many rural communities, would have experienced the broader impacts of these political changes, but specific events in Séranon are not widely documented.
  • 19th century: The commune saw gradual modernization, though it remained primarily rural. The development of nearby larger towns would have had some impact on Séranon.
  • 20th century: Séranon, like many rural French villages, experienced population decline as people moved to urban areas for work. However, it began to develop some appeal as a destination for those seeking a quiet, natural setting.
  • Present day: Séranon remains a small, picturesque village known for its beautiful natural surroundings. It's part of the Parc Naturel Régional des Préalpes d'Azur, which was established in 2012.

Castellane

Mobirise
Mobirise
Mobirise

Old Castellane

Early Middle Ages
In the early medieval period, as Roman control declined, the population moved to a more defensible location. They established a fortified village on a rocky outcrop known as the Roc, which provided natural protection against invasions, especially during the turbulent Merovingian and Carolingian eras.

High and Late Middle Ages
By the 10th century, the settlement had become known as Castellana. It was part of the County of Provence and grew in importance thanks to its location on a key trade and pilgrimage route (the Route Napoléon today). Fortifications were built to protect against Saracen raids and local feudal conflicts. The town expanded down from the Roc, with walls, gates, and towers.

Renaissance to French Revolution
In the 15th century, Castellane became a royal town, integrated into the Kingdom of France. Its strategic importance gradually declined, though it remained a local administrative and market center. During the French Revolution, its feudal structures were dismantled, and many ecclesiastical properties were seized or repurposed.

19th–20th Century
Castellane remained relatively isolated until the 19th century, when roads were improved and the Route Napoléon (named after Napoleon’s 1815 return from Elba) was constructed. In the 20th century, the town became increasingly oriented toward tourism due to its proximity to the Verdon Gorge and natural parks.

Sisteron














  • Ancient times: The area around Sisteron was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period. The Romans later established a settlement here, calling it Segustero.
  • Middle Ages: Sisteron became an important fortified town during this period. The Citadel of Sisteron, which still dominates the town's skyline, was initially built in the 12th century and expanded over time.
  • 14th-15th centuries: The town suffered during the Hundred Years' War and was also affected by the Black Death.
  • 16th century: Sisteron was a Protestant stronghold during the French Wars of Religion.
  • 17th-18th centuries: The town's fortifications were further strengthened by military engineer Vauban under Louis XIV's reign.
  • French Revolution and Napoleon: Sisteron played a role in Napoleon's return from exile in 1815, as he passed through the town on his way to Paris.
  • 19th-20th centuries: The town saw modernization and expansion, with the arrival of the railway in the 19th century.
  • World War II: Sisteron was bombed by Allied forces in 1944, causing significant damage to the town. However, much of its historical architecture was later restored.
  • Present day: Sisteron is now a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved citadel, charming old town, and beautiful natural surroundings. It's often referred to as the "Pearl of Haute-Provence."

Digne-les-bains

  • Digne-les-Bains is a commune in southeastern France, serving as the prefecture (capital) of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It's located in the Alps, along the Bléone River.
  • Here's a brief historical overview of Digne-les-Bains:
  • Ancient times: The area was inhabited by the Bodiontici, a Gallic tribe. The Romans established a settlement here, calling it Dinia. The town was known for its thermal springs even in ancient times.
  • Early Middle Ages: Digne became an important religious center, with a bishopric established as early as the 4th century.
  • Middle Ages: The town grew in importance, with the construction of fortifications and religious buildings. It was part of the County of Provence.
  • 14th-15th centuries: Like much of Europe, Digne suffered from the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. However, it remained an important regional center.
  • 16th-17th centuries: Digne was affected by the Wars of Religion but remained predominantly Catholic. The Cathedral of Saint-Jérôme was built in the 15th-16th centuries.
  • 18th century: The town saw some development, with new public buildings and improvements to infrastructure. Its thermal springs continued to attract visitors.
  • French Revolution and Napoleonic era: Digne, like many French towns, experienced significant political changes during this period. It became the prefecture of the newly created Basses-Alpes department (now Alpes-de-Haute-Provence).
  • 19th century: The town saw considerable development, including the construction of new roads and the arrival of the railway in 1872. The thermal baths were modernized, enhancing Digne's reputation as a spa town.
  • 20th century: Digne continued to develop as both an administrative center and a tourist destination. It officially added "les-Bains" to its name in 1988 to emphasize its thermal spa heritage.
  • Present day: Digne-les-Bains remains an important regional center, known for its thermal baths, geological heritage, and as a gateway to the Alps.

Malijai

  • Ancient times: While there's evidence of human habitation in the area dating back to prehistoric times, less is known about Malijai's specific ancient history compared to larger towns in the region.
  • Middle Ages: The first documented mention of Malijai dates back to the 11th century. Like many settlements in the area, it likely developed as a small feudal community.
  • 14th-15th centuries: The village, like much of Provence, would have been affected by the turbulent events of this period, including the Black Death and the raids of Raymond de Turenne.
  • 16th-17th centuries: Malijai remained a small agricultural community during this period. The village's château was built in the 17th century, becoming a significant landmark.
  • French Revolution: The château of Malijai played a small but interesting role in French history during this time. In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte stayed at the château for a night during his return from exile on Elba, on his way to Paris.
  • 19th century: Malijai, like many rural French communities, saw gradual modernization. The arrival of the railway in the region would have impacted local life and economy.
  • 20th century: The commune experienced the broader societal changes affecting rural France, including population shifts as people moved to larger urban areas.
  • Present day: Malijai remains a small commune, with a population of around 2,000 people. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture and some light industry. The château, now owned by the municipality, is used for cultural events and can be visited.

Volonne

  • Ancient times: The area was inhabited by the Celto-Ligurian tribe of the Bodiontici. Later, it became a Roman settlement known as Dinia, which grew into an important town on the Via Domitia.
  • Early Middle Ages: Digne became a bishopric in the 4th century, enhancing its importance. The town suffered during barbarian invasions but remained a significant religious center.
  • High Middle Ages: Digne developed as a feudal town, with the bishops holding significant power. The cathedral of Notre-Dame-du-Bourg was built in the 13th century.
  • 14th-15th centuries: Like much of Provence, Digne suffered during the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. However, it remained an important regional center.
  • 16th-17th centuries: The town was affected by the French Wars of Religion. The new Saint-Jérôme cathedral was built in the 17th century, replacing the older cathedral as the seat of the bishop.
  • 18th century: Digne began to gain recognition for its thermal springs, though they had been known since Roman times.
  • French Revolution: The bishopric was suppressed during this period but was later restored in 1817.
  • 19th century: The town's thermal springs gained wider recognition. In 1862, the town officially added "les-Bains" to its name, becoming Digne-les-Bains. The arrival of the railway in 1872 further boosted its development as a spa town.
  • 20th century: Digne-les-Bains continued to develop as both an administrative center and a tourist destination. It was also the birthplace of famous artists like Alexandra David-Néel.
  • Present day: Digne-les-Bains remains an important regional center, known for its thermal baths, geological heritage (including a UNESCO Geopark), and as a base for exploring the surrounding mountains.

La Saulce - Tallard - Gap

  • Gap is the largest town and prefecture (capital) of the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. It's situated in the Alps, between the Dauphiné and Provence regions.
  • Here's a brief historical overview of Gap:
  • Ancient times: The area was inhabited by the Tricorii, a Gallic tribe. The Romans established a settlement here called Vapincum, which evolved into the modern name Gap.
  • Early Middle Ages: Gap became an important religious centre with the establishment of a bishopric in the 4th century.
  • Middle Ages: The town grew in importance as both a religious and strategic center. It was part of the Dauphiné region and later came under the influence of the Counts of Provence.
  • 14th-15th centuries: Gap, like many European towns, suffered from the Black Death and various conflicts. However, it remained an important regional centre.
  • 16th-17th centuries: The town was affected by the Wars of Religion but remained predominantly Catholic. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and Saint-Arnoux, originally built in the 11th century, was rebuilt during this period.
  • 18th century: Gap saw some development and modernisation, though it remained a relatively small town.
  • French Revolution and Napoleonic era: The town experienced the political changes of the time. It became the prefecture of the newly created Hautes-Alpes department in 1790.
  • 19th century: Gap saw significant development, including the arrival of the railway in 1875, which boosted its economy and accessibility.
  • 20th century: The town continued to grow and modernise. It hosted stages of the Tour de France multiple times, enhancing its reputation as a gateway to the Alps.

Corps

  • Corps is a commune located in the Isère department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. It's situated in the French Alps, about 55 kilometers south of Grenoble.
  • Ancient times: The area was likely inhabited by Gallic tribes, but specific information about Corps during this period is limited.
  • Middle Ages: Corps developed as a small settlement. Its strategic location on the route between Grenoble and Gap gave it some importance.
  • 14th-15th centuries: Like many towns in the region, Corps would have been affected by the various conflicts and epidemics of the time, including the Black Death.
  • 16th-17th centuries: Corps remained a small rural community. The Church of Saint-Pierre, one of the town's notable buildings, dates from this period.
  • 18th century: Corps continued as a rural town, with agriculture and small-scale trade as its main economic activities.
  • French Revolution and Napoleonic era: The town, like many rural communities, experienced the broader impacts of these political changes, but specific events in Corps are not widely documented.  Napoleon stopped in Corps in 1815 after his escape from the island of Elba.
  • 19th century: Corps gained some notoriety due to its proximity to La Salette, where a famous Marian apparition was reported in 1846. This event significantly impacted the town and the surrounding area.
  • 20th century: Corps remained a small town but saw some development, particularly in terms of tourism related to La Salette. The construction of the Sautet Dam in the 1930s also had an impact on the local economy.
  • Present day: Corps continues to be a small town, known primarily for its proximity to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette and its position as a gateway to the surrounding Alpine areas.
  • Throughout its history, Corps has been characterized by its rural nature and its location in the French Alps. Its economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and small-scale trade, with tourism becoming increasingly important in more recent times.
  • Today, Corps is known for several features:
  • Its proximity to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette, an important pilgrimage site located about 14 kilometers away.
  • Its position as a gateway to the Écrins National Park, attracting nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • The nearby Sautet Dam and its artificial lake, which offer recreational opportunities.
  • Its traditional Alpine architecture and rural charm.
  • Its role as a stopping point for travellers between Grenoble and Gap.
  • While Corps remains a small town, its religious significance due to La Salette and its natural surroundings make it an interesting destination for those exploring the French Alps. It offers visitors a glimpse into traditional rural life in the Alpine region of France, combined with the spiritual heritage associated with the nearby Marian shrine.

Laffrey




































































  • Ancient times: While the area was likely inhabited in prehistoric times, there's limited specific information about Laffrey during this period.
  • Middle Ages: The earliest mentions of Laffrey date back to the 11th century. It was part of the Dauphiné region, which had its own semi-independent status until the 14th century.
  • 14th-15th centuries: Like much of the region, Laffrey would have been affected by the broader events of the time, including conflicts and epidemics, though specific details are scarce.
  • 16th-17th centuries: Laffrey remained a small rural community during this period. The village's church of Saint-Blaise dates from the 17th century.
  • 18th century: Laffrey, like much of the Dauphiné, saw social and economic changes as the old feudal system began to break down.
  • French Revolution and Napoleonic era: Laffrey played a small but significant role in French history during this period. In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte, returning from exile on Elba, encountered royalist troops near Laffrey. This event, known as the "Prairie of the Meeting," ended peacefully and helped Napoleon regain power briefly.
  • 19th century: The commune saw gradual modernization, though it remained primarily rural. The development of nearby industrial areas in the Matheysine plateau would have had some impact on Laffrey.
  • 20th century: Laffrey began to develop as a tourist destination, particularly after the creation of the artificial Lake Laffrey in the 1920s for hydroelectric purposes.
  • Present day: Laffrey is now known primarily as a tourist destination, popular for its lake activities in summer and winter sports in the colder months. The "Prairie of the Meeting" remains a historical site of interest.

Grenoble

  • Ancient times: The area was originally inhabited by the Allobroges, a Gallic tribe. The Romans established a settlement here in 43 BC, naming it Cularo and later Gratianopolis, which evolved into Grenoble.
  • Middle Ages: Grenoble became the capital of the Dauphiné region in the 11th century. The city's importance grew, and it became a significant religious and political center.
  • 14th-15th centuries: The Dauphiné was ceded to the French crown in 1349, but Grenoble retained much of its autonomy. The city suffered during the Hundred Years' War and from outbreaks of the plague.
  • 16th-17th centuries: Grenoble was a center of the Protestant Reformation in France. The city's fortifications were expanded by military engineer Vauban under Louis XIV.
  • 18th century: The city saw significant development, including the construction of new boulevards and squares. It became an important center for glove-making.
  • French Revolution: Grenoble played a notable role in the events leading up to the Revolution, with the Day of the Tiles in 1788 considered a precursor to the storming of the Bastille.
  • 19th century: Industrialization transformed Grenoble. The city became known for its glove industry and saw significant urban development. The arrival of the railway in 1858 further boosted its growth.
  • 20th century: Grenoble hosted the Winter Olympics in 1968, which led to major infrastructure developments. The city also became a major scientific and technological center, earning the nickname "Capital of the Alps."
  • Late 20th-early 21st century: Grenoble continued to develop as a center for research and technology, particularly in fields like physics, computer science, and nanotechnology.
  • Present day: Grenoble is known for its universities, research centers, and high-tech industries. It's also a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to ski resorts and its cultural offerings.
Mobirise

Home

© Nick Battersby