Napoleon’s Chalets (Part 2)

You thought you’d seen every imperial chalet? Think again! Hidden away at number 107 is the Emperor’s Chalet, once home to Napoleon III himself. Built in 1864 by architect Lefaure, this charming house boasts two secret galleries overlooking the park, for extra privacy. It was here that Napoleon III felt inspired to write sections of his book “History of Julius Caesar”, with the help of Alfred Maury, librarian at the Tuileries Palace. Just next door, at number 109, there’s the “Marie-Louise” chalet. It was Napoleon III’s very first residence on the États-Unis Boulevard. It’s eye-catching for sure, with all the faux ochre and yellow bricks arranged in a checkerboard pattern. I mean, what’s not to like? Well, apparently, the chalet’s galleries overlooking the street were an issue. You see, once in a while, the Emperor enjoyed chatting and smoking with his companions there. The thing is, whenever he did, he’d unintentionally put on a show for the entire neighborhood – literally everyone could see him from the street. So Napoleon III had two more chalets built, just to live in peace and quiet – one for himself and another for his wife, to make up for the amorous transgressions that led to the empress’s hasty departure from Vichy in July 1863. Right next door, also at number 109, you’ll find the “Clermont-Tonnerre” chalet. It’s named after Napoleon III’s ordnance officer, without whom it would never have seen the light of day. Rumor has it that an underground tunnel connected this chalet to the Marie-Louise and Emperor chalets for extra protection of the imperial family and their guests. Plus, it made the delivery of their meals much easier. In 1864, this wooden villa even housed King Leopold I of Belgium. The charming neo-Gothic pavilion nearby was built in 1905 as a bachelor pad for the son of a former owner. So you see, all these charming chalets offer a unique glimpse into the life of Napoleon III and his caprices. After all, we’re talking about the man to whom Vichy owes much of its history, prestige and undying reputation.