The Imperial Days will take place from October 25 to 27, 2024 in Nice, with the theme “The Empires and the Women.” This event pays homage to the connections between Nice and the Bonaparte dynasty by discussing the role and influence of women in the two Empires.
On Friday, October 25, the opening ceremony will be held at the Musée Masséna, followed by a discussion on the influence of Joséphine Bonaparte and a concert dedicated to 19th-century opera arias. Historians will discuss the diplomatic and social roles of Empresses Joséphine and Eugénie, highlighting their actions and impact.
Saturday, October 26, will be dedicated to reenactments. At the Musée Masséna, the public will have the opportunity to enjoy demonstrations of dance and fashion from the First Empire, witness military maneuvers, and observe fencing matches in period attire. On the same day, several panel discussions will be organized at the Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen, covering various topics such as “Napoleon I and Women” and the role of women in the Napoleonic Code.
The event will conclude on Sunday, October 27, with similar activities at the Musée Masséna, followed by a historical show at the Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen titled “The Sun Rises in France: The Rise of Bonaparte.” This show retraces the ascent of Napoleon, accompanied by songs and period music.
These events are free and open to the public, subject to available seating.
The complete program:
Friday, October 25
Location: Musée Masséna
- 5:30 PM: Inauguration by Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice.
- 6:15 PM: Discussion – “Joséphine: What Influence on Napoleon?” with historian Laetitia De Witt. Moderated by Arthur Chevallier.
- 7:30 PM: Concert – “Opera, Women, and Empires,” featuring Tristan Mayer (vocals) and Thomas Dupont-Costantini (piano). Major 19th-century arias centered around women will be performed, including excerpts from Puccini’s Tosca and Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette.
Saturday, October 26
Location: Musée Masséna
- 10 AM-5 PM: Civilian Events of the First Empire (20-30 minute sessions)
- Ball with dance demonstrations and public initiation by the group Quam Pulchra Es.
- Presentation of the evolution of fashion under the First Empire with Le Boudoir Impérial.
- 10 AM-5 PM: Military Events of the First Empire (20-30 minute sessions)
- Maneuvers, parade, and serenades by chasseurs and grenadiers units.
- Battle re-enactments on board with miniatures by Saint-O-Jeux association.
- Saber fencing demonstrations with Les Lames d’Hermès.
Location: Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen (CUM)
- 11 AM: Show – “The Celebration under the First Empire” with dancers from Galop Quadrille Nice Gazelec.
- 2 PM: Panel Discussion – “Napoleon I and Women” led by Arthur Chevallier, with Laetitia De Witt, David Chanteranne, Florence de Baudus, and Alain Pigeard.
- 3:30 PM: Panel Discussion – “Napoleon III and Women” with Jean des Cars and Jacques Ravenne.
- 4:45 PM: Panel Discussion – “Women in the Napoleonic Code” with Thierry Lentz and Baptiste Roger-Lacan.
Sunday, October 27
Location: Musée Masséna
- 10 AM-12 PM: Civil and Military Events (20-30 minute sessions) with the same activities as Saturday (balls, fashion, maneuvers, fencing, re-enactments).
Location: Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen (CUM)
- 4 PM: Show – “The Sun Rises in France: The Rise of Bonaparte.” A historical and musical show interspersed with songs, military marches, and period music, tracing the ascent of Napoleon Bonaparte.