Imperial Weekend in Rambouillet

These two days of historical reconstruction will provide visitors with quality entertainment in each of the three sites. Nearly 150 reenactors passionate about living history will plunge young and old into the heart of history.

At the castle, young and old will become guests of the Emperor and will discover, through daily life and intimacy, the atmosphere that reigned in this imperial residence, a true haven of peace in the shadow of power. The public will be transported to the fall of 1811, one of the rare periods of peace during which Napoleon was able to enjoy his successes, including the greatest: the birth of his son, the King of Rome.

Between theatrical interlude and living room scenes around the Empress and her young child, led by nearly 40 reenactors, all the charms of the place will gradually be revealed.

All day long, you can also see the emperor's carriage in the castle grounds with his imperial guards on horseback, witness his arrival at the castle after a walk in the park whose latest developments he closely follows, or even join him for lunch in the tent of his brother-in-law Joachim Murat, installed in the courtyard of the Royal Sheepfold.

At the National Sheepfold, an entire imperial population will be waiting for you. The infantrymen will practice maneuvers while the horsemen will practice swordsmanship and handling their mounts, while the artillerymen will maintain their cannons and prepare them for the next battles. All this in the midst of the proliferation of a civilian population who will be busy creating, manufacturing, supplying, producing or even selling their products.

You will meet the grinder who sharpens the horseman's saber, the vivandières who will walk around trying to sell their items while the laundresses will be busy cleaning the laundry of this entire troop. You will be able to observe the dexterity of the farrier in putting the shoes on the cavalry horses, enjoy the products of the various street vendors, refresh yourself with the famous coconut vendor or savor the famous forget-me-nots.

In the sheepfold, you will discover the Merino sheep known for the fineness of its wool, essential for clothing the great army, you will be able to practice numerous workshops to discover the different stages of wool processing.

You are invited to attend, and even participate in, a large banquet given in honor of the Emperor on the Place de la Libération in Rambouillet, on Saturday October 7 at 19 p.m. Nearly 40 re-enactors embodying the Emperor's close entourage as well as his staff will be present. Protocol lessons around imperial court meals, period songs, greetings from the Emperor, fashion parade and many other activities are planned during this banquet