Napoleon... the theme park
Plans are afoot to build a theme park based on the life and times of the French leader Napoleon Bonaparte. Can it be a tourist magnet to rival nearby Disneyland Paris?You have heard of Napoleon the emperor, the general, the reformer, the lover. Of the humble Corsican who took destiny by the throat, whose armies marched through Europe, bringing subjugation yet also emancipation.And how he was stopped at the gates of Moscow, fought a last hurrah at Waterloo, and died in Atlantic exile.So maybe you will be interested in the latest attempt to memorialise this greatest of Frenchmen. Because coming some time soon at a location not far from Paris, it's Napoleon… the theme park.Far from being the whim of a madcap entrepreneur, it is an entirely serious project with the backing of government, tourism officials and the Bonaparte family.Assuming the money can be raised - and everyone thinks it will be - then the first stone of Napoleon's Bivouac (for that is its name) will be laid on 18 February 2014, the 200th anniversary of the battle of Montereau.The battle of where? Montereau is not the most famous of Napoleon's encounters. Austerlitz it ain't. It was fought in what became known as the France campaign of 1814, as the emperor tried in vain to hold back the advancing coalition armies.At Montereau, 90km (55 miles) south-east of Paris, he scored a small but brilliant victory over the Austrians. Legend has it that it was here - when loyal soldiers expressed fears for his safety - that Napoleon uttered the much-quoted words: "Fear not my friends. The bullet that will kill me has yet to be cast!"The victory made little difference to the course of the war, and a few weeks later Napoleon was forced to abdicate at Fontainebleau.But it remained etched in the memory of the town. A statue of the emperor on horseback dominates the main bridge, and there are annual re-enactments by uniformed enthusiasts. More importantly, by virtue of being one of his very few victories on French soil, Montereau is seen as the perfect spot for a Napoleonic tourist centre."Experts will look into what kind of attractions we could include in the park," says Yves Jego, mayor of Montereau, and driving force behind the project. "They mustn't be vulgar, but fitting for the stature of the man."For those who find it hard to imagine how a theme park could be based on so important - and indeed controversial - a historical character, supporters have a stock answer. Don't compare us to Disneyland Paris, they say. Think more of Le Puy du Fou.Le Puy du Fou is a historical theme park, telling the story of the people of the Vendee in western France. With five elaborate outdoor spectacles - replete with battle-scenes, pyrotechnics and a cast of hundreds - it draws in some 1.5 million visitors a year.The Bivouac could do something similar. Provisional sketches show a park divided into regions - France, Russia, the Orient and so on - with reconstructions of sites from Napoleon's life such as the Pyramids and the Gates of Moscow.There'll be battle re-enactments, and perhaps rollercoasters and water-rides. The promoters also want computerised exhibits based on the latest in video-gaming.Continue reading the main story"A theme park is a fantastic way to teach young people about history," says France's tourism minister Frederic Lefebvre."A park that tells of the life of Napoleon - the good sides as well as the bad - will, I am convinced, prove of interest to people the world over."Lending authority to the project is the man who currently heads the Bonaparte family, Charles Napoleon. A descendant of the emperor's younger brother Jerome, he dismisses the notion that it will trivialise his illustrious forebear."In the past people learned history by reading. Then they learned history by going to museums, or by seeing films. In the 21st Century, people need a new medium for history - and that medium is the theme park," he says.Charles Napoleon is concerned about historical accuracy, but he places his faith in a committee of experts which will keep a close eye on the project.Because Napoleon means different things to different groups of people. The Poles regard him as a saviour, with a name-check in their national anthem. For the Russians, he was a brutal invader. The Spanish rose up against him, and were ruthlessly suppressed. But many in Italy thanked him for casting off the Austrian yoke.As for the British, they have a particular relationship with the man who for so many years was their bitterest foe. There is a school of British historiography which is especially critical of le petit caporal, seeing him as a prototype for later destiny-inspired war-mongers such as Hitler.This infuriates Charles Napoleon."Do you judge Winston Churchill by the 30,000 he killed in one night in the air raids over northern Germany? Of course not," he fumes."Yes, Napoleon made war. But behind the French armies came new institutions, new administrations, new rules - all inspired by the French revolution, by equality and justice. It was liberation through conquest."In France too, historical opinion remains divided - so divided that children learn plenty about the Revolution, but history lessons then take a sudden leap forward to 1871 and the coming of the Third Republic.His legacy is awkward because even though Napoleon put in place many of the institutions which make up modern-day France (the Banque de France, departments, Legion d'honneur and so on), he also crowned himself emperor and waged war on the rest of Europe.Particularly troubling for the political left are his re-establishment of slavery, and the subordination of women in his civil code.Not that any of this matters to those the theme park will be principally aimed at. The real genius lies in its appeal to new tourists - those already arriving in France in their tens of thousands but soon in their millions: the Indians, the Russians, the Brazilians. And above all the Chinese.
France is keen to woo Chinese visitors"China is our most important potential market, and there Napoleon is a vital strategic asset," says Christian Mantei, head of tourism development agency Atout France."They love his image as a military genius, as an epic hero and a self-made man. He is a killer brand."Charles Napoleon agrees."The French have a difficult relationship with their history. It all moved so fast, so inevitably people are deeply divided over Napoleon's achievements. But go abroad - especially to China or India or Japan - and you immediately see that he is the best-known French man all over the world."That's why we have to build this park. Because if we don't do it soon, you can be absolutely sure the Chinese will get there first."
France is keen to woo Chinese visitors
Your Sightseeing Connection to Los Angeles
Los Angeles Sightseeing Tours & Charters is a long established, quality, full service tour operator serving the Greater Los Angeles and Anaheim areas.Los Angeles Sightseeing Toursfeatures a wide variety of tours and attractions so you can choose the best fit for your interests. Our most popular tours take you to legendary Hollywoodhotspots, including the star studdedWalk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the famous Hollywood Sign. You’ll also have a chance to shop side by side with the rich and famous at the many top notch designer boutiques on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier and sandy Southern California beaches. If roller coasters and thrill rides are high on your list, spend the day at Knott’s Berry Farm or Six Flags Magic Mountain. Movie buffs won’t want to miss the backlot tour at Universal Studios, and you can’t visit L.A. without saying hi to Mickey Mouse and friendsat the magical Disneyland theme park.L.A. FACTSDid you know that Los Angeles county has a population of over 12 million people, the largest of any county in the USA?Los Angeles is considered theEntertainment Capital of the World. The metropolis of Los Angeles spans more than 4,000 square miles, bordered by the beautiful Pacific Oceanto the west and the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Baldy to the east.With one of the best climates in the world, Los Angeles attracts millions of visitors per year from all over the globe.
|
|
|
Video:Visiting Griffith Observatory
with Kaytie SproulGriffith Park Observatory Take is one of Los Angeles' most storied landmarks. Check out all that Griffith Park Observatory has to offer with this guided tour.
Transcript:Visiting Griffith Observatory
Hi I’m Kaytie Sproul for About.com and today we’re going to visit the Griffith Park Observatory. If you’re visiting Los Angeles and are looking for something other than the typical tourist traps or spotting your favorite celebrity, take an afternoon, head to the top of mount Hollywood, and visit to the Griffith Park Observatory.
Griffith Park Observatory is a Popular California Attraction
Sitting on 4300 acres of parkland and featuring breathtaking views of the LA basin below, the Griffith Park observatory has long been a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. The park was donated by land baron Griffith J. Griffith in 1896 and in 1935 the Observatory bearing his name opened to the public.
In 2002 the observatory underwent a massive remodel that added around 40,000 square feet of new exhibit space. Ultimately, what this means to visitors is more amazing things to see and do!
Visit Griffith Park's Planetarium
Chief among the long time popular attractions at the observatory, is the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Here visitors are taken on a voyage of sight and sound through the known universe. The hour long show is conducted and narrated live by an observatory tour guide.
One important note, while entrance into the observatory and most of the exhibits are free of charge, the planetarium show require a ticket for admission, which can be purchased on site.
One of the fantastic post renovation attractions at the Griffith Park Observatory is Edge of Space Mezzanine. Here visitors are able to view, and in some cases, touch objects whose origins range from the moon to all the way out from the depths of space. It’s truly a unique and one of a kind experience.
The Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon is a state of the art 200 seat presentation theater. Depending on the time of year, visitors can view any number of presentations including a detailed history of the observatory. Seats are free of charge and given out on a first come first serve basis.
Hike Griffith Park
If you are a fan of the outdoors, the Griffith Park Observatory grounds are a must see. The park features a number of hiking trails and breathtaking vistas of the Los Angeles skyline.
Once you’ve taken in the sights and built up you’re appetite, head over to the Café at the End of the Universe for some great food. The café features quick cuisine courtesy of Wolfgang Puck at reasonable prices along with indoor seating from those rainy or cold days. But since this is LA, you’ll likely be able to enjoy your lunch in the outdoor seating area while taking in a million dollar view!
Parking is Limited at Griffith Park Observatory
You’ll want to consider taking a tour bus or carpooling since parking is limited. Be sure to check hours of operation before going to the Griffith Park Observatory as budget constraints and filming can affect business hours.
Whether you’re a tourist just passing through or a Southern California local, the Griffith Park Observatory is a must see location that is sure to please. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to take it all in at your own pace. Thanks for watching, to learn more visit us on the web at About.com
