On a point on Cap d'Antibes, the Grillon
tower overhangs the remains of an ancient battery. Because
of its strategic position, opposite the Lérins islands,
the beach at Golfe Juan where Napoleon landed on 1 March
1815 can be seen. This historic site had already found its
vocation.
André Sella, manager of the Grand Hotel on
Cap d'Antibes, had a large collection of documents and objects
from the
Napoleonic era, from the time of Napoleon's return from Elba.
In 1952, the Navy granted him permission to use this site
to house his growing collection of memorabilia of the Emperor's
landing.
Twelve years later, he received a visit from the
Captain of the ship named Vichot, the Director of Maritime
museums.
The officer was so impressed by what André Sella had
achieved that he offered him the post of manager of the Association
of Friends of Maritime Museums. André Sella then donated
his collection to the Maritime Museum.
With financial aid from Antibes council, the museum grew
and became the Napoleonic Museum. It was opened on 30 May
1964.
Today, after amassing all donations and collections, the
Napoleonic Museum displays paintings, etchings, sculpture
and objects from that era.
There is a particularly fine bust of Bonaparte, sculpted by
Canova in 1810, a statue of Napoleon on horseback by Renault,
rare specimens of sabers, swords, guns and pistols from the
Napoleonic era. There are also a great deal of figurines of
soldiers and officers of the Grand Army in combat or dress
uniform.
The Sella tower, carrying the name of the donor, comprises
two large circular rooms, where many statuettes and diverse
pieces on loan from the Pardee family are displayed, as well
as objets d'art and souvenirs of the imperial family.
There is a panoramic view of Cap d'Antibes, the Lérins
islands, and the Alpes de Haute Provence mountain chain from
the large terrace.
A magnificent park with meditteranean tree species surrounds
the museum, with a wonderful view of Juan-les-Pins bay, Golfe
Juan and the foothills of the Esterel.
