Celebrate Austerlitz in Dinard, France

Napoleonic News Desk

by Paul Chamberlain

The city of Dinard has declared 2005 L’Année Impériale and will have an entire summer of events celebrating Napoleon’s greatest victory. Some of these include:

The International Napoleonic Society will hold its Fourth International Napoleonic Congress from 9–16 July, 2005.

Consortium members are especially invited to present papers discussing various aspects of Napoleonic history. Previous Congresses in Italy, Israel and the Republic of Georgia were memorable, and this may be the best yet! Participants will have admission to all events, including a gala closing dinner complete with champagne “cuvee d’Austerlitz.” Optional side-trips, including Mount St. Michel, are being planned.

The Palais des Arts et du Festival will have an outstanding exhibition from June 18 to September 26, “The Glory of the Empire: Bicentennial of Austerlitz.” This will feature a 100 meter square diorama of the Battle of Austerlitz unlike any other in the world; it will even have its own observation gallery, lighting and audiovisual commentary. The exhibition will also include stands from various Napoleonic groups, souvenirs, antiques, militaria, films and other items of great interest to Consortium members. In addition to items for sale, many important collections of Napoleonic artifacts will be exhibited.

On July 10 there will be a three-kilometer long parade, La Grande Armée, featuring seven musical groups, seven floats and seven hundred participants with costumes. This may well be the best First Empire parade in two hundred years! Descendents of the Marshals have been invited to participate.

A spectacular fireworks sound and light show, C’était Austerlitz, complete with cavalry charge, will take place the evening of July 15th. One hour and fifteen minutes long, this will surely be one of the most memorable such displays we will ever see, and as a bonus it will take place on the beautiful Ecluse Beach. INS participants will have special seating.

Throughout the summer there will be musical and theatrical events, movies, exhibitions and other Napoleonic-related activities.

Dinard is a destination resort in its own right, with a rich history and magnificent beaches. In the “Imperial Year” of 2005, there is nowhere better to be than Dinard!

Napoleonic News Desk

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