An illustrious figure
Châteauroux and the surrounding area have a rich, eclectic historic patrimony: a Gallo-Roman past, many castles and luxurious homes, and many famous figures who were born there. In particular, thanks to General Henri-Gatien Bertrand, today it has a historical reach that captivates enthusiasts of imperial legend. Since February 9, 2018, the City of Châteauroux has been honored with the title of "Ville Impériale," or "Imperial City."
A general from Châteauroux
It was at Château Raoul, the former seigniorial residence and official domicile of his father, that Henri-Gatien Bertrand was born on March 28, 1773. Son of Henri Bertrand, the Maître Particulier des eaux et forêts (a high-ranking forestry official) and subdélégué (provincial sub-prefect) of Châteauroux, and Henriette Bouchet, daughter of the King's chief engineer and general inspector of the roads and bridges of France, Henri-Gatien grew up in a well-to-do environment. This afforded him the best education possible before beginning a military career, where he met the man who would become French Emperor: Napoleon Bonaparte.
Napoleon Emperor of France (19th century) by Emile LASSALLE and GOUPIL VIBERT & CieMusée Bertrand
A faithful companion in battle and in spirit, Bertrand would follow the Emperor from the first Italian campaigns through to his exile in St. Helena.
It was also he who, in 1840, would accompany Napoleon's remains to the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris during his final voyage, the Retour des Cendres.
A historic journey
Today, deeply influenced by this renowned figure, Châteauroux offers visitors an authentic tour through the heart of the city, to show them the main locations linked to Bertrand's story.
View of Raoul Castle by AnonymousMusée Bertrand
History buffs can begin the route at the Château Raoul, birthplace of General Bertrand...
Old Church, Saint Martin's (End of 19th century) by Placide VERDOTMusée Bertrand
... and proceed to Saint-Martin chapel, where he was baptized.
Statue of General Bertrand, Sainte-Helene place by AnonymousMusée Bertrand
After walking along the streets, amid the last vestiges of an imperial past, visitors can then visit the only square in France called Place Sainte-Hélène, where a statue of Bertrand in the uniform of a Grand Marshal of the Palace takes pride of place, one foot on the frigate Belle Poule.
Sainte-Helene place, Châteauroux by AnonymousMusée Bertrand
The Bertrand Museum has only a model of this bronze statue. But curious visitors who come to the square can see the loyal Bertrand, holding Napoleon's will in one hand and the Sword of Austerlitz in the other, in this statue created by François Rude.
Installation of the Statue at Place NapoleonMusée Bertrand
The route leads next to the brand-new Place Napoléon square, inaugurated in 2016, at the center of which a statue of the Emperor, by Jean-Pierre Dussaillant, has been installed.
Place NapoleonMusée Bertrand
View of Bertrand museum by AnonymousMusée Bertrand
At the end of the route, visitors may discover the collections of the Bertrand Museum, a must-see stop on the tour. It was the hôtel particulier, or city mansion, of the Bertrand family, and it displays important collections from the First and Second Empires.
The birthplace of many artists
However, we cannot reduce this city to its Imperial history. Besides the many archeological discoveries made here, Châteauroux is also a city where famous figures who today, form part of the rich French culture, were born or have spent time.
George Sand (End of 19th century) by Felix NADARMusée Bertrand
Notable among them is the writer George Sand, whose home was not far from Châteauroux, in Nohant-Vic.
High School Courtyard (End of 19th century) by Placide VERDOTMusée Bertrand
Or the writer Jean Giraudoux, who gave his name to the Châteauroux ,secondary school (lycée), where he studied.
Maurice Rollinat by AnonymousMusée Bertrand
The poet and musician Maurice Rollinat, some of whose sheet music is held by the Bertrand Museum today, studied at this same school.
Museum Room (C. 1947) by G.G and son and BASUYAH & Cie HENRIMusée Bertrand
There are many others, but there is one more that we must mention. Born in this department, Ernest Nivet was a student of Rodin, and a renowned sculptor, whose work is displayed today in the museum.
Sakuntala (1888) by Camille CLAUDELMusée Bertrand
His sculptures and models are joined by, among others, an original 1888 plaster by Camille Claudel, Sakountala.
A prestigious designation
The denomination of "Ville Impériale," or Imperial City, which the city of Châteauroux bears today, was born from the desire to make cities with significant historical links to the First and Second Empires visible to tourists. It was created in 2011, at the initiative of the cities of Reuil-Malmaison, Compiègne, Fontainebleau, and Saint-Cloud.
View of Raoul Castle by AnonymousMusée Bertrand
Today, this designation attracts guests who know a lot about the Imperial period. It also allows the city to showcase its varied heritage and talented artists who bear witness to its cultural richness.
Musée Bertrand de Châteauroux.
Kevin Guillebaud
Candice Signoret
Photos : © Musée Bertrand