Park devoted to Napoleon Bonaparte to be created in France
Napoleon Bonaparte is inextricably linked with France. The project of a theme park dubbed ‘Napoleonland’ is based on historical heritage left by the last French monarch.
Even though it may seem surprising, taking into account Napoleon Bonaparte’s status of a legend, Napoleonland will be the first theme park devoted to the French emperor, thus becoming part of a trend referred to as ‘histo-tainment’, an amalgam of history lessons presented in an entertaining way. Apart from the park itself, a museum, conference hall, hotal and restaurants will be set up on the site as well. It will also entail creation of up to 3000 workplaces, which its founders perceive as a remedy for the ongoing crsis.
Works on the project, initiated by a former French MP Yves Jego, commenced last weekend. Ultimately, Napoleonland, which will be located 80kms from Paris in Marne-la-Vallee, is not only to attract foreign investors, but also to fill a certain gap, as it will be de facto the first venue dedicated to the persona. It will allow one to residcover history, not just generate economic growth, Jego stresses. The prospects for Napoleonland are certainly good- the project received an official approval of central administration, while feasibility studies indicate that attendance at the level of one million visitors in the first year of its activity is clearly attainable. Currently, the greatest challenge is to collect funds estimated at cc 48 mln euros, however it is known that the construction will be also subsidized by the public sector.
The opportunity of reenacting key events of Napoleon Bonaparte’s life is the main attraction awaiting visitors. One will be able to take active part in reconstructions of famous battles of Waterloo, Austerlitz or Trafalgar. “Revolutionary experience” is the term Jego employs to describe the possibility of participating in the escape from the Bastille stronghold, King Louis XVI’s execution or Bonaparte’s ascension to the throne of France. A dry ski-slope depicting Napoleon’s pasage through the Alps or a drammatic reenacment of his army crossing the Beresina river are also planned.
According to the plans, construction works will begin in 2014, while the opening of Napoleonland is scheduled for 2017.
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