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Secrets of Les Invalides: Home to war veterans and Napoleon

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Video: Napoleon, the rise and fall of a military genius

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An in-depth look at the political and social events shaping France. Every Friday at 5.45 pm Paris time.

Latest update : 2016-11-20

Video: Napoleon, the rise and fall of a military genius

FRANCE 24 brings you a special programme devoted to the myth and legends surrouding Napoleon Bonaparte.

Although the French emperor may have left behind him the image of a bloodthirsty tyrant, he was admired as much as he was feared for his military genius, with his wars and campaigns studied at military schools worldwide to this very day.

FRANCE 24 takes a look at why for many he remains a hero, despite his historic defeat at Waterloo.

We also look at Napoleon's rich legacy, the influence of which is still evident in everything from France's laws to its architecture.

Finally, we examine the final years of his life, when he was inprisoned on the British island of Saint Helena.

With thanks to Musée de l'Armée and Musée Carnavalet.

By Jeanne LAVENANT , Stéphanie CHEVAL , Joanna COCKERELL , Tom BURGES WATSON , Georges YAZBECK

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2016-08-26 Paris

Secrets of Les Invalides: Home to war veterans and Napoleon

This week, we take you behind the scenes of one of Paris' most famous monuments: the Hotel des Invalides. Built a stone's-throw away from the river Seine, this military...

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2016-07-08 wine

Bordeaux: French wine capital and 'best city to visit'

This week, we head to Bordeaux, a stunning city that has just topped Lonely Planet's guide of top ten cities to visit in 2017. It is of course world famous for its wine and we...

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2014-11-28 French culture

French: Learn the language of poets, philosophers and love

This week's France in Focus is all about French, the fifth-most-spoken language in the world. French is thriving abroad, with the majority of speakers in Africa, and the total...

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2016-11-11 Paris attacks (Nov. 13)

November 13 Paris attacks: A mother's grief, one year on

This week, we bring you a special show, one year after the November 13 terror attacks that killed 130 people across Paris. First, we get the latest on the investigation into the...

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