The 6 December 2025, The town of Autun will be holding the official inauguration of the restoration of the main entrance to the Lycée Bonaparte, a group of listed monuments Historical monuments. The ceremony will be held at 10h30, The event, which will take place in front of the lycée, will highlight an exemplary project to preserve Napoleon's heritage.
Statement by the Mayor of Autun and Chairman of the FECN, Vincent Chauvet
To mark the occasion, the Mayor of Autun and President of the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities, Vincent Chauvet, will share a message highlighting the importance of this restoration to the city's cultural and heritage reputation.
«By inaugurating the gates of the Lycée Militaire d'Autun, which Bonaparte attended and where today excellence in public education remains, we are celebrating the success of a meticulous restoration project, which testifies to the excellence of the local craftsmen and which has enabled the rediscovery of old ironwork and gilding techniques, while anchoring this place more firmly in the heart of our city. The restoration was made possible thanks to the fruitful collaboration between the Burgundy Franche-Comté Region and the City of Autun. These gates, a daily heritage for all our fellow citizens, are a perfect illustration of how a local project fits in with the spirit of the Destination Napoleon Itinerary and with the Council of Europe's vision: our shared history is the foundation on which we build a strong, common European identity».»
A major heritage project
Supported by the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Region, with the financial participation of the City of Autun and the’Status, The restoration project is part of a programme between 2023 and 2025, mobilising the excellence of arts and crafts, The gates have been restored to their former glory. The restored gates bring back all their splendour to this emblematic site, where Napoleon Bonaparte studied during his youth.
A major institutional ceremony
The inauguration will bring together :
- Vincent Chauvet, Mayor of Autun and Chairman of the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities (FECN),
- Jérôme Durain, President of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Region,
- Sophie Mugniery, Headmistress of the Lycée Bonaparte,
as well as numerous representatives of public and cultural partners. Visit Band of the Dijon Imperial Guard will add a solemn dimension to the event with an aubade and a procession inspired by Napoleonic tradition.
A restored heritage and a stronger regional dynamic
The presentation of the restored grilles will be a key stage in the heritage strategy being pursued by the Region, the City and the State. This project will enhance the attractiveness of the site and affirm Autun's role as a major centre of Napoleonic history in France.
The inaugural ceremony will also be an opportunity to announce the Launch of the roof renovation project at Notre-Dame church, This project, led by the town of Autun, confirms the momentum behind the preservation of the town's historic centre.
Opening of the “Napoleon - The Immersive Epic” exhibition”
À 11h30, The Town Hall will host the opening of the immersive exhibition Napoleon - The Immersive Epic, produced by Sandora, partner of the FECN.
Presented from 5 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 in the Salle Colonel Lévêque, Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in virtual reality, listening to the Emperor's confidences and reliving the great moments of his destiny.
The day will conclude with a glass of friendship in the Salon d'Honneur at the Hôtel de Ville.
Exemplary institutional cooperation
This event will bring together :
- the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Region,
- the City of Autun,
- l’Status,
- the Lycée Bonaparte,
- the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities,
- and cultural partners such as Sandora.
This collective effort will demonstrate the importance the region attaches to preserving its historical heritage and will confirm Autun's role as a Napoleonic city of reference in Europe.
Practical information
Event title : Inauguration of the restoration of the main gates of the Lycée Bonaparte & opening of the immersive exhibition “Napoléon - l'Épopée immersive” (Napoleon - the immersive epic)”
Date : Saturday 6 December 2025 10.30am (opening), 11.30am (immersive exhibition)
Location: : Parvis du Lycée Bonaparte, Autun