For the first time, two Council of Europe Cultural Routes, DESTINATION NAPOLEON and ITER VITIS, are pooling their networks and expertise as part of a joint European project. Through the figure of Elisa Bonaparte, E.L.I.S.A. aims to demonstrate how history, landscapes, agricultural skills and local traditions can become resources for more sustainable tourism and a greater appreciation of heritage among younger generations.
The European Federation of Napoleonic Cities – DESTINATION NAPOLEON is delighted to announce that the E.L.I.S.A. project is one of the 24 initiatives selected under the fourth call for proposals for the Interreg Italy-France Maritime 2021–2027 programme.
Co-ordinated by the Comune di Massa, the project also brings together the Centro Servizi Promozionali per le Imprese – Azienda Speciale CCIAA CAOR, the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities and the Anne-Sophie Pic Vocational College for Hospitality and Tourism in Toulon.
In the footsteps of Elisa Bonaparte
E.L.I.S.A., which stands for Experience, Leadership, Innovation and Agricultural Expertise, takes its name from Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, Napoleon’s sister and a prominent figure in the history of the Mediterranean region. Committed to the economic and agricultural development of the regions she administered, she encouraged numerous initiatives whose influence can still be seen today in various local landscapes and traditions.
Through its heritage, the project aims to build a shared narrative linking Tuscany, Sardinia, Corsica and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. By combining history, heritage, viticulture and sustainable tourism, it aims to highlight the often-overlooked links between these regions, which are nevertheless united by a shared history.
A dialogue between Napoleonic heritage and wine culture
The European Federation of Napoleonic Cities – DESTINATION NAPOLEON will contribute its expertise in historical research, heritage promotion and European cultural cooperation to the project.
One of the project’s key outcomes will be the creation of a digital atlas dedicated to wine-growing landscapes and the heritage associated with Elisa Bonaparte. This tool will enable vineyards, heritage sites, local expertise and historical accounts to be mapped and linked together, offering a fresh perspective on this shared heritage.
The project will also promote the development of new cultural and wine tourism itineraries, combining heritage, gastronomy and the exploration of local areas. Drawing on the expertise and networks of DESTINATION NAPOLEON and ITER VITIS, the partners will highlight the links between Napoleonic history, wine-growing landscapes and local expertise, whilst enhancing the cultural and tourist appeal of the participating regions.
Young people at the heart of the initiative
One of the distinctive features of E.L.I.S.A. is the direct involvement of young people. Pupils and students from hospitality and tourism colleges in France and Italy will take part in the project’s activities through cross-border exchanges, field trips, research projects and initiatives to promote cultural heritage.
As true ambassadors for the project, they will help to devise and trial new ways of telling the story of these regions, combining history, wine culture, gastronomy and innovation in tourism.
This approach will not only enable this heritage to be passed on to future generations, but will also help to develop skills in cultural mediation, sustainable tourism and European cooperation.
The project at a glance
Partners
Municipality of Massa (lead partner)
Business Promotion Services Centre – CCIAA CAOR Special Agency
European Federation of Napoleonic Cities
Anne-Sophie Pic Vocational College for Hospitality and Tourism (Toulon)
Programme
Interreg Italy–France Maritime 2021–2027
Expected launch date
1 February 2027
Duration
18 months
Total budget
159 910,50 €