Throughout the summer of 2026, Pontivy invites residents and visitors alike to rediscover its Napoleonic heritage through historic train journeys, guided tours and activities specially designed for families. From the Imperial Quarter to the landscapes of the Blavet Valley, this programme offers a different way to explore the history of the town that was once known as Napoléonville.
As a member of the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities, Pontivy Communauté helps to promote this heritage as part of the ‘Destination Napoleon’ cultural route.
Pontivy, a town transformed by Napoleon
In the early 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte chose Pontivy as the site for a new town in the heart of Brittany. Its central location was intended to enable it to become an important military, administrative and commercial centre.
The town was named Napoleonville from 9 November 1804 to 14 April 1814, briefly during the Hundred Days in 1815, and then again under the Second Empire, between 1852 and 1870. The imperial project led to the creation of a district organised according to a regular layout, with wide streets, a parade ground, barracks, a courthouse and several administrative buildings.
This urban heritage remains particularly evident today in the streets of Pontivy. It tells the story of the convergence of an ancient Breton town, centred on the Château des Rohan, and a new town designed in line with the political and military ambitions of the First Empire.
A journey through time on the Napoleon Express
The Napoleon Express will run from 5 July to 13 September 2026, every Wednesday and Sunday. This tourist train will run between Pontivy and Lambel-Camors, with an extension to Auray on certain dates.
On board historic railcoaches dating from the 1980s, passengers will travel nearly 55 kilometres through the heart of Morbihan. The route follows the Blavet Valley and calls at Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux, Saint-Rivalain, Quistinic and Camors.
This experience combines railway heritage with the chance to explore the countryside and local history. The forests, rivers, villages and hills of Central Brittany gradually reveal themselves during a journey designed to be a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Some services will be extended to Auray on Wednesdays 12 and 19 August, as well as on Sunday 2 and Sunday 16 August. Full details of timetables and stops are available from Chemins de Fer du Centre-Bretagne.
Napoléonville in thirty minutes
Visitors wishing to learn more about Pontivy’s imperial history can take part in the guided tour Napoleonville Express, held every Wednesday at 2 pm until 6 September 2026.
In thirty minutes, a guide traces the changes that took place in Pontivy during the 19th century and explains why Napoleon I chose this small town in Central Brittany as the site for a new strategic centre.
The tour begins at the Tourist Office and ends at the station, taking in the Napoleonic quarter and following in the footsteps of Napoleon I, Napoleon III and the Bonaparte family. In particular, it offers an insight into the layout of the new town and the main buildings resulting from the imperial project.
This short visit can easily be combined with a journey on the Napoléon Express, offering a full day of exploring the city and its railway heritage.
Children explore the Empire in costume
Pontivy also offers an activity specially designed for children aged 6 to 12: Children in fancy dress! The Napoleonic Quarter.
The next tours will take place on Fridays 31 July, 7 August, 14 August and 21 August 2026, from 10.30 am to 11.30 am. The meeting point is the Duchesse Anne barge, where the children will choose their costumes before setting off. They can become soldiers, complete with uniform, shako and sabre, or dress up as an imperial princess.
Accompanied by a guide dressed as a soldier of the First Empire, the young participants will follow the canal before reaching the heart of the imperial city. The route will take them, amongst other places, to Saint Joseph’s Church, where fun activities will help them discover the customs and culture of the 19th century.
An introduction to fencing, historical dances, storytelling and exploring the local heritage will form the highlights of this family tour. The aim is to bring the French Revolution, the First Empire and the Second Empire to life through a hands-on and engaging approach.
A programme suitable for all audiences
Through these various initiatives, Pontivy uses its Napoleonic heritage as a gateway to the history of the region.
The tourist train offers visitors the chance to explore the Blavet Valley and rediscover the history of the railways. Guided tours put the monuments and the town’s layout into context. Meanwhile, the costumed performances give children the opportunity to learn through play, movement and imagination.
This diversity demonstrates the ability of Napoleon’s heritage to appeal to several generations. It also shows how a city can showcase its historical heritage whilst integrating it into a contemporary, family-friendly and accessible tourist offering.
As a member of the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities, Pontivy Communauté is thus helping to pass on a shared history across Europe and to promote the ‘Destination Napoleon’ itinerary.
Practical information
Napoleon Expresss
Services will run from 5 July to 13 September 2026, on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Main departure point: Pontivy railway station, Place Alfred-Brard.
For bookings and detailed timetables, please contact the Pontivy Communauté tourist office and the Centre-Bretagne Railways Association.
Napoleonville Express Tour
Every Wednesday at 2 pm, until 6 September 2026.
Duration: 30 minutes.
Meeting point: Côté Tourisme shop, 21 Quai Presbourg, Pontivy.
Bookings can be made through the Pontivy Communauté Tourist Office.
Children in fancy dress – Napoleonic Quarter
Fridays 31 July, 7, 14 and 21 August 2026, at 10.30 am
Duration: 1 hour
For children aged 6 to 12.
Departure: Pontivy Communauté Tourist Office, the Duchesse Anne barge, 2 Quai Niémen, Pontivy.
As the number of places is limited by the number of costumes available, we recommend booking in advance with the Tourist Office.
For further information, please visit the tourist office’s website:
https://www.tourisme-pontivycommunaute.com/