Val d'Oise (95): In Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, exceptional tours of the Bonaparte crypt

It's in the Montmorency valley, not far from the eponymous forest, that you can discover a historic site that's part ofNapoleon's legacy. Just 26 minutes from Paris via the Gare du Nord, the town of Saint-Leu-La-Forêt in the heart of Val d'Oise (95) is closely linked to the Bonaparte family. The town's church, Saint-leu-Saint-Gilles, is home to the Bonaparte crypt.

While Napoleon 1st lies buried under the dome of the Invalides, this place of meditation is the final resting place of the emperor's brother, Louis Bonaparte, also the father of Napoleon III. It was the latter who commissioned the construction of this church, built in 1851. Two of Louis Bonaparte's sons are also buried here: Napoléon-Charles and Napoléon-Louis. Napoleon I's father, Charles Bonaparte, was also buried here before moving to the Imperial Chapel in Ajaccio, Corsica, in 1951.

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The Bonaparte crypt beneath theSaint-Leu church is exceptionally open to visitors on special dates, including the first Saturday of the month and the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days). The event is organized by theSaint-Leu, Terre d'Empire association, which aims to bring the imperial crypt to the curious and passionate. But don't forget to register in advance via this link , and check the dates of forthcoming visits!