Avignon under Napoleon and the White Terror of 1815

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century

The Napoleonic period did not end Avignon’s political divisions. The fall of the Empire and the Bourbons’ return brought renewed violence.

Avignon under the Consulate and Empire

The Consulate and Empire strengthened administration and central authority. Economic difficulties, conscription and warfare nevertheless fuelled opposition. Royalist and Bonapartist loyalties remained deeply divided in southern France.

Napoleon’s journey in 1814

After his first abdication, Napoleon crossed the region in April 1814 on his way to Elba. His passage through Avignon met with hostile demonstrations. They reflected opposition to the Empire among part of the population, without representing every inhabitant’s views.

Napoleon during his journey to Elba in 1814

The murder of Marshal Brune

After the Hundred Days, the White Terror targeted Napoleon’s supporters and former revolutionaries. Marshal Brune was murdered in Avignon on 2 August 1815 at the Hôtel du Palais-Royal. His body was thrown into the Rhône. His killing remains one of the best-known episodes of royalist violence in southern France.

The murder of Marshal Brune in Avignon in 1815

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century