/ Napoleon lands at Golfe-Juan on his return from ElbaIn 1793, the young Bonaparte distinguished himself as an artillery officer during the republican army's recapture of Toulon. His coup of 1799 later brought the Directory to an end. The Consulate and then the Empire strengthened central authority, with prefects becoming the state's principal representatives in the departments.
Opposition to the regime nevertheless grew. The British blockade hindered maritime trade, while taxation, conscription and conflicts with the pope fuelled discontent among part of the population.
Travelling towards Elba in 1814, Napoleon encountered hostile demonstrations in the Rhône Valley. On his return, he landed at Golfe-Juan on 1 March 1815 and crossed Haute Provence to reach areas where he hoped to find greater support.
/ The murder of Marshal Brune in Avignon on 2 August 1815After Napoleon's defeat and second abdication in 1815, a new White Terror struck southern France. Bonapartists and former revolutionaries were attacked and sometimes killed. Marshal Brune was murdered in Avignon.
Sources and further reading: Musée national de la Marine: Napoleon and Toulon.