Napoleon and the Battle of Craonne
The Aisne Tourist Office erected a statue of Napoleon to commemorate the Emperor’s victory at the First Battle of Craonne, an historic battle that took place on March 7, 1814, near the village of Craonne.
This battle, which pitted Napoleonic troops against the Russian and Prussian armies, resulted in a tragic number of deaths: 5,400 Napoleonic soldiers and 5,000 Coalition soldiers.
Napoleon oversaw the military operations from the Moulin de Vauclair, a windmill that belonged to the former Cistercian Abbey of Vauclair and was located in the hills west of the village.
A century later, the region suffered further devastation during the fighting along the Chemin des Dames and the nearby Ferme d’Hurtebise. The region was indeed the scene of the Second Battle of Craonne, a terrible battle during which the windmill and the village of Craonne were destroyed. The village was never rebuilt, but was preserved as a memorial site, known as Vieux Craonne (Old Craonne), while a new village bearing the same name was rebuilt after the war.
Napoleon statue in Craonne
Georges Hurotte created the impressive Napoleon Statue, which now stands on the site of the Vauclair windmill. On June 30, 1974, the then Minister of the Interior, Michel Poniatowski, inaugurated this remarkable sculpture, which captures Napoleon’s imposing presence. Napoleon is indeed depicted as focused and determined, his gaze fixed on the battlefield. Dressed in his iconic overcoat and with his sword at his belt, he stands resolutely, his hands clasped behind his back, scanning the terrain near Craonne.
A panoramic viewpoint indicator, located behind the statue, helps visitors better understand the layout of the battlefield and the course of the battle. The base of the Napoleon Statue is engraved with a dedication commemorating this Napoleonic victory and paying homage to the Emperor:
“Commémoration de la Bataille de Craonne le 7 Mars 1814
Ce monument a été érigé par le Comité de Tourisme de l’Aisne,
Inauguré le 30/06/1974 par Michel Poniatowski.
Ministre d’Etat – Ministre de l’Intérieur.”
“Commemoration of the Battle of Craonne of March 7, 1814
This monument was erected by the Aisne Tourist Board
Inaugurated on 06.30.1974 by Michel Poniatowski.
Minister of State – Minister of Interior.
Department of Aisne – Craonne – RD18CD – Picardie
Coordinates: Lat 49.440124 – Long 3.764756
