Rediscover the sulfurous destiny of Napoleon’s favorite sister with our historian Michel Méténier! Between romantic scandals and passion for Aix-en-Provence, relive this captivating interview recorded in our Maritima studios.
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From Corsica to Bouches-du-Rhône: the rise of the Bonapartes
Every Wednesday in the “Tié du Sud” meeting, Michel Méténier delights us with his historical chronicles. Today, he focuses on an iconic female figure: Maria Paoletta, better known as Pauline Bonaparte. Born in Ajaccio, Pauline experienced a childhood marked by insecurity after the loss of her father. It is the rise in power of his brother, Napoleon, which will propel the whole family to the forefront.
Installed between Toulon, Valletta and Marseille, the Bonapartes emerge from anonymity. As Michel points out, Napoleon would not hesitate to place his brothers and sisters on thrones and duchies across Europe. Yet, despite the titles, Pauline remained a woman of passion, often guided by her heart more than by reason of state.
“Maria Paoletta Buonaparte, but it’s Pauline… was obviously born in Ajaccio and, in a fairly poor family, the beginnings were difficult. » Michel Méténier
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The hidden loves of Pauline in Aix-en-Provence
The link between Pauline Bonaparte and the Bouches-du-Rhône territory crystallized in Aix-en-Provence. Married for a second time to Prince Camille Borghese, Pauline hardly finds happiness in this official union. She has many lovers, but one of them particularly marks her time in the spa town: Auguste de Forbin.
Coming from a large Provençal family, Auguste becomes her chamberlain and her lover. To live out their romance far from Parisian gazes, the couple hid at the Hôtel de Forbin on the Cours Mirabeau, but also at the Château de la Mignarde and the Château de la Barben. Michel Méténier also tells us a tasty anecdote: Pauline, in search of rest, had the local farmers chase the frogs from the ponds so as to no longer hear their noise!
“She is going to have plenty of lovers, and she has someone in the region called Monsieur de Forbin… a large, very large Provençal family who owns a beautiful hotel on the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence. HAS”
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Imperial loyalty and an eternal artistic heritage
Beyond her reputation as a “great lover”, Pauline Bonaparte had unfailing loyalty to her brother. She was the only one of the siblings to join Napoleon during his exile on the Island of Elba. This devotion will make the Emperor say that she was undoubtedly the person he loved the most, and vice versa.
Today, the image of Pauline remains engraved in the history of art thanks to the famous sculpture by Canova, representing her as “Venus Victrix”. This magnificent work, where she poses reclining in the Roman style, testifies to the legendary beauty which caused so much talk among the good Aix society of the time. Her passage in our region remains an indelible page in the collective memory of Provence.
“Pauline, she is Napoleon’s most devoted sister… She is the only person who will join the Emperor when he is exiled to the Island of Elba.”
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📻 Every Wednesday, discover Provence and its history
In the show La Famille Maritima, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Maritima. Between laughter, culture and good humor, this is your daily meeting in the South.
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