Once upon a time in Paris stood a house. This wasn’t just any house. It was the only house Napoleon owned as a private citizen. It resided at 6 rue Chantereine a street named for the singing frogs that once inhabited a nearby marsh. This unassuming yet elegant residence at the Allée du Ru de Chantereine played a pivotal role in Napoleon’s life and love story with Josephine.
Before Napoleon it was home to Louise-Julie Carreau a dancer and courtesan. She later married the famous actor François Joseph Talma Napoleon’s favorite. Josephine de Beauharnais leased the house in 1795. It became known as the Hotel de Beauharnais. She made improvements adding a spacious veranda. The house had a porter’s lodge a long narrow path and a courtyard with stables and a coach house.
Napoleon first visited Josephine at this very house. Historians say this was where their love story began. He met her son Eugene who had appealed to him to keep his father’s confiscated sword. Napoleon was so moved he asked to meet Eugene’s mother Josephine. He fell for her instantly and visited her often.
The house had three main rooms. An oval dining room a small boudoir and a large drawing-room leading to a garden. There was also Napoleon’s study where he made plans that changed the destiny of France. Upstairs were Josephine’s and Napoleon’s bedrooms a bathroom and a second attic floor. Josephine decorated the house beautifully filling it with flowers especially roses from the garden.
After their marriage in 1796 Napoleon moved in. Following his victories in Italy the street was renamed rue de la Victoire. Napoleon bought the house in 1798. He found it too small and had it enlarged. He also left for Egypt for a military expedition leaving Josephine behind.
During his absence Josephine had an affair. Napoleon learned of it from a letter and was heartbroken. Upon his return a tearful Josephine persuaded him to reconcile. Their love story continued. After the 18 Brumaire coup Napoleon and Josephine moved to the Petit Luxembourg.
Napoleon gifted the house to his cousin Marie-Louise-Stéphanie Rolier Benielli in 1806. She lived there until exile. She later regained ownership and kept it for 35 years before selling it. In 1858 the house was demolished. Today only its story remains a testament to the love and ambition that played out within its walls at the Allée du Ru de Chantereine.