On a recent trip to Pau (France) gave a modest museum that shows how a normal man could reach the top. Today we tell a story that would be a legend if it were not, however incredible it may seem, is true.

Photography by girolame

It all starts on January 26, 1763 when the current number 8 Tran Street in the city of Pau (France) Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte was born. In 1780, after the death of his father, he enlisted in the army. Not being of noble origin military career seemed to have a short run and that given his condition could never be official.

His luck changed after the outbreak of the French Revolution. In 1794 after the Battle of Fleurus was appointed General in 1797 under the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte participated in the campaign of Italy. A year later he was the French ambassador in Vienna but left office just two months after his arrival.

On November 9, 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte led a coup that Bernadotte was not keen, however with the creation of the Empire agreed on the same charges. So he became Marshal of France and governor of Hanover between 1804 and 1805. Further successes in military campaigns he was awarded the title of Prince of Ponte Corvo. However, despite the successes, poor relations with Napoleon were notorious and in 1809, after the Battle of Wagram, Napoleon relieved him of all charges after years of friction.

Painting of the Battle of Austerlitz:

In 1810, unexpectedly, Bernadotte was nominated as heir of Charles XIII of Sweden. The romantic part of the story says that the reason was the kindness he showed to the Swedish prisoners during the last war against Denmark when he was governor of the Hanseatic towns. The less interesting because the Swedish army says a soldier preferred name as a monarch as an antidote to the tensions with Russia. Imagine how Napoleon took the matter when he communicated Bernadotte. The laughs were to be heard in France. This did not discourage Bernadotte, who accepted the offer. Finally, after a short period of indecision on the part of Sweden, August 21, 1810 was named «Crown Prince» after which he changed his name to Juan Carlos.

Photography by theterrifictc

France and Sweden Sisters:

In 1818 after the death of his «adoptive father», King Charles XIII, XIV Bernadotte Juan Carlos was proclaimed King of Sweden and Norway. After a reign of 26 years, March 8, 1844 died our hero and his son Oscar I succeeded to the throne. The present King Carl XVI Gustaf, is the seventh reigning Bernadotte in Sweden.

Karl XIV Johan, King of Sweden and Norway:

Bernadotte Museum is located at number 8 on the street Tran. As you can assume it is the birthplace of Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. The museum is a typical Béarnaise eighteenth century. The Bernadotte family lived on the second floor rented. The current museum occupies three floors and has a large collection of documents, paintings, portraits, maps of battles and more or less interesting objects.

Bernadotte House reception:

The highlight is on the second floor and we refer to the kitchen, untouched for over two centuries and gives a custom of the time. Following a portrait of the King of Sweden crossed the hall to see the rest of the house. The following are rooms that recall the adventures of Jean-Baptiste until his ascension to the throne and various pictures and objects that tell something of the Bernadotte dynasty through his heirs.

Photography by digital cat

Bon Voyage!