French domains of Saint Helena
The French domains of Saint Helena (French: Domaines français de Sainte-Hélène) is an estate of 14 ha (35 acres or 0.14 km2), in three separate parts, on the island of Saint Helena within the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
| French domains of Saint Helena | |
|---|---|
| French: Domaines français de Sainte-Hélène | |
Napoleon's House (Longwood House) | |
| Location | Saint Helena, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha |
| Nearest city | Jamestown, Saint Helena |
| Area | 0.14 km2 |
| Established | 1858 |
| Governing body | Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Government of France |
The three properties are owned by the Government of France and are administered by the French Foreign Ministry which undertakes their management and maintenance. These consist of:
- Longwood House
- The small pavilion Briars
- Valley of the Tomb
These places are connected with the exile of Napoleon I in Saint Helena. They house a museum and displays on the life of the Emperor. Buildings have been restored as closely as possible to the state that they had in the Napoleonic period. They welcome from six to eight thousand visitors annually.
The museum is financed by the Fondation Napoléon and the buildings are maintained by the French Foreign Ministry.
Since 2004, the French estate in Saint Helena have been administratively under the consulate of France in Cape Town. They are administered locally by a curator who is also honorary consul of France, currently Michel Dancoisne-Martineau.