Napoleon

The most famous visitor by far was Napoleon, exiled to the island in 1815. He spent his first few months at the Briars Pavilion before being moved to Longwood House, where he resided until his death in 1821. Napoleon did not like Longwood and the area's misty weather at all and hated being under the constant scrutiny of his watchful guards. He was buried at a peaceful spot he chose near Longwood in the Geranium (Sane) Valley, although his body was removed to France 19 years later and finally laid to rest in Les Invalides in Paris. Today, Napoleon's Tomb, The Briars and Longwood House are maintained by the French Government and it is possible - and a definite highlight of a visit to the island - to visit all three.