Historical Carriage Tour: In the Footsteps of Napoleon from Amsterdam to Paris

The plan for the ride had been in Gerard’s head for a long time. “He is crazy about Napoleon and has read several books about him,” Gerjanne tells Editie NL. “He would like to travel the route that Napoleon also rode in 1807 and 1809. His brother Louis was then king of the Netherlands.”

Gerjanne initially thought it was an absurd plan. “It seemed a bit too optimistic to me. But if Gerard has something on his mind, he won’t let it go. So I decided to help him. Even though I don’t actually have anything to do with horses myself,” she laughs.

Stages

To make it a little easier, the couple has divided the route into four stages. They have already started in 2020 and drove from Amsterdam to Oostmalle in Belgium. “We then took the ferry at Schoonhoven with the carriage and all,” Gerjanne remembers.

The following year they continued their route from Oostmalle to Maubeuge, France, and in 2022 they drove from Maubeuge to Cuts. They are currently working on ‘la grande finale’: the ride from Cuts to Paris. “We already drove the entire route by car in advance to figure out exactly how we should drive the carriage. I wrote down all the landmarks by hand so that I only need my notes in the carriage.”

The couple will finish at the Eiffel Tower on Sunday. “But first we drive around the Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs Elysées.”

Guests on the carriage

Gerjanne thinks it is a fantastic experience. “Different friends ride along every day. We really make it a party.”

The couple constantly receives reactions from the people they pass. “Everyone is waving, honking and clapping. It’s really nice. Especially in France, people are very enthusiastic. I’ve been waving all day long, I feel like Máxima.”

At the same time, she hopes to contribute a little to the image of the means of transport. “Carriages have a dull and elitist image. Ours is very brightly colored, just like our clothes and hats. I hope people look at us and think: hey, that’s how it can be done.”

2023-09-08 16:26:59
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