Pietermaritzburg (South Africa)

The Battlefields of Midland areas are not my preferred ones of KwaZulu-Natal. But they excite those with an interest in war (one can see the battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars). Pietermaritzburg contains some beautiful examples of colonial architecture and due to its numerous parks, benefits from a tranquil and green atmosphere.

The incredible tale of this town is that it knew a certain prince... Napoleon! The son of Napoleon III and of Empress Beatrice stayed in Pietermaritzburg, before moving on to Zululand. In May 1979, the prince was integrated into the troops of Lord Chelmsford as a special observer. But he met his death in a war which was not his own: he was killed during a reconnaissance mission, pierced by Zulu speakers.

His body was taken to Saint Mary's chapel, before being taken by boat to Great Britain. A plaque on the façade of the Imperial Hotel recalls the passage of this renowned visitor.