Monuments to visit Rio Marina

A sign informs us that this house was that of André Pons de l'Hérault (1772-1853), Napoleon's confidant during his exile on the island of Elba. In 1809, to reward him for his military career, he was appointed administrator of the Rio Marina iron mines. Committed to social progress, he introduced bonuses and increased the salaries of miners, and provided the village with a doctor, a relief and retirement fund. Very popular, Pons de l'Hérault is also the scribe of Napoleon's island stay (see Memories and anecdotes of Elba Island for those interested).