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In this article, Jacques Jourquin discusses a pivotal week in June-July 1815. Napoleon left Malmaison on 29 June, threatened by the approach of the Prussians. On 3 July, he was at Rochefort not knowing where to escape to? Of the several plans devised, the most dramatic was that dreamt up by a young ensign, Victor Besson. In the end, Napoleon chose rather to take a chance on the magnanimity of his enemy and to board one of their ships. Besson, who had invested in the escape (strongly aided by his wife), was very disappointed and was to be persecuted by the new regime. Besson finished his life as admiral of the fleet of the pasha of Egypt.