Ok but as a French, we don't really think as 1789-1804 as "Napoleon's time". His empire was and remains what he his most remembered for. He's literally referred to as "l'empereur" (the emperor).
I don't think I need to expand on how his Empire wasn't really democratic, or a republic.
Napoleon is definitely remembered for his military campaigns and political actions before 1804.
Napoleon's Italian campaign of 1796-97 is one of the most brilliant campaigns in history.
Napoleon's legendary (and disastrous) Egyptian campaign took place from 1798-1801.
The 18th of Brumaire, Year VII (9 November 1799) is an extremely famous date in history, as the date that Napoleon overthrew the Directory.
Napoleon's crossing of the Alps and the crucial Battle of Marengo occurred in 1800.
If Napoleon had retired in 1803, he would still be one of the most famous figures in French history.