Page 56 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Provence & The Côte d'Azur

54  INTRODUCING PROVENCE

The Belle Époque

From the start of the 19th century, the beguiling climate,
particularly the mild winters, of coastal Provence attracted
foreign visitors, from invalids and artists to distinguished
royalty and courtesans. Railways, grand hotels, exotic gardens,
opulent villas and the chic promenade des Anglais in Nice
were built to meet their needs. Queen Victoria, the Aga Khan, Homage à Mistral
King Leopold of Belgium and Empress Eugénie – Napoleon III’s Frédéric Mistral created the
wife and doyenne of Riviera royalty – all held court. Artists and Félibrige group in 1854 to
writers came in droves to revel in the light and freedom. preserve Provençal culture.

Printing in Marseille
Cheap labour, ample paper supplies
and good communications fostered
the development of printing.

Belle époqueépoqueé decor
featured gilt, ornate
chandeliers and marble.
High society included
famous courtesans as
well as their rich and
royal lovers.
Monte-Carlo Casino Interior
Grasse Perfume From being the poorest European state in 1850,
More modern methods Monaco boomed with the opening of the first
of cultivation and Monte-Carlo casino in 1856, as seen in Christian
distillation played an Bokelmann’s painting. The fashionable flocked to
important role in the enjoy the luxury and glamour, while fortunes were
expanding 19th-century won and lost (see pp96–8).
perfume-making industry.

1830 Beginnings of 1861 Monaco sells Roquebrune and Menton to France
tourism around Nice
1815 Napoleon 1860 Nice votes for union with France
lands at
Golfe-Juan 1859 Mistral publishes his epic poem, Mirèio
1800 1820 1840 1860
1839 Marseille-Sète
railroad begun. 1854 Founding of Félibrige, 1869 Opening of Suez
Birth of Cézanne the Provençal cultural school Canal brings trade
to Marseille; railway
Paul Cézanne extended to Nice