At the turn of 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, Paris gained much cultural influence thanks to the World Exhibition and its pavillons, each more flamboyant than the last. Visitors from all over the world, all dressed up, strolled from the Alexandre-III bridge to the Eiffel Tower. On Sundays, gamblers and elegant women traveled by carriage to the Longchamp or Auteuil race tracks. The City of Light became a symbol of luxury and of the French art of living. Lines 1 and 2 of the Metropolitan were built, making it easier to get around the city. The banks of Bercy, where wine barrels were stored, were also in full swing. Merchants and beggars crossed paths at the Halles de Paris, a huge market also known as the « Belly of Paris », with hundreds of market porters looking very impressive in their work clothes, and transporting food for the entire population.
Life was very hectic, both day and night.
It was truly quite a Belle Époque !
The Galerie Roger-Viollet is exhibiting 60 exceptional photographs from its own various collections, such as Léon & Lévy and Neurdein studios, Albert Harlingue, Maurice-Louis Branger, Jacques Boyer, Henri et Ernest Roger… who all documented this prosperous period of Parisian life
Paris 1900, une Belle Époque !
July 1 – August 28, 2021
Galerie Roger-Viollet
6 rue de Seine 75006 Paris
