Considered by many as risqué and scandalous, La Vie Parisienne was a magazine with quite a reputation at the turn of the 20th century! It’s subscribers included Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and King Edward VII of England but it was banned by Belgium during WW1… General Pershing warned American troops against reading it. Needless to say it became wildly popular!
La Vie Parisienne was established in 1863, covering the arts, books, music and theatre. In the 1870s it began to include illustrations of fashion and the cabaret, employing only the best illustrators of the time. At the turn of the 20th century, the magazine was under new management and Charles Saglio changed the major theme to modernity and the modern woman.
There was an irresistible combination of wit, satire and frivolity, with short stories, veiled gossip, fashion banter. They included discussions on subjects that varied from love, to the arts, to the stock exchange.
The weekly publication was illustrated by George Barbier, Chéri Herouard, Georges Léonnec, Maurice Milliere and my favourite, René Vincent. The influence of Art Nouveau and Art Deco makes the illustrations so evocative of Paris… I just love the sassy attitude of these Parisienne women! Hanging out lingerie topless, taking a bath with a parasol, flirting from behind an ostrich feather fan, receiving invitations to fabulous soirées and wearing the most stylish outfits to water their plants. The women seem fiercely independent and modern… driving cars, enjoying sports like swimming, tennis and horse-riding, reading in silk stockings, even smoking with men unchaperoned! When fully dressed, their wardrobes are so enviable, with gowns that seem designed by Paul Poiret or Madeleinne Vionnet.
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If you would like to see more of René Vincent’s illustrations for La Vie Parisienne, there’s a fantastic, free to access collection at The Advertising Archive. Au Revoir!
See the classic sights of Paris with this collection of Private Tours and other experiences. Great for New Travelers.
Some parts of France can’t be put into a 2 or 3-hour tour and some just take a while to get to. Venture out of Paris on an exciting Day Trip.
Experience some of the most significant works of art in Paris on a Private Art Tour. Learn about the story’s of the painters behind the works and ask questions along the way.
Taste the latest Paris Food experiences with our personal and tasty private food tours. Learn to make authentic Parisian meals, taste chocolate assortments, or…
From perfume to WW2, our private history tours are a way to see Paris in a different light.
Experience immersive music tours in Paris. Sit and listen up close to an award-winning Master Pipe Organist or learn about the history of Jazz in Paris on a private tour!
Looking for something particular? We’ll help you find it in Paris. Our private shopping tours include Antiques, Wardrobe, and more!
The Château de Fontainebleau, just 35 miles southeast of central Paris, can proudly claim to have been a sovereign residence for eight centuries. Capétiens, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte and Orléans, all members of French ruling dynasties, have lived within these walls. The chateau dates back to 1137—and centuries of royals have expanded this former royal hunting lodge to a more than 1,500-room estate. Most of what you’ll see dates back to the 16th century, a combination of Italian Renaissance art and French design, these rooms are some of the most intricate and breathtaking in France. If times allows, you can enjoy lunch in this charming area.
Tour Length: 5 – 6 hours
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