A Slight Detour: Cannes, France

Nowadays, whenever Cannes, France is mentioned, almost immediately red carpets, hordes of media, and glowing actors in a gorgeous, glitzy setting on the coast comes to one's mind. That's all very well and true, but Cannes has a history that goes deeper than the film industry itself. Let's take a step back to the Cannes of the early 20th century...

What was once a quiet fishing village along the Côte d'Azur, Cannes exploded in popularity among Europe's elite and wealthy individuals with the finished construction of Boulevard de la Croisette in the 1860s. This was a wide boulevard carved out along the seaside where one could see and be seen by those taking their winter vacations in Cannes.

The Croisette in Cannes: A History of the Famed Road

Soon extravagant hotels, villas, and casinos built up along the Boulevard de la Croisette. This elegant location eventually received the touch of nobility when Lord Henry Brougham, a former Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, visited Cannes and decided to build a villa. This endorsement did nothing but encourage the affluent and wealthy members of British and European society to start constructing their own villas and hotels. Before long, it became a fashionable resort town. 

In Suzy's Dream, Cannes is mentioned as the winter vacation home of Lady Graham, an American married to a wealthy British lord. She plans to spend five months in the coastal city and is looking for a companion for her trip. This wasn't an unusual ask for the time, but it was usually a position relegated to a young woman, around Suzy's age, who might be considered the poorer relation of someone who does have money, as is the problematic issue going on between the two sisters: Madame Douvry and Madame Arnay. At this point in the story, we see that Suzy is defiant, insisting she will teach piano lessons and not be parted from her dear mother for a dreaded five months!

Personally, I wouldn't mind five months in Cannes with someone else paying all my bills, but that's just me...

Sites to take a look at:

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