A few weeks ago I posted some photos that provided inspiration for Acts of Rebellion which is set in 1870s Paris. I found some of them online, some in books, and took others during a trip to Paris last spring.
Acts of Rebellion features Mariele du Crecy and Camille Noisette. The du Crecy family has connections to the aristocracy and their wealth is considered ‘old money’. The Noisette family’s wealth came more recently. In particular, Camille’s father became exceedingly wealthy from real estate development and investments during Napoleon III’s rebuilding of Paris. This rebuilding took place from 1852 to 1870 and beyond. Camille lives in an expensive home in the 7th arrondissement.
The Noisette salon and library might look something like these rooms.
In Chapter 6, Camille and Mariele get to know one another while strolling in the Tuileries gardens. Beyond the fountain in this 1850 photo is the Tuileries Palace. It was destroyed during the Commune so if you visit Paris now, the Tuileries gardens are larger than they were at the time of Acts of Rebellion. Behind the Tuileries Palace is the Louvre.
While out strolling, Camille wears a dress like the one below which was taken at the Louvre. Of course, beneath the dress she’ll have on some sort of corset laced tightly at the back.
Corset
Day dress
Promenading was a frequent occupation for Parisians. Many strolled the fashionable streets or through various gardens of Paris to see and be seen. I doubt any of them were focused on exercise the way we are today 🙂
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M.K. Tod writes historical fiction and blogs about all aspects of the genre at A Writer of History. Her latest novel, TIME AND REGRET was published by Lake Union on August 16, 2016. Mary’s other novels, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads or on her website www.mktod.com.
2 Responses
This is great! I haven’t heard of ‘Acts of Rebellion’ (although I’ll take a look now) but I’m writing a story in Paris 1870 so am trying to do my research and this is a big help.
Thanks 🙂