THE PENITENTS - These lay associations first appeared in the 13th century: the White Penitents of the Holy Cross, Black Penitents of Misericorde, Blue Penitents of the Holy Sepulchre and Red Penitents of the Holy Trinity and Holy Shroud. It was particularly during the baroque era that the brotherhoods took on new assignments more connected with social assistance that they have, in some cases, maintained (the White Penitents cared for the sick, the Black Penitents for the dying and Mounts of Piety, the Blue and Bed Penitents took care of orphans). Their chapels are often masterpieces, still today well worth visiting. The different colours of their robes were useful for identifying the different brotherhoods. In addition to their charitable activities, some brotherhoods still participate in major religious festivals in the Riviera's towns and villages.
THE RICHNESS OF LA BELLE EPOQUE - In the 18th century, wealthy members of the English aristocracy were the first to discover the climactic virtues of the French Riviera in winter. But its mildness was soon to attract the nobility of all Europe, then the rich bourgeoisie. Dubbed the "Côte d'Azur" in the 19th century by Stephen Liegeard, a sub-prefect but also a poet, it became over the years the scene for elegant resorts dedicated to frivolity, sumptuousness and pleasure. From these brilliant years, interrupted by the shockwave of the Great War in 1914, we still have testimonials to a life-style that will always remain an illustrious part of the Côte d'Azur's heritage.
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