Have you ever wondered how a town could be so intertwined with a glamorous principality? That’s Beausoleil for you. It mirrors the beauty of its surroundings with the sun, an olive tree and the sky. Its motto shines for everyone.
Beausoleil’s story is closely linked to Monaco’s rise. The construction of the Monte-Carlo Casino spurred growth here. As Monaco blossomed, the nearby Italian region of Piemonte faced hardship. A cholera epidemic and famine forced many to flee. They sought work and found it in Monaco’s construction boom.
These immigrants settled in the Carnier quarter. This area became the dividing line between France and Monaco. Olive oil prices plummeted creating a crisis. Landlords sought ways to boost them. Camille Blanc envisioned a new city called “upper” Monte-Carlo.
Camille Blanc was the son of François Blanc. His father founded the Monte-Carlo Casino. Camille became mayor of La Turbie. He successfully petitioned to separate the new city. In 1903, the municipal council chose the name Beausoleil. It means beautiful sun. Other names were considered, but Beausoleil won.
In 1904, the French President officially created the commune of Beausoleil. Camille Blanc became its first mayor. Beausoleil experienced rapid growth. Its population nearly doubled between 1904 and 1921. Schools, casinos, and hotels sprang up. World War I paused construction. It resumed in 1930.
Many beautiful buildings define Beausoleil. St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a prime example. Its first stone was laid in 1913. It opened to the public ten years later. Paul Lajoie designed it in a neo-Romanesque style. The church boasts stained-glass windows by the Maumejean brothers.
The Riviera Palace hotel offers stunning views. It overlooks Monaco and the Côte d’Azur. CIWL commissioned the building. Georges Chédanne was the architect. Construction began in 1898. The Riviera Palace reflects the Belle Epoque style. Its Winter Garden has subtropical plants. Gustave Eiffel designed its dome.
Even Monaco chefs shop here. Before Beausoleil existed, lower La Turbie had few shops. The municipality couldn’t afford market space. Augustin Jean Trabut built the market at his own expense. It opened in 1902. The city later won ownership in court.
Beausoleil is more than buildings. It is about its people. You will find warm smiles here. You will hear children’s laughter. Beausoleil may not be as smooth as Monaco. But it is warm and sunny. Just like its name suggests. Beausoleil shares Monaco’s vitality. Its frontier is hardly perceptible. The town benefits from its location. It offers lower rent costs.
So, as you stroll through Beausoleil. Remember its story. Remember its beautiful sun. Remember how it shines for everyone.