Yesterday, Christian Estrosi presented the city of Nice’s gold-level medal of honor to Charles Bébert. This distinction honors the work of a photographer who immortalized the Nice of yesteryear through black and white photographs.
Until January 20, 2025, the gardens of the Villa Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais are hosting the exhibition Nice of Yesterday… through the Lens of Charles Bébert. Free and open to all, this event offers a dive into the city’s history through the photographer’s images. The exhibited pictures blend emblematic locations such as Place Masséna, Avenue Jean Médecin, and the Port of Nice with scenes of daily life.
“My photographs are not just images; they tell stories,” Charles Bébert shared. These visual narratives also capture portraits of anonymous individuals and celebrities that marked the 60s, 70s, and 80s on the French Riviera.
This memory work is complemented by the essential role played by Stéphane Bébert, the photographer’s son. He rediscovered and restored these treasures among thousands of negatives. The pictures were preserved in the archives of the Chasseur d’images brand, founded by Charles Bébert and his father.
A Rich Photographic Journey
Born in Oran in 1936, Charles Bébert discovered photography in his teens. Settling in Nice in 1963, he captured the Mediterranean soul of the city that reminded him of his origins. For over 50 years, he was a correspondent for several press agencies, covering major events on the French Riviera and beyond.
At 88, the photographer continues to roam the streets with a camera in hand. His photographs, printed on silver paper, demonstrate an intimate connection with the city and its inhabitants.
The exhibition Nice of Yesterday… through the Lens of Charles Bébert is part of Nice, My City, My Neighborhood, another retrospective hosted at Villa Masséna. These two complementary events highlight the many facets of Nice’s history.
