The monument of French cinema, actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, passed away Monday afternoon at the age of 88. His special relationship with the French Riviera was known to all, and after the national tribute he received, a tribute from the region he loved so much was more than evident.
Since last July 13th, the city of Nice has been inaugurating the exhibition “From Bébel to Bébert…” at Place Pierre Gautier, near Cours Saleya, which illustrates the strong relationship between Jean-Paul Belmondo and the Côte d’Azur through the photographs of Charles Bébert, who followed him for years. As Christian Estrosi said, “we wanted him to come and inaugurate this exhibition; two months ago we still thought it was possible.” Following Bebel’s passing, the mayor of Nice also announced that the exhibition, which was supposed to end on September 12, has been extended until the 19th. He also announced that other events in tribute to the actor will be organized in the coming weeks.
Christian Estrosi then reflected on the special moments he shared with Belmondo and the exceptional person he was and represented: “I had the pleasure of approaching this man, sharing magical moments with him. Every child of the people, the people of France, everyone saw themselves in him. It was a shock, we thought he was eternal.”
He then talked about the special relationship between Bebel and Nice, “People of Nice, everything you embody: friends, men and women of culture… you know the affection that Jean-Paul had for the city. He loved the colors, the scents, the people of Nice.” The mayor of Nice then listed the different films the actor shot in Nice: “Peau de banane,” “La scoumoune,” “La victorine,” “Joyeuse Pâques,” “Une chance sur deux,” “La sirène du Mississippi.”
“His mark must be recorded here, I looked at all the places where he filmed and lived. Place du Pin stands out particularly, it will be renamed Place Jean-Paul Belmondo.” Ultimately, faced with dissatisfaction expressed on social media, it was announced that another location would be chosen: Le Cinema Mercury.
After Christian Estrosi’s speech, the assembly listened to the music “From the Professional” and laid white roses at the foot of a photo of Bebel.
A very moved woman, who made the trip especially to see the exhibition and attend the tribute paid by the city, expressed herself: “He is a giant of French cinema, a popular actor who could play everything just as well on stage as in cinema. He had the power to bring people together; it was a breath of fresh air. I was in Italy a few days ago, all the channels talked about his passing, several broadcasted his films in French! Proof that Belmondo is not just a monument of French cinema; Belmondo is France.
