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ALL ABOUT WHO HIDES BEHIND THE SUBLIME AVENUE JEAN LORRAIN

Who has never taken this sublime road that links the port of Nice to the lower Corniche? A victory for runners and a real challenge for cyclists on the way up. Behind this name hides a story and a writer. Whoever he is, after reading these lines, you'll never use this road in the same way again.
Lorrain, whose real name was Paul Alexandre Martin Duval, was a 19th-century French writer famous for his flamboyant style and eccentric manner. Born in Fécamp (Seine Maritime) in 1855, Lorrain spent much of his life in Paris, but also maintained a close link with the enchanting city of Nice.
Paul Alexandre Martin Duval is a colorful and intriguing character, known for his flamboyant personality and extravagant tastes. He creates a deliberately provocative character. Corseted, transvestite (more politely disguised...). He frequented both the great salons of Paris and the pimps of the bad neighborhoods. His literary work, imbued with symbolism and sensuality, has often been compared to that of other writers of the period, such as Oscar Wilde and Hugues Rebell. He died in 1906 in Nice.
Paul Alexandre, starts studying law, but stops, and starts frequenting newsrooms. He gave up his own name for the pseudonym JEAN LORRAIN. In order to continue receiving financial support from his father.
A novelist, chronicler, poet, storyteller and journalist, he is the author of a rich and sulphurous literary output. A homosexual dandy, he used and abused all kinds of narcotics, experimenting with just about every vice. His rich artistic work includes the novel "L'homme par qui le scandale arrive"(The man through whom the scandal happens) and "Monsieur de Bougrelon"(Mister Bougrelon).
“Monsieur de Bougrelon”, was hailed by critics as "a masterpiece". Lorrain was a journalist more out of necessity than conviction or passion. He depicts Parisian debauchery with an acerbic, caustic wit.
His health was deteriorating, particularly under the effects of drugs, but Nice, with its mild climate, picturesque landscapes and cosmopolitan atmosphere, had won his heart. Seduced, too, by the city's cultural richness, he packed his bags and began a new life.
Lorrain took several health cures in the region, at Peïra-Cava, for example, and at Le Boréon. He spent his last years there with his mother.
Jean Lorrain was a regular at the city's literary salons and elegant cafés. Often seen strolling the cobbled streets of Vieux Nice, dressed in his eccentric outfits and accompanied by his artist and writer friends. Lorrain was also a great lover of nightlife, frequenting the city's theaters, cabarets and casinos until the wee hours of the morning.
This exuberant, eccentric and colorful artist left an indelible mark on our city. The avenue lives up to its name, embodying the same energy with its flamboyant sunset colors, extravagant beauty and lively atmosphere. The avenue is a constant expression of beauty in all its forms.


