Article by Francesca Bocchi
Not everyone in Munich is familiar with the name of Marie Blanc, born Marie-Charlotte Hensel in 1833 in Friedrichsdorf, in the then Grand Duchy of Hesse-Homburg (today Germany). She came from a modest family, but this did not prevent her, even as a child, from developing a practical intelligence, good taste and a penchant for social life.
She entered the service of the entrepreneur as a girl François Blanc as a governess for his children, Camille and Charles. Despite their age difference (François was much older), their mutual esteem led them to the marriage in 1854, two years after the death of his first wife, and Marie thus became an integral part of François' entrepreneurial project, who was already running businesses in the casino, spa, tourism and high-class establishments.
When the couple decided to move part of their business to Monaco, Marie Blanc played a key role not only in domestic life but also in the public and business of the Principality.
In March 1863, François Blanc obtained the important concession to create the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) et du Cercle des Étrangers in Monaco, which involved the management of gaming activities, but also the development of tourism and accommodation in the Principality. Marie played an important role in the conception, décor, elegance and aesthetic design, giving a touch of class and refinement to these venues.
For the’Hôtel de Paris Marie Blanc took care of the furnishings, investing significant sums in ebony furniture, gold inlays, Venetian chandeliers and precious silverware.
At Café Divan, then renamed Café de Paris, one of Munich's most elegant cultural and social salons, founded in 1868, dedicated lavish furnishings with a fairytale-like sparkle. “If you are somebody, make yourself known at Café de Madame Blanc and you will become somebody “, wrote Le Figaro. Marie was also decisive in the design and decoration of the Jardins des Boulingrins, which were desired, decorated and financed by her.
After the death of her husband, François (1877), Marie continued to spearhead a number of projects that would further bring prestige to Monaco: one particularly ambitious one was the theatre/opera in Monte-Carlo, for the realisation of which she entrusted the architect Charles Garnier and for the inauguration invited the beautiful actress Sarah Bernhardt. The first opera to be performed was Le Chevalier Gaston by Robert Planquette, 8 February 1879.
Over the years, Marie Blanc imposed her personality as a creative, far-sighted woman with a strong sense of aesthetics, capable of making bold decisions, aware that attention to detail would give prestige and immortality to the places she looked after. Monte Carlo thus entered the constellation of luxury destinations.
Marie Blanc died in 1881, but her grace and penchant for “beauty” continued to intoxicate the current face of Monaco and Monte-Carlo in particular: its buildings, atmosphere and reputation as a place of luxury, culture and entertainment. Today, it is commemorated by the SBM (Société des Bains de Mer) with conferences or initiatives highlighting its role, especially on the occasion of the “International Women's Rights Day”.
Images: Francesca Bocchi and Marie Charlotte Blanc (@ courtesy of and Archives de Bad Homburg Allemagne - Public Domain)
