Rumpelmayer
Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-06-28 Diary Coverage: Referenced in 1873 entries
Identity and Background
Rumpelmayer was a famous confectionery and pastry shop in Nice during the 19th century, frequently mentioned in Marie Bashkirtseff's diary. The establishment was part of the Rumpelmayer chain, which had several locations in fashionable European resort towns.
Historical Context
The Rumpelmayer confectioneries were founded by Antoine Rumpelmayer, an Austrian confectioner who established luxury pastry shops in several European cities during the 19th century. The Nice location became a popular gathering place for the international elite during the winter season.
Known Locations
- Nice: Located on the Promenade des Anglais, it was a fashionable meeting place for society
- Paris: The Rue de Rivoli location was equally prestigious
- Monte Carlo: Another location served the casino crowd
- Baden-Baden: Catered to spa visitors
Social Significance
In Marie's diary, Rumpelmayer appears as:
1. Social Hub: A place where the fashionable crowd would gather for afternoon tea and pastries 2. Observation Point: Marie could observe society figures while appearing to be simply enjoying refreshments 3. Status Symbol: Being seen at Rumpelmayer indicated one's participation in high society
Specialties
Rumpelmayer was renowned for:
- Elaborate pastries and cakes
- Hot chocolate
- Ice creams and sorbets
- Confectionery and chocolates
- Afternoon tea service
Legacy
The Rumpelmayer establishments represented the height of Belle Époque luxury and refinement. While the original shops no longer exist, they remain symbols of a particular era of European elegance and international society life on the Riviera.
%% 2025-06-28T10:15:00 RSR: This glossary entry provides basic information about Rumpelmayer, the famous confectionery mentioned in Marie Bashkirtseff's diary. Further research could expand on specific mentions in the diary and provide more details about the Nice location's role in society life during the 1870s. %%