Jeanne Calment in her forties.
The woman who lived for over 120 years
Born in 1875 in Arles, in the heart of Provence, Jeanne Calment made history for having lived 122 years and 164 days — a record still unbeaten to this day. She witnessed two centuries, two world wars, the birth of the telephone, television, and even the Internet. Yet, with her trademark humor, she once summed up her long life by saying:
“I’ve always kept a smile. It’s good for your health.”
In the golden light of Provence, Jeanne grew up among the sun-warmed stones of Arles, fragrant markets, and centuries-old olive trees. Her story, both unique and deeply human, reflects life in the South of France — simple, joyful, and wholesome.
Official birth certificate of Jeanne Calment, born in Arles.
Arles, the cradle of a timeless life
Jeanne Calment was born and spent almost her entire life in Arles, a Provençal town famous for its Roman heritage, amphitheater, and unique light. At the end of the 19th century, life there was peaceful: people strolled under plane trees, chatted at the market, and lived with carefree joy.
Arles, charming town in Provence where Jeanne grew up and lived.
Her father was a ship sail maker, her mother a homemaker. And one day, young Jeanne met Vincent Van Gogh, who was living in Arles in 1888. She loved to recall the story of how she once sold him a pencil in her family’s store.
“He didn’t impress me. He looked a little crazy,” she would later laugh.
Vincent Van Gogh lived in Arles from February 1888 to May 1889, painting masterpieces that captured the light and landscapes of Provence.
A life full of humor and small pleasures
At 21, Jeanne married a distant cousin, Fernand Calment, a wealthy fabric merchant. They lived comfortably but modestly in a charming Arles townhouse. What stood out most, though, was her personality — cheerful, mischievous, and always ready with a joke.
Fernand Calment (1868‑1942), husband of Jeanne Calment. Image from Fandom under CC-BY-SA license.
She cycled until the age of 100, ate chocolate every day, drank a small glass of port, and never turned down a good laugh.
“God forgot to call me”, she joked when she turned 120.
Her good humor, love for life, and taste for simple pleasures seem to have been key ingredients in her astonishing longevity.
The famous “viager” story: Provençal irony at its best
At 90, Jeanne Calment decided to sell her apartment en viager — a French system where the buyer pays a lifetime annuity until the seller’s death — to a notary from Arles named André-François Raffray, then 47 years old.
It seemed like a good deal… until fate had other plans. Raffray died in 1995, at age 77 — while Jeanne was still alive and well at 120! His widow continued the payments until Jeanne’s death, and in the end, the couple had paid more than twice the apartment’s actual value.
“Sometimes in life, you make bad deals,” Jeanne reportedly said with her wry Provençal smile.
This anecdote, famous all around the world, perfectly reflects her spirit — clear-minded, ironic, and endlessly alive. If a ninety-year-old ever offers to sell you their house 'en viager' in Provence, think twice about it!
The principle of a life annuity (“viager”): paying a monthly rent to the owner until their death, then inheriting the property.
The secrets of Provençal longevity
How can we explain such an extraordinary lifespan? Doctors talked about genetics, of course — but many also pointed to the Provençal lifestyle:
- A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, fruits, and fresh vegetables.
- The sunny climate of Arles, boosting mood and vitamin D.
- A peaceful rhythm of life, far from stress and rush.
- And above all, a philosophy: enjoy life, don’t hurry it.
Jeanne used to say this joke :
“I only have one wrinkle, and I’m sitting on it.”
A perfect reminder that happiness — and maybe longevity — starts with laughter.
A peaceful lifestyle and the sunny, gentle climate of Provence surely contributed to Jeanne’s extraordinary longevity.
An eternal legacy
Jeanne Calment passed away in 1997, aged 122 years and 164 days. Her story continues to inspire scientists, writers, and everyone fascinated by the mysteries of time.
But perhaps her real secret was simple — the secret of Provence itself: Live slowly, laugh often, and love for a long time.
In the sunlit streets of Arles, one can still imagine her light step, her quiet laugh, and her sparkling eyes. Maybe Provence truly has the power to make life last longer.
AI-generated illustration: artistic evocation of Jeanne Calment as a child in Arles, inspired by the Provence of her time.