L'Illustration, No. 2504, 21 février 1891

A lively portrait unfolds of the Spanish community that has woven itself into the fabric of Parisian high society. Tracing roots back to royal marriages of the seventeenth century, the narrative shows how, after the mid‑nineteenth‑century upheavals, a new wave of aristocrats, queens, princes and dazzling ladies made the city their home, gathering around the Hôtel de Castille and the fashionable salons of the capital.

Through witty anecdotes and keen observation, the author captures the unmistakable bearing of the Spanish hidalgos – their proud posture, adventurous spirit and effortless courtesy – as well as the magnetic charm of their women, whose allure goes beyond mere beauty. The essay celebrates their exuberant conversation, distinctive accents and the joyous, almost theatrical atmosphere they bring to Parisian life, offering listeners a colorful glimpse into a world where diplomacy, romance and flamboyant elegance intersect.