belle époque

or Belle Époque

[ bel ey-pawk ]

noun

, French.

, plural belles é·poques [bel, ey-, pawk].

1. the period (1871–1914) between the end of the Franco-Prussian War and the outbreak of World War I, characterized by relative peacefulness in Western Europe and by marked advances and productivity in the arts, literature, technology, etc.

belle époque

/ bɛl epɔk /

noun

1. the period of comfortable well-established life in Europe before World War I

Word History and Origins

Origin of belle époque¹

Literally, “beautiful epoch”

Word History and Origins

Origin of belle époque¹

literally: fine period

Example Sentences

A homage to the novelist Marcel Proust, the hotel features sumptuous spaces that conjure the Belle Époque and in them you’ll discover objects linked to the hotel’s namesake, including an autographed copy of “Swann’s Way.”

From New York Times

Whether it’s Gabrielle and Louis’ hopeless pining in Belle Époque Paris or the 2014 Louis’ dark obsession with Gabrielle, the filmmaker observes the daily circumstances that strip away our connection to one another — how we’re constantly denying our true feelings to avoid pain.

From Los Angeles Times

Creative director Ian Griffiths’ mood board included silken teddies, Belle Epoque’-inspired boule coats and photos of the French novelist Colette, whose spare style, the British designer said, inspired the collection’s simplicity.

From Seattle Times

Set in La Belle Epoque, with ornate décor and costumes, the show triggered another audience frenzy on opening night.

From New York Times

Belle Epoque French-Swiss painter Félix Vallotton, best known as a printmaker associated with the symbolist group Les Nabis, took on Verdun — an epic, nearly yearlong battle in eastern France.

From Los Angeles Times