Kissing Cousins
Jeanie Calment was born in the city of Arles in the south of France, on February 21st, 1875, to a prominent shipbuilder. Jeanne married a man named Fernand Calment in her early 20s. He was also her second cousin (hence the same last name). His family owned a department store in the area, so the newlyweds got to live in a lavishly expensive apartment above the store.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jeanne never worked, but she kept herself entertained with her hobbies. She loved to play tennis, go hunting, and take care of her daughter, Yvonne, who was born in 1898. Growing up in the upper echelons of Arles society, she often looked down at others. Sadly, the First World War devastated France’s economy, and it was threatening her comfortable lifestyle.