Salomon Bédarrides

Salomon Bédarrides was born in a Jewish family on 18 February 1809 in Aix-en-Provence.[1] His brother, Jassuda Bédarrides (1804-1882), served as the Mayor of Aix from 1858 to 1859.[1]

He started his career as a lawyer in Aix.[1]

A supporter of the Republic, he decided to follow in his brother's footsteps and embark upon a career in politics. He was left-wing, and a Freemason.[1][2] He was elected to the town council in 1870.[1] He served as the Mayor of Aix-en-Provence from 1877 to 1884.[1] As such, he was the second Jewish Mayor of this city, the first being his brother. One of his first decisions, taken on 8 November 1876, was to rename the Cours Mirabeau as such.[1] He reduced the debt the town has incurred and purchased more books for the public library.[1] He commissioned the destruction of the Rue des Cardeurs and vowed to improve the lives of the poor in the town.[1] He also commissioned the construction of the Lycée Mignet, a secondary school.[1]

He received the Knighthood of the Legion of Honour on 12 August 1880.[1]

He resided at number 9 on the rue Beauvezet in Aix.[1]

He died on 29 September 1886 in Aix-en-Provence.[1]

The Rue Bédarrides in Aix-en-Provence is named in his honour and his brother's.[1][3]