In 1898, The Jardin des Tuileries was host to the first international automobile exhibition ever staged in the world, organised by the French Automobile Club. There were already several bicycles on show amongst the cars.

One thing seems to have boosted public confidence namely that in order to be exhibited, the cars had successfully to undergo the test of a return journey between Paris and Versailles. The project was a huge success as 140 000 visitors came to discover the 232 models on show.

In 1901, the exhibition grew in importance by being hosted at the Grand Palais in Paris. Bicycles, boats and air balloons were also on show.

See also > A century in vogue