Born in 1818 on La Réunion island, spent childhood there and Brittany. Father sent him to East Indies for business career preparation. Completed education in Rennes, specializing in Greek, Italian and history. Settled in Paris in 1845
Born in Paris in 1842 to a civil servant. Worked as clerk in war ministry and became Parnassian school poet. Published first printed verses in 1864. Became Comédie Française archivist from 1878 to 1884