Diamant, 1910, racing bicycle

The Diamant La Française is a true embodiment of the history and culture of cycling in early 20th-century France. The company La Française, founded in 1889 by Pierre-Victor Besse and François Trépier, was among the pioneers in the field, playing a significant role in the technical and sporting evolution of the bicycle on an international scale.
Throughout its history, La Française stood out not only for the quality and variety of its models — appreciated by both enthusiasts and top athletes — but also for expanding its production to include motorcycles and automobiles. In the world of racing, the brand achieved remarkable prestige: in 1901, Maurice Garin won the Paris–Brest–Paris race riding a La Française bicycle, and two years later, he made history by winning the very first Tour de France (1903) on a model from the same French manufacturer.
The bicycle on display, dated 1910, is a fine example from that pioneering era. Designed for a sport-loving public, it combines lightness, strength, and refined craftsmanship. At the time, bicycles like this were used in Sunday races and also for the sheer pleasure of exploration on the other days of the week. In automotive terms, it could be described as a true grand tourer on pedals — built to deliver excitement, elegance, and performance on the roads of its time.