French supercentenarian Jeanne Calment is the oldest person in history, having lived to reach 122 years and 164 days. Those who met her remember her lust for life and her positive, effervescent personality.

In 1995, she reportedly said: “I waited 110 years to get famous and I intend to enjoy it.”

Jeanne was born in 1875, 14 years before the construction of the Eiffel Tower. She witnessed many historical events, including both World Wars and the invention of cinematography.

She also met illustrious figures such as Van Gogh ("ugly as sin, had a vile temper and smelled of booze," she recalls). Jeanne remained in good health throughout her life and boasted an acute mental sharpness until she passed in her native Arles, in 1997. 

The record holder credited her long life to a healthy diet with plenty of olive oil, which she also rubbed into her skin. However, she also indulged in chocolate from time to time and smoked from the age of 21 until she was 117.