Mérimée, les tabacs de Strasbourg et Carmen

In April 1844, Prosper Mérimée carried out a mission in Strasbourg to inspect the Saint-Étienne Church, which was classified as a historical monument. Located in the center of the royal tobacco factory, its continued existence was threatened by government projects. During his inspection, Mérimée must have seen the workshops of cigar makers, but did this sight inspire him when he wrote his novella Carmen, the heroine of which is a cigar maker? In Strasbourg, some would like to think so.