The Doyenné du Comice pear originated in France, where it was first grown at the Comice Horticole in
Angers in the 1840s. The varietal was a chance discovery, and a commemorative plaque in the Loire states: "In this garden was raised in 1849-50 the celebrated pear Doyenné du Comice by the gardener Dhomme and by Millet de la Turtaudiere, President of the Comice Horticole." It was brought to the United States in 1850 as a seedling and may be sold there as
Royal Riviera. == Growing characteristics ==