After the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, the French occupied Corfu. Their presence lasted until March 1799, with a second period from 1807 until 1814. Despite the grand promises of the French Revolution, their rule proved short-lived and unpopular. However, these sentiments do not extend to the Liston Arcade, a famous promenade and meeting place packed with fashionable cafes on the edge of the Spianada.