French Political Figures Attend Funeral of Former First Lady Bernadette Chirac

Parisian society and political elites converged at the Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde on Friday, June 12, for the funeral of Bernadette Chirac, the former first lady and devoted wife of the late President Jacques Chirac. The 93-year-old passed away recently, leaving a void in French political and social circles.

The Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde, located in the 7th arrondissement, holds deep personal significance for the Chirac family. It was the venue where Jacques and Bernadette Chirac exchanged vows in March 1956. It also served as the site for the funeral of their daughter, Laurence, in 2016, who was later buried at Montparnasse Cemetery.

A notable gathering of political figures paid their respects. The current First Lady, Brigitte Macron, was among the first to arrive, dressed in black. She was followed by former President François Hollande and his partner, Julie Gayet. Former President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni, also attended, receiving applause from onlookers outside the basilica.

Other distinguished guests included Édouard Philippe, Dominique de Villepin, and Christian Estrosi with his wife Laura Tenoudji. The ceremony was further marked by the presence of Claude Chirac, the couple's daughter, and her son Martin Rey-Chirac, who delivered a moving tribute to his grandmother. The event served as a moment of remembrance and unity, marking the end of an era for a prominent figure in French history.