'Help me save the General's house!': De Gaulle's grandson launches donation drive

Pierre de Gaulle, a grandson of French President Charles de Gaulle, has launched an urgent appeal for donations to save "La Boisserie," the family's historic home in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. The appeal, made via social media, aims to secure the property and ensure it remains within the de Gaulle family's possession for generations to come.

"French people, help me save General de Gaulle's house! 'This is my home,' he used to say," Pierre de Gaulle wrote to his followers. He emphasized his desire for the residence to be "passed on to our children, and from generation to generation, within our own family."

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French people, help me save General de Gaulle's house! 'This is my home,' he used to say.

Following the death of his father, Admiral Philippe de Gaulle, in March 2024, the property passed to his four sons. Pierre de Gaulle now co-owns 50% of the estate after acquiring his elder brother Charles's share. However, the significant maintenance costs have led the heirs to consider selling the property. While two brothers favor keeping it public, concerns have arisen about a potential sale to private, possibly foreign, buyers.

The French state, under President Emmanuel Macron, has shown interest in acquiring the property, with plans to entrust its management to the Centre des monuments nationaux. A historical monument classification process was initiated to facilitate preemption. The Haute-Marne department is also a contender, having managed the property since the withdrawal of the Charles de Gaulle Foundation in 2025.

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This residence is familial and must be passed on to our children, and from generation to generation, within our own family.