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Porrentruy honors General de Gaulle's Jura ancestors
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Culture & Society

Porrentruy honors General de Gaulle's Jura ancestors

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Porrentruy, Switzerland, honored the Jura ancestors of French General Charles de Gaulle with a commemorative plaque.
  • The plaque recognizes the Nicol family, including de Gaulle's great-great-great-grandfather François Ignace Nicol, who lived in Porrentruy in the 18th century.
  • Anne de Laroullière, de Gaulle's granddaughter, attended the unveiling and expressed interest in tracing family roots.

The Swiss town of Porrentruy has paid tribute to the Jura ancestors of French General Charles de Gaulle by unveiling a commemorative plaque. The ceremony took place in the courtyard of the Musée de l’Hôtel-Dieu, attended by French and Jura delegations.

In Porrentruy lived, in the 18th century, the Nicols, ancestors of Charles de Gaulle, French president and founder of the Fifth Republic.

— Commemorative plaqueStating the historical connection between the Nicol family and Porrentruy.

The new plaque reads: "In Porrentruy lived, in the 18th century, the Nicols, ancestors of Charles de Gaulle, French president and founder of the Fifth Republic." It specifically mentions his great-great-great-grandfather, François Ignace Nicol, who was born in 1742 and served as a mercenary for Louis XV at the age of 12.

Anne de Laroullière, de Gaulle's granddaughter, was present for the unveiling. She commented on the significance of exploring one's past, stating, "It is extremely interesting to go back into one's past." This was not her first visit to Porrentruy, a city historically known as the seat of the prince-bishops. She shared that she and her husband have lived in the Zurich region for twenty years, with her husband having obtained Swiss nationality. "It's always nice to meet extended family. I hope we will see each other again," she added.

It is extremely interesting to go back into one's past.

— Anne de LaroullièreCommenting on the significance of genealogical research.

The event highlights the historical connections between prominent French figures and the Jura region of Switzerland, recognizing the familial roots that extend across the border.

It's always nice to meet extended family. I hope we will see each other again.

— Anne de LaroullièreExpressing her positive feelings about connecting with local relatives.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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