The Notable Figures of Auxerre

Auxerre may be famous for the well-known Cadet Roussel, but it’s also home to many other fascinating figures.

First, there’s Colette, one of the great writers of the 20th century, best known for her novels about Claudine, a mischievous young girl. Renowned for her novels, Colette was also an actress, a journalist, and the second woman elected to the Académie Goncourt in 1945. She served as president of this prestigious literary orgnisation from 1949 to 1954. She was also the first French woman to receive national funeral honors.

Another notable figure from the city is Romain Rolland, the French writer who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915 for his pacifist and humanitarian articles.

Jules Roy, an intellectual born in 1907, is also linked to Auxerre. He condemned the abuses during the Algerian War and publicly opposed the French bombings in Indochina. Roy was one of the most outspoken French figures of the 20th century, publishing numerous works throughout his life.

A century earlier, Paul Bert, a deputy born in Auxerre, became France’s Minister of Public Instruction. He was one of the greatest figures in the fight against religious education and implemented many school laws that revolutionised education.

In 1852, Pierre Larousse, born in Toucy just a few kilometers from Auxerre, made history with the creation and publication of the Grand Dictionnaire Universel du XIXe siècle, with the goal of “educating everyone about everything.”

Finally, one of the most famous people in the city today is Guy Roux, the former coach of AJ Auxerre and former president of the French Football Coaches Union from 1977 to 2001. A true legend, Roux led the club to four French Cups and one league title!