Czech-French actress and chansonnier Chantal Poullain received the highest French state award, the Order of the Legion of Honour, at the French Embassy in Prague on 12 September. She received the award for her long-term enrichment of Czech and French culture and for her lasting contribution to the friendship between France and the Czech Republic. The awarding of the Order is also in recognition of Poullain’s work in the humanitarian field. The insignia of the Knight of the Legion of Honour was presented to Poullain in the presence of her family and friends by the French Ambassador Alexis Dutertre.

During the ceremony, Dutertre highlighted three main features of Poullain’s life: her decision to leave for love in Czechoslovakia during the communist dictatorship, her artistic career and her personal commitment to the Archa Chantal Foundation, which she founded to support sick children. He also praised her remarkable career despite the restrictions of the totalitarian regime, to which he said she brought humanity and truthfulness.

The Legion of Honour is France’s highest state award, awarded by decree of the French President. It was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte for outstanding civilian or military services to the French nation. Czech recipients of the Order include Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Václav Havel, director Miloš Forman, painter František Kupka, aviator František Fajtl, writer Milan Kundera and singer Marta Kubišová.

Source: divadlo.cz
French Ambassador Alexis Dutertre pins the Legion of Honour on actress Chantal Poullain; photo: ČTK