Key Facts
- ✓ Le Figaro celebrated its 200th anniversary with a special broadcast from the Grand Palais in Paris.
- ✓ The television program 'Esprits Libres' was hosted by Alexandre Devecchio and Martin Couturié for the occasion.
- ✓ Former PSG coach Luis Fernandez and General François Lecointre were the featured guests on the special episode.
- ✓ Luis Fernandez initiated a rendition of 'La Marseillaise' that was joined by the entire audience in the Grand Palais.
- ✓ The event was broadcast on Le Figaro TV, the television channel of the historic newspaper.
- ✓ The Grand Palais served as the iconic venue for this milestone celebration of French media.
A Historic Broadcast
The Grand Palais, a Parisian landmark, transformed into a live television studio for a momentous occasion: the 200th anniversary of Le Figaro. To mark this bicentennial, the newspaper's television channel, Le Figaro TV, relocated its production for a special broadcast.
The atmosphere was one of reverence and celebration, setting the stage for an unforgettable segment of the program Esprits Libres. Hosted by Alexandre Devecchio and Martin Couturié, the evening promised significant dialogue and a powerful display of national spirit.
Distinguished Guests
The episode featured a conversation with two prominent figures from French public life. The guest list included General François Lecointre, a respected military leader, and Luis Fernandez, the former coach of the celebrated football club PSG.
The discussion provided a platform for these individuals to share their perspectives. The presence of such high-profile guests underscored the significance of the Le Figaro bicentennial event, drawing a large and attentive audience to the Grand Palais.
"He launched 'La Marseillaise'. The entire audience followed."
— Event Attendee
A Unifying Moment
The evening reached its emotional peak when Luis Fernandez took a spontaneous initiative. In a gesture of patriotism, he began to sing La Marseillaise, the French national anthem.
The response was immediate and unanimous. As his voice filled the historic hall, the entire audience joined in, creating a powerful and resonant chorus. This collective act of singing transformed the television broadcast into a shared, live experience of national unity.
He launched 'La Marseillaise'. The entire audience followed.
The Grand Palais Setting
Choosing the Grand Palais for this special broadcast was a deliberate and symbolic decision. The venue itself is a testament to French history and cultural grandeur, having hosted countless significant events since its opening in 1900.
By bringing the production to this iconic location, Le Figaro TV physically connected its 200-year legacy with a space that embodies French artistic and historical excellence. The setting amplified the weight of the celebration, making the anthem's performance all the more impactful.
Celebrating a Legacy
The event was more than just a television taping; it was a tribute to two centuries of journalism and cultural influence. Esprits Libres, the program at the heart of the celebration, continued its tradition of hosting deep conversations with influential leaders.
The decision to feature a figure from the world of sports, like Luis Fernandez, alongside a military general, highlighted the broad scope of Le Figaro's cultural reach. It demonstrated how the publication connects different spheres of French society under one roof.
Looking Ahead
The 200th-anniversary celebration at the Grand Palais set a high bar for future milestones. The powerful moment of unity, initiated by Luis Fernandez, will be remembered as a highlight of the bicentennial year.
As Le Figaro looks toward its third century, this event serves as a reminder of its enduring presence in French culture. The blend of historical reverence, intellectual dialogue, and spontaneous patriotism created a fitting tribute to a legacy spanning two hundred years.
