This was the last civilian Easter promotion of the Legion of Honour of François Hollande, whose five-year term ends next month. He took advantage of the Easter weekend to honour 562 people (compared to 535 in the Easter promotion of 2016). There are 453 knights, 83 officers, 18 commanders, six Grand Officers and two Grand Crosses (François Pinault and the State Councillor François Bernard).
Two great sailors who have marked the year 2016/2017 with their sporting prowess are also worthy of note. First Armel le Cléac'h, winner of the 8 e Vendée Globe edition in 74 days 03 hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds. It also beat François Gabart's previous record by 3 days! The latter was made a knight of the Legion of Honour, from the contingent of the Ministry of Sport.
Thomas Coville, also knighted by the Prime Minister's contingent, had made sailing history by winning the single-handed round-the-world record in 49 days 3 hours 7 minutes 38 seconds!
Alongside the two sailors, there is also Titouan Lamazou, former winner of the Vendée Globe, who has become a painter and writer.
