The funeral of Bernadette Chirac, who died on June 5 at the age of 93, will be held this Friday, June 12, in Paris. A tribute is also scheduled for Sunday in Corrèze. This announcement was made by her daughter, Claude Chirac, on Monday to Agence France-Presse.
Funeral Ceremony in Paris
The funeral service for Bernadette Chirac, widow of former President Jacques Chirac, will take place on Friday, June 12, at 2:30 PM at the Sainte-Clotilde Basilica in Paris (7th arrondissement). This location was chosen in accordance with her wishes. Bernadette and Jacques Chirac were married in the nearby Sainte-Clotilde Chapel, which also hosted the funeral of their eldest daughter, Laurence, in 2016.
Homage in Corrèze
An homage will also be paid to the former First Lady on Sunday in Corrèze, where she served as a general councilor for several decades, from 1979 to 2015. The tribute will begin with a religious ceremony at 10:00 AM in the town of Corrèze, followed by a “friendly moment of remembrance” at 2:00 PM at the Domaine de Sédières. This event is open to “all the people of Corrèze so dear to her heart,” Claude Chirac added.
Distinguished Guests Expected
Brigitte Macron, the wife of the President of the Republic and Bernadette Chirac’s successor as head of the Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France Foundation, will attend the funeral. Other notable attendees will include former President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla, as well as many former political companions, public figures, and friends, including Line Renaud. Former President François Hollande has also confirmed his presence.
A Political Figure in Her Own Right
Bernadette Chirac was the only First Lady to have held a political mandate in her own name, serving as a general councilor for Corrèze, a department where she was continuously elected from 1979 to 2015. Her dedication to public service and her region left a lasting impact.
Public Condolences and Tributes
In tribute to Bernadette Chirac, the President of the Republic and his wife Brigitte had invited “all those who wish to do so to visit the Maison Élysée located opposite the Palace,” where a book of condolences was made available to the public. This allowed citizens to express their respects and share their memories of the former First Lady.
Bernadette Chirac’s passing marks the end of an era for many in France, particularly in Corrèze, where her commitment and influence were deeply felt. Her legacy as a First Lady and a dedicated public servant will be remembered.
Source: https://www.cnews.fr/france/2026-06-08/disparition-de-bernadette-chirac-ses-obseques-seront-celebrees-vendredi-paris?amp
