France's 2026 Legion of Honor Honors Over 50 Arts Figures

The July 14, 2026 civil promotion of the Legion of Honor distinguishes 619 individuals, including over 50 personalities linked to arts, museums, heritage, architecture, crafts, market, and education. Historian Michelle Perrot is elevated to Grand Cross. Publisher Marie-Claude Char and choreographer Brigitte Lefèvre are elevated to Grand Officer. Jacqueline Sanson, honorary general curator of libraries and former director of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, is promoted to Commander. Arles mayor Patrick de Carolis, journalist and former president of France Télévisions, also receives Commander. Museum directors Annick Lemoine (Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie) and Christophe Leribault (Louvre) are named Knights. Other Knights include artist Eva Jospin, fashion designer Paloma Picasso, and archaeologist Luc Long. Art historian Adrien Goetz is promoted to Officer, as is architect Alain-Charles Perrot and communications group founder Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers.