History

This International Prize for political literature is awarded every other year at the Château to a person who has demonstrated outstanding humanistic qualities and attachment to public liberties and seeks to perpetuate Alexis de Tocqueville’s ideals. It was created in 1979 by Pierre Godefroy, mayor of the nearby town of Valognes and Alain Peyrefitte, a noted author, member of the Académie Francaise and politician. The jury of this prestigious award is currently chaired by former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, and includes Sandra day O’Connor, professor Harvey C Mansfield and a number of other eminent members. The last two American recipients of the Prize were General Colin Powell and Mr. Zbigniew Brzezinski. The Association organizing the Prize is now headed by the Countess Stéphanie de Tocqueville.