National orders and decorations

How does one receive an award?

Citizens’ initiative

This specific procedure allows all citizens to nominate an individual whom they consider worthy of receiving the Legion of Honor or the National Order of Merit.

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The ministerial procedure

National decorations are awarded according to a multi-step process which follows a strict distribution of powers.

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The Legion of Honor

France’s highest award, the Legion of Honor recognizes those who are committed to the general interest. Its universal renown and long history spread its prestige in France and throughout the world.

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The Military Medal

The Military Medal (Médaille militaire) recognizes non-commissioned officers and soldiers. As the first military decoration, it enjoys great prestige thanks to its holders’ dedication and its 150 years of history.

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The National Order of Merit

Dedicated to those who work for the common benefit, the National Order of Merit encourages the country’s driving forces and complements the Legion of Honor.

The National Medal for the Recognition of Victims of Terrorism

The mission of this decoration is to honor the victims of terrorism. It thus plays a special role in the national system of awards.

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Le national system

French decorations form a coherent and structured whole. Developed over the course of history and adapted to the evolution of society, it offers recognition to a wide range of merits.

Awards to foreigners

France grants the Legion of Honor and National Order of Merit to distinguish foreigners who develop a relationship with the country, in any field of activity. These decorations are also granted in a diplomatic capacity during state visits.

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I'm an honoree

Have you been awarded the Legion of Honor or the National Order of Merit? Explore your rights and duties, arrange for the ceremony conferring your insignia and pay your chancery fees in this section reserved for you.

Go to the space dedicated to holders of decorations

Organization

The Grand Master

The Grand Master makes the final decisions on all that concerns the National Orders, and in particular on the granting of decorations and disciplinary sanctions. The President of the French Republic exercises this highest office.

The Grand Chancellor

Appointed by the President of the Republic, the Grand Chancellor represents the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit, ensures proper administration of the national decorations and directs the Great Chancery in the entire range of its activities.

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The Council of the Order

Presided over by the Grand Chancellor, this independent body deliberates over the granting of decorations. Its prerogatives extend to multiple areas and give it a central role in the institution’s operations.

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The Code

The Code is the basic charter of the Legion of Honor, the Military Medal, the National Order of Merit and the National Medal of Recognition of the Victims of Terrorism. It defines a doctrine and the overall operating principles. Download

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Honorees of today and yesterday

Latest cohorts

All promotions to the Legion of Honour, the Military Medal, the National Order of Merit, and the National Medal of Recognition for Victims of Terrorism are published in the Journal Officiel. They can also be viewed on our website.

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Portraits of honorees

Through the portraits of recipients of the national orders, discover the richness of these distinctions and the journeys of the men and women who have received them.

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Find an honoree

The Grand Chancery can help you find informations about your ancestor who was awared the Legion of Honor, the Military Medal or the National Order of Merit. For other French decoration, you may reach the ministry in charge of their attribution.

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Honorees commit themselves

Receiving a decoration is an honor that comports a moral obligation and urges the holder to greater community involvement. Various associations encourage honorees to invest themselves in society.

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