Ordre national du Mérite

The Ordre National du Mérite (National Order of Merit) is a distinguished French honour established by President Charles de Gaulle on December 3, 1963. It recognises individuals with distinguished merits in public service, military endeavours, or private sector activities.

Structure of the Order: The order is organized into five levels:

1. Chevalier (Knight)

2. Officier (Officer)

3. Commandeur (Commander)

4. Grand Officier (Grand Officer)

5. Grand-Croix (Grand Cross)

These distinctions are awarded to French citizens and foreign nationals who have significantly contributed to France or its interests.

Notable Recipients: Over the years, the Ordre National du Mérite has been conferred upon numerous prominent individuals, including:

James Gerard: friend and leader of the AOMDA, securing Franco-American relations in the common cause of friendship, liberty and democracy.

• Jacques Cousteau: Renowned oceanographer and filmmaker honoured with the Grand Croix for his contributions to marine science.

• Michel Sardou: Celebrated French singer and songwriter recognized for enriching French music.

• Jean Gabin: Iconic French actor awarded for his significant contributions to cinema.

• Bernard Duhaime: Acknowledged for his dedication to human rights and international law.

Medal Design: The Ordre National du Mérite's insignia features a six-armed Maltese asterisk in blue enamel, centred with a medallion bearing the Republic's effigy. The reverse side displays the motto "Ordre National du Mérite." The medal is suspended from a ribbon of blue silk moiré, symbolizing the order's prestige.

Ordre national du Mérite (National Order of Merit)

Established in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle
Type: Civilian & military
Purpose: Recognizes distinguished service in public, civil, military, and private sectors. It’s considered the second-highest national order.

Ranks: Same as the Légion d’honneur:

• Chevalier, Officier, Commandeur, Grand Officier, Grand Croix

Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters)

Established: 1957
Purpose: Awarded by the Ministry of Culture to individuals (including non-French citizens) who’ve contributed to the arts, literature, or the spread of culture in France and worldwide.

Ranks:

• Chevalier

• Officier

• Commandeur

Famous recipients include David Bowie, Meryl Streep, and Tilda Swinton.

Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Order of Academic Palms)

Established: 1808 by Napoleon
Purpose: Honors contributions to education, teaching, and academic scholarship — awarded to French and foreign educators, scholars, and cultural figures.

Ranks:

• Chevalier

• Officier

• Commandeur

Ordre du Mérite Agricole (Order of Agricultural Merit)

Established: 1883
Purpose: Recognizes outstanding contributions to agriculture and rural life in France. Sometimes jokingly called the “green Légion d'honneur.”

Ranks:

• Chevalier

• Officier

• Commandeur

Ordre du Mérite Maritime (Order of Maritime Merit)

Established: 1930
Purpose: Awarded for services to the French maritime sector, including navigation, fishing, shipping, and naval work.

Ordre de la Santé publique (Order of Public Health) – now defunct

Existed: 1938–1963
Purpose: Honored individuals contributing to public health. It was absorbed into the Ordre National du Mérite in 1963.