France's Legion of Honour
France's highest order of merit, created in 1802, with five grades from Chevalier (knight) to Grand-Croix.
What the paper can ask
- Created 19 May 1802; motto 'Honneur et Patrie'; the President of France is Grand Master.
- Five degrees: Chevalier, Officier, Commandeur, Grand Officier, Grand-Croix.
- Awards can be revoked (rules changed in 2010); Nicolas Sarkozy was stripped of his in 2025. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Latest
Sunil Bharti Mittal was named a Chevalier on 12 October 2026 for strengthening India-France economic ties; investiture 28 October 2026 at the French Embassy, New Delhi.
Why exams ask
Setters ask who founded it, the grade an Indian received, and the latest Indian recipient.
The full story
The Legion of Honour (Legion d'Honneur) is France's highest order of merit, for military and civilian achievement. It was created on 19 May 1802, and its Grand Master is the President of France. It has five grades, lowest to highest: Chevalier (Knight), Officier, Commandeur, Grand Officier and Grand-Croix. Foreigners who have served France or its ideals can receive it; many Indian business leaders, artists and film stars have.