Eugénie Blanchard, French super-centenarian (d. 2010)

France boasts a remarkable history in the study of extreme longevity, particularly concerning its supercentenarians. These extraordinary individuals are defined as citizens, residents, or emigrants from France who have attained or surpassed the venerable age of 110 years. Reaching such an age is an exceedingly rare feat, often placing these individuals among the oldest people globally and offering invaluable insights into the science of aging.

Validation of French Supercentenarians

The Gerontology Research Group (GRG), the leading international authority dedicated to validating claims of extreme human longevity, meticulously scrutinizes the birth and death records of individuals reported to be supercentenarians. As of January 2015, the GRG had rigorously validated the longevity claims of 161 French supercentenarians. This extensive validation process ensures the accuracy and reliability of longevity data, contributing significantly to demographic and gerontological research worldwide.

Jeanne Calment: The Oldest Human Ever Documented

France is famously known as the home of the oldest human being whose longevity is beyond dispute and exceptionally well-documented: Jeanne Calment. Born on February 21, 1875, she lived her entire remarkable life in Arles, a picturesque city in the south of France, until her passing on August 4, 1997. Her astonishing lifespan of 122 years and 164 days remains the highest verified age ever achieved by a human being. Calment's case is a cornerstone in longevity research, with her life often cited in discussions about the upper limits of human lifespan and the factors contributing to extreme old age.

Notable French Supercentenarians

Lucile Randon (Sister André): A Recent Record Holder

At the time of the original data, as of March 29, 2022, Lucile Randon – known to the world as Sister André – was celebrated as the oldest living French person. Born on February 11, 1904, she was then 118 years and 46 days old. Sister André, a revered nun, also held the esteemed title of the second oldest living person in the world, just behind the then 119-year-old Japanese woman, Kane Tanaka. Sister André lived a life of faith and service, offering a unique perspective on extreme longevity. Tragically, both Sister André and Kane Tanaka have since passed away. Sister André departed on January 17, 2023, at the age of 118 years and 340 days, while Kane Tanaka passed on April 19, 2022, at 119 years and 107 days. As of early 2024, the current oldest verified living person in France is Marie-Rose Tessier, born on March 18, 1910, continuing France's legacy of exceptional longevity.

Maurice Floquet: A Centenarian Across Three Centuries

The oldest verified Frenchman ever recorded was Maurice Floquet. Born in 1894, Floquet was a distinguished veteran of World War I, a conflict that deeply shaped the 20th century. His extraordinary life spanned an impressive 111 years and 320 days, remarkably bridging three centuries (1894–2006). Floquet's story is particularly poignant, representing a living link to pivotal historical events and showcasing the resilience of the human spirit through immense societal change.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Supercentenarians

What is a supercentenarian?

A supercentenarian is an individual who has reached or surpassed the age of 110 years. This milestone is incredibly rare, marking them as among the oldest people in the world.

Who verifies claims of extreme longevity?

The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is the primary international organization responsible for scientifically validating claims of extreme human longevity through meticulous verification of birth and death records.

Who is the oldest French person ever recorded?

The oldest French person ever recorded, and indeed the oldest human being with indisputably verified longevity, is Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old.

Who was Lucile Randon (Sister André)?

Lucile Randon, known as Sister André, was a French nun who, as of March 2022, was the oldest living French person and the second oldest person in the world. She passed away in January 2023 at 118 years old.

Are there many supercentenarians in France?

Historically, France has consistently ranked among the countries with a significant number of validated supercentenarians, reflecting a robust track record in extreme longevity.