French ambassador tours Hauteville House on first official visit
The French ambassador to the UK visited the island yesterday to build stronger links between France and the Channel Islands.
On her swift visit to Guernsey, Helene Duchene met with local politicians to discuss improving relations and toured Hauteville House, where French author Victor Hugo lived during his exile in the island.
‘I took on my duties in London a year and a half ago and I think it is important for me to come here and to understand in your island and the specific relationship, with it being a Crown Dependency,’ she said.
‘Also to show interest on the ties that we have because you are very near to France and I know that since Covid, the tourist traffic has increased, and we are very favourable to that.
‘It was important for me to see the house of Victor Hugo because he is the biggest author that every French person knows.’
Mrs Duchene took on the role in November 2022 and this was her first official visit to the island.
She said that the beauty of Hauteville House took her by surprise, considering it has older decorations and furniture, but that it holds a lot of symbolism.
Meetings with politicians focused on the island’s current priorities, energy, trade and the economy, financial services, environmental initiatives and sustainable finance, Guernsey’s relationship with the EU, and the bilateral relationship with France.
Chief Minister Lyndon Trott said that he was delighted to welcome the ambassador.
‘The relationship with France, as our nearest neighbour and regional partner, is vitally important to Guernsey’s government,’ he said.
‘Discussions during the ambassador’s time in the island focused on our historic and existing links and looked to build on those for future opportunities.
‘My political colleagues and I look forward to continuing to engage with Her Excellency and her team at the embassy in future.’
The ambassador also visited Candie Museum and the Priaulx Library to reflect the cultural links between Guernsey and France.
