Interesting historical fact of the day: the last official duel in France
Do you know when did dueling end in France?
In 1967. Well, officially.
That last duel was between Gaston Defferre, socialist deputy and mayor of Marseille and the gaullist deputy from Seine-et-Oise, René Ribière. During a debate at the French National Assembly, Defferre was irritated by Ribière's interventions and clamours and said to him "shut up, you moron!".
After that, considering himself publicly offended and with Defferre refusing to apologize, Ribière provoked him in a sword duel to the first blood.
With the arbitrator and their witnesses, they avoided the police and the duel took place in a private residence of Neully. Defferre refused to use dulled swords.
Ribière was wounded a first time in the arm but refused to stop and Defferre slightly hurt him a second time. Ribière decided it was enough and that his honor was satisfied (it was his first duel and he had to get married the next day).
You can see a video of this duel here:
In 1967. Well, officially.
That last duel was between Gaston Defferre, socialist deputy and mayor of Marseille and the gaullist deputy from Seine-et-Oise, René Ribière. During a debate at the French National Assembly, Defferre was irritated by Ribière's interventions and clamours and said to him "shut up, you moron!".
After that, considering himself publicly offended and with Defferre refusing to apologize, Ribière provoked him in a sword duel to the first blood.
With the arbitrator and their witnesses, they avoided the police and the duel took place in a private residence of Neully. Defferre refused to use dulled swords.
Ribière was wounded a first time in the arm but refused to stop and Defferre slightly hurt him a second time. Ribière decided it was enough and that his honor was satisfied (it was his first duel and he had to get married the next day).
You can see a video of this duel here:
Click to view