The passing of François de Cossé-Brissac, the 13th Duke de Brissac, on April 6, 2021, marked the end of an era for the esteemed French noble family. The duke, who was ninety-two years old at the time of his death, left behind a legacy of passion for horse breeding and dedicated public service.
Born on February 29, 1929, at the château de la Verrerie, François de Cossé-Brissac was the eldest son of Pierre de Cossé-Brissac, the 12th Duke de Brissac, and Marie-Zélie “May” Antoinette Eugénie Schneider. Throughout his life, he was deeply committed to his family and community, serving as a municipal councillor in Brissac and nurturing his love for horse breeding. His passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his memory will continue to be cherished by his family and the community he served[1].
what were the key achievements of the 13th Duke de Brissac
- President of the Jockey-Club de Paris: He served as the President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, a prestigious position that reflects his passion for horse breeding and his commitment to the equestrian community.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: François de Cossé held the position of Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, demonstrating his dedication to the Order and its charitable work.
- Proprietor of the Château de Brissac: As the proprietor of the Château de Brissac, he was deeply involved in the preservation and maintenance of the historic estate, ensuring its continued significance as a cultural and architectural landmark.
- Municipal Councillor in Brissac: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to public service and community involvement.
These achievements highlight the 13th Duke de Brissac’s multifaceted contributions to French society, encompassing both his personal interests and his public roles.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s contributions to the community in Brissac
- Municipal Councillor: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to public service and community involvement.
- President of the Jockey-Club de Paris: François de Cossé held the position of President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, showcasing his passion for horse breeding and his dedication to the equestrian community.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: He served as the Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, reflecting his commitment to the Order and its charitable work.
- Proprietor of the Château de Brissac: As the proprietor of the Château de Brissac, he was deeply involved in the preservation and maintenance of the historic estate, ensuring its continued significance as a cultural and architectural landmark.
These contributions highlight the 13th Duke de Brissac’s multifaceted impact on the community in Brissac, encompassing both his public roles and personal interests.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s most notable projects in Brissac
- President of the Jockey-Club de Paris: François de Cossé held the position of President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, showcasing his passion for horse breeding and his commitment to the equestrian community.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: He served as the Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, demonstrating his commitment to the Order and its charitable work.
- Proprietor of the Château de Brissac: As the proprietor of the Château de Brissac, he was deeply involved in the preservation and maintenance of the historic estate, ensuring its continued significance as a cultural and architectural landmark.
- Municipal Councillor in Brissac: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, reflecting his commitment to public service and community involvement.
These projects highlight the 13th Duke de Brissac’s multifaceted contributions to the community in Brissac, encompassing both his public roles and personal interests.
 |
| François de Cossé-Brissac, XIII Duc de Brissac. |
On Tuesday, 6 April 2021, the 13th Duke de Brissac passed away at the age of ninety-two. Surrounded by his family, the duke died at his manor La Roche in Charcé-Saint-Ellier. The late duke was particularly passionate about horse breeding, and he served as a municipal councillor in Brissac.
 |
| Pierre de Cossé, Duke de Brissac. |
 |
| May de Cossé (née Schneider), Duchess de Brissac. |
Born on 29 February 1929 at the château de la Verrerie, Eugène Marie Timoléon François de Cossé-Brissac was the eldest son of Pierre de Cossé-Brissac (1900-1993), 12th Duke de Brissac, and Marie-Zélie “May” Antoinette Eugénie Schneider (1902-1999). François had three siblings: Marie-Pierre (b.1925; married 1stly Simon Nora; married 2ndly Maurice Herzog; married 3rdly Christian Schmidt), Gilles (1935-2002), and Elvire (b.1939).
 |
| The Duke and Duchess de Brissac with Sir Roger Moore and his wife. |
 |
| The Duke and Duchess de Brissac attend the Christmas dinner at the British Embassy to Paris, 2009. Photograph (c) Getty Images / Bertrand Rindoff Petroff. |
In 1958, François de Cossé-Brissac married Jacqueline de Contades (b.1940), the daughter of André de Contades and Marguerite “Daisy” Thome. Jacqueline was a friend of her husband’s younger sister Elvire. François and Jacqueline had five children, three daughters and two sons: Agnès (b.1960; married Bruno van den Broek d’Obrenan), Charles-André (b.1962), Angélique (b.1965; married Vicomte Stanislas de Rougé), Marie-Antoinette (b.1968; married Philippe Leclerq), and Pierre-Emmanuel (b.1974; married Marie-Astrid Larue).
 |
| The late Duke de Brissac with his eldest son Marquis Charles-André de Cossé-Brissac. |
The 14th Duke de Brissac is the eldest son and heir of François: Charles-André de Cossé-Brissac. In 1993, Charles-André married Countess Larissa Széchényi de Sárvár-Felsövidek (b.1967). The new Duke and Duchess de Brissac have four children, three daughters and one son: Laszlo (b.1994), Irina (b.1996), Délia (b.1998; engaged to Prince Marc von Croÿ), and Annabel (b.2002).
May the Duke de Brissac Rest in Peace.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s major contributions to French society
- President of the Jockey-Club de Paris: He served as the President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, a prestigious position that reflects his passion for horse breeding and his commitment to the equestrian community.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: François de Cossé held the position of Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, demonstrating his dedication to the Order and its charitable work.
- Proprietor of the Château de Brissac: As the proprietor of the Château de Brissac, he was deeply involved in the preservation and maintenance of the historic estate, ensuring its continued significance as a cultural and architectural landmark.
- Municipal Councillor in Brissac: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to public service and community involvement.
These achievements highlight the 13th Duke de Brissac’s multifaceted contributions to French society, encompassing both his personal interests and his public roles.
The passing of François de Cossé-Brissac, the 13th Duke de Brissac, marked the end of an era for the esteemed French noble family. His life was a testament to his dedication to his family, community, and the preservation of his family’s legacy. As a passionate horse breeder, he served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to public service. His tenure as President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014 showcased his love for the equestrian community. Moreover, his role as Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004 highlighted his involvement in charitable work. His contributions to the community and his family’s heritage will be cherished by those who knew him.
As we bid farewell to the 13th Duke de Brissac, we remember his remarkable life and achievements. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The Château de Brissac, a symbol of his family’s history and heritage, will remain a testament to his dedication to preserving the past. His commitment to public service and his passion for horse breeding will be remembered by those who knew him. The Château de Brissac, a reflection of his family’s rich history, will continue to stand as a symbol of their enduring legacy. His passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his memory will be cherished by his family and the community he served.
what were the key milestones in the life of the 13th Duke de Brissac
- Birth: Born on February 29, 1929, at the château de la Verrerie, as the eldest son of Pierre de Cossé-Brissac, the 12th Duke de Brissac, and Marie-Zélie “May” Antoinette Eugénie Schneider.
- Marriage: Married Jacqueline Alice Marie de Contades in 1958, with whom he had four children.
- Presidency of the Jockey-Club de Paris: Served as President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, showcasing his passion for horse breeding.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: Held the position of Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, demonstrating his commitment to charitable work.
- Inheritance of the Title: Inherited the title of Duke of Brissac in 1993 upon the death of his father, Pierre de Cossé-Brissac.
- Death: Passed away on April 6, 2021, at the age of 92, at his manor La Roche in Charcé-Saint-Ellier.
These milestones highlight the significant events and roles that defined the life of the 13th Duke de Brissac, reflecting his dedication to his family, community, and public service.
