From Berthoud Bros. to Odier Bungener Courvoisier
Several Protestant families of Swiss origin established banking firms in Paris during the XIXth century.
Protestantism today
The most frequently asked questions.
Protestant faith
There are common beliefs to all christians, expressed in the articles of faith of the early Church; however the protestants belonging to the Féderation protestante de France acknowledge six main...
Protestantism around the world
Protestantism comprises a great variety of churches belonging to five main groups. Most have joined a Churches’ Ecumenical Council trying to present a united message.
Protestantism in France
With about one million members, the Protestant Church ranks third in France after Catholicism and Islam. But there is an uneven spread over the different geographical regions.
The French Protestant Federation (FPF)
Since 1905, the Fédération protestante de France has included most Protestant Churches and Associations. Most branches of Protestantism which have grown up since the Reformation are represented.
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904)
The French sculptor was born in Colmar to an Alsatian Protestant family. He is well known for the famous Statue of Liberty (New-York and Paris) and for the Lion of...
Le Corbusier (1887-1965)
The famous architect was born into a Swiss Protestant family, became a French national in 1930 and had an international career.
Marie Durand (1711-1776)
For the French protestants, Marie Durand symbolized those who resisted religious intolerance after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.
Samuel Bernard (1615-1687)
Samuel Bernard came from a Reformed Church family and was a key member of the group of Protestant artists who contributed so much to the XVIIth century. He recanted after...
Mathieu Lespagnandelle (1616-1689)
This sculptor, who was from a Protestant background and who worked for the king, was torn between his own inherited beliefs and Catholicism – a personal conflict which was typical...
Louis Testelin (1615-1655)
At the time Louis Testelin was an artist, belonging to the Reformed Church did not prevent one from having a brilliant career.
The Mallet Bank
The Mallet Bank was founded in 1713, and peaked in the 19th century. Its managers contributed to economic and industrial development.
Isaac Mallet (1684-1779)
Isaac Mallet was the descendant of a French protestant who had taken refuge in Geneva ; he founded the bank Mallet Frères et Cie, which remained a family bank for the...
Turenne (1611-1675)
Turenne, a great military leader, was converted from Protestantism to Catholicism ; this experience was very significant for him.
Antoine Court de Gébelin (1724 or 1728-1784)
A scholar who served both religion and science.