Hello friends ,
today I am taking you to the oceans of the 18th century, alongside a man whose name evokes adventure, discovery and courage: Jean-François de Galaup, Count of La Pérouse.
In 1785, driven by a thirst for knowledge and the spirit of the Enlightenment, La Pérouse received a grandiose mission from King Louis XVI himself: to travel the world to map unknown lands, exchange with distant peoples, and bring back treasures of knowledge to France.
Aboard two ships, the Astrolabe and the Boussole, he left Brest, crossing rough seas, braving storms and unknown dangers. Wherever he dropped anchor, he sought not conquest, but encounter: to observe, understand, and respect.
His journey is a lesson in humility. Where others see lands to dominate, he sees people to listen to. Where others seek material riches, he collects maps, plants, stories, and knowledge.
But La Pérouse’s voyage also teaches us the element of uncertainty and risk that sometimes accompanies any great adventure. In 1788, after leaving Australia, his ships disappeared in the tumult of a storm off the coast of Vanikoro Island, leaving behind an immense legend.
Although some survivors survived the shipwreck and tried to survive on this hostile land, neither La Pérouse nor any of his sailors were able to complete their voyage and return to France.
So, the next time you hesitate to leap into the unknown, to answer the call of the open sea, remember La Pérouse: the important thing is to dare to leave, to explore with respect and curiosity, and, in doing so, to leave behind you a trail of inspiration for those who follow.
I’ll see you very soon with new inspiring stories from around the world.
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphael-renaux-37b5551/
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June 2025. Podcast produced by Francaisdanslemonde.fr : Radios & podcasts for French speakers preparing for or experiencing international mobility . Free mobile app available for Android & Apple, search FRANCAIS DANS LE MONDE .