Paris – Cadets from the Gendarmerie of Gironde recently had the opportunity to tour the French Senate and National Assembly in Paris, gaining firsthand insight into the workings of French government. The visit, which took place on February 9, 2022, was facilitated by Vice-President of the Senate Nathalie Delattre and Member of the National Assembly Eric Poulliat, offering the young cadets a unique educational experience focused on civic engagement and national institutions.
The program aimed to provide the cadets with a deeper understanding of France’s legislative process and the roles of key governmental bodies. The visit to the Senate, led by Delattre and a colleague named Léa, included a guided tour of significant locations such as the Salon des Messagers, the conference room, the Chamber of Marie de Médicis, the library, the Hemicycle, and the Salle du livre d’or. Following the tour, the cadets received a briefing from the Lieutenant-Colonel, second-in-command of the Republican Guard, responsible for the security of the national palaces.
The afternoon was dedicated to exploring the National Assembly, where Deputy Eric Poulliat and Maxime Bigot guided the cadets through a presentation film and a live visit of the Hemicycle, and library. A particularly valuable component of the afternoon was a dedicated question-and-answer session with Deputy Poulliat, allowing the cadets to directly engage with a member of parliament and discuss their interests and concerns. This focus on direct interaction underscores the program’s commitment to fostering active citizenship among the next generation.
A Focus on Civic Education and National Service
The visit is part of a broader initiative to educate and inspire young people in the Gironde region about the values of service and civic responsibility. The Association des Cadets de la Gendarmerie de Gironde, which organized the trip, has been actively involved in preparing young people for potential roles within the Gendarmerie and broader public service. According to information from the association, a new cohort of 26 cadets will initiate their program in September 2026, participating in monthly training sessions focused on gendarmerie activities, sports, intervention techniques, and commemorative ceremonies. Details about the program and volunteer opportunities are available online.
The association also highlights the increasing number of former cadets joining the operational reserve of the Gendarmerie de la Gironde, demonstrating a successful pathway from training to active service. Romain Bossard, the president of the association, noted the importance of this trend, stating that it “brings these volunteers closer to our Republic.” More information about the association’s structure and leadership can be found on their website.
Nathalie Delattre’s Role and Commitment
Vice-President Delattre’s involvement in welcoming the cadets underscores the Senate’s commitment to engaging with young citizens and promoting understanding of the legislative branch. Delattre, who serves as a mentor to the Gironde cadets, facilitated a comprehensive tour of the Senate’s key areas, providing valuable context and insights into the institution’s history and function. The visit was praised by the association for the quality of the exchanges and the generosity of gifts received from both the Senate and National Assembly.
Building a Pipeline for Future Gendarmerie Officers
The Cadets de la Gendarmerie program in Gironde is designed to provide a robust foundation for young people considering a career in law enforcement. The program, which began in 2022, combines classroom instruction with practical training and exposure to real-world scenarios. The association emphasizes the importance of instilling values such as service, discipline, cohesion, and courage in the cadets. General Sylvain Tortellier, commander of the Gironde Departmental Gendarmerie Group, expressed his pride in the program, stating that the cadets “embody the enthusiasm of the youth of Gironde.”
The program’s success is also attributed to the support of its historical partners, whose financial contributions are crucial to its operation. The association expressed gratitude for this support, which enables them to provide a enriching experience for the cadets. The cadets themselves reportedly returned from the Paris trip “enchanted” and with a renewed sense of purpose.
The Association des Cadets de la Gendarmerie de Gironde is currently seeking volunteers to support its activities. Individuals aged 15 to 17 are encouraged to apply, with the opportunity to contribute to events and initiatives that promote civic engagement and national service. Interested candidates can find more information and submit their applications online.
Looking ahead, the association will continue to prepare the incoming class of 26 cadets for their program, which begins in September 2026 and runs through June 2027. The program promises a year of immersive experiences, including training exercises, visits to national landmarks, and participation in commemorative ceremonies. The association encourages continued support from the community to ensure the program’s ongoing success and its ability to inspire the next generation of leaders.
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