Conference - Joseph Kabris or the possibilities of a lifetime

Pascal Even will retrace the life and work of this great humanist, to whom Rochefort owes its transformation in the 18th century.

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Born in Blois in 1638 into the nobility of the robe, Michel Bégon began a legal career before his aunt, wife of Colbert, presided over his new destiny. He joined the navy at the age of 40 and held a number of senior positions, in Toulon, Brest, then as intendant in the West Indies and Marseille. His rare human qualities forged his reputation and the King called him to Rochefort in 1688. An Enlightenment spirit, he transformed the town during his 18 years in charge. He prescribed the construction of stone houses, cleaned up the roads by paving the streets and building sewers, founded orphanages and hospices and opened up Rochefort to his passion for botany. His remains rest in the church of St Louis.

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