Françoise Chandernagor

Françoise Chandernagor is a daughter of André Chandernagor, a French politician and government minister. She received a diploma from the Institute of Political Studies of Paris and a master's degree in public law. She was admitted at age 21 to the National School of Administration (ENA), finishing two years later at the top of her class, the first woman to reach such a position. In 1969, she became a French civil servant and joined the Council of State, where she held various legal posts, most notably as Attorney-General. She also held positions in the French Foreign Service, both in cultural and economic affairs. She served in leadership positions in several charities, including as the vice president of the France Foundation until 1988 and as the vice president of the Aguesseau Foundation. In 1993, she left government to devote herself full time to writing. Her books have been translated into 15 languages and two have been adapted for television. She married Philippe Jurgensen and has three children. Françoise Chandernagor divides her time between Paris and France's Massif Central region.