History
article | Reading time5 min
Throughout his life, Georges Clemenceau traveled the world and crossed the oceans.
The French don't travel enough and live in disdain for geography.
L'Aurore, November 28, 1903
A tireless traveler
Whether for business or pleasure, Clemenceau's travels were his window on the world. In Paris and in the Vendée, atlases and travel guides piled up on the shelves of his library. His insatiable curiosity led him on a whirlwind of travels, even to the farthest reaches of Asia.
In 1865, as a rebel against the Empire, he decided to leave for England and then the United States. A keen observer of the Anglo-Saxon world around him, he did not hesitate to return to the United States in 1922, in order to defend France. " I wouldn't tell the Americans what to do. They love the truth. I'll give it to them. I know the Americans. I like them very much (...)". He subsequently maintained close family, intellectual and political ties with both countries.
With his finger pointed at a map, Clemenceau crossed France and Europe.
Introduced to Greek civilization by his father, Clemenceau's passion for it knew no bounds. It became his favorite reference throughout his public life. In 1896, it was his first trip that he wanted to share with Claude Monet: " In eight days, I'm leaving for Greece. Would you like to come with me to see the Parthenon? (...) Come, come ".
In 1904, planning to visit the archaeological site of Delos, he offered his services to the archaeologist in charge of the excavations: " Tell Mr. Holleaux to draw up new excavation plans, and remind him that I'm happy to lend a hand. Greece was dear to his heart, and he even invited it into his Vendée retreat: Athena's owl is engraved in a medallion on the well's curbstone.
His interest in the Italian Renaissance led him to discover Venice and Florence, and to marvel at Michelangelo's work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (1895).
At the turning point of his political life (1910), he set off forSouth America on a lecture tour on democracy. " Genoa, June 30. One o'clock in the afternoon. The Régina Elena is docked (...) The siren has sounded its authoritative wail for the last time. (...) We have left. Farewell . Through his travel notes, published by L'Illustration, the reader follows in his footsteps as he visits Rio de Janeiro, the botanical gardens of Buenos Aires and the port of Montevideo.
© Centre des monuments nationaux - Sébastien Arnault
Fascination with the Orient
At the end of the 19th century, his Western gaze turned to the Orient. Clemenceau discovered Japan through friendship and art, shaking up the thinking of his contemporaries and positioning himself as the defender of a "Yellow Art" that inspired mistrust. But the trip to Japan, scheduled for the end of 1921, didn't take place, and he decided to spend the time in his bungalow in the Vendée: " This year, since I've abandoned my plans for a trip to Japan, I've decided to spend the winter here.
For this man who was always on the lookout for new knowledge, the Far East became a land to be explored and understood. It was during Buddhist ceremonies offered by his friend Émile Guimet that Clemenceau discovered Buddhism.
At the end of his life, his long journey to Southeast Asia bore witness to his constant and passionate interest in this religion. His book Au soir de la pensée, a philosophical testament, clarifies and develops his philosophical thinking on Buddhism: " the noblest teaching that has ever been "; " No religious violence in Buddhist India. Universal tolerance, everywhere and always lived.
© Centre des monuments nationaux - Sébastien Arnault
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