Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord held the position of head of government of France in 1815, marking one point in a career that spanned the regimes of Louis XVI, the French Revolution, Napoleon, Louis XVIII, Charles X, and Louis Philippe I. Born in Paris in 1754, he exerted influence across several decades as a writer, politician, and diplomat.
Early Ecclesiastical Career
Educated at the Lycée Saint-Louis, Talleyrand entered the Church due to a physical infirmity that prevented a traditional military career. He served as the Roman Catholic Bishop of Autun from 1788 to 1791. During this period, he became a member of the French National Assembly and deputy to the Estates-General of 1789. His tenure as bishop ended following his excommunication by Pope Pius VI in 1791, after which he abandoned his clerical duties.
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Talleyrand operated at the highest levels of French administration, most notably as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1815. His diplomatic career involved representing France at the Congress of Vienna and serving as an ambassador. He was a member of both the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres and the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques, reflecting his involvement in the intellectual life of his time.
Honours and Legacy
Throughout his life, Talleyrand received numerous foreign and domestic distinctions, including the Knight of the Order of the Elephant in 1815 and the Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece in 1814. He also held membership in the Travellers Club. He was further recognized with the Order of Saint Joseph, the Order of the Red Eagle, the Order of Saint Ferdinand and of Merit, the Order of Saint Hubert, the Order of the Holy Spirit, and the Order of Saint Anna, 1st class.
Fast facts
- Born: 1754, Paris
- Died: 1839, Paris
- Burial site: Château de Valençay
- Primary field: Diplomacy
- Citizenship: France
- Notable office: Minister of Foreign Affairs (1815)
- Clerical role: Roman Catholic Bishop of Autun (1788-1791)
Questions readers ask
What major government positions did Talleyrand hold?
He served as a member of the French National Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and head of government of France in 1815.
Where is Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord buried?
He is buried at the Château de Valençay.
Achievements
- member of the French National Assembly (1789–1791)
- ambassador
- head of government of France (1815–1815)
- Minister of Foreign Affairs (1815–1815)
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit
- Knight of the Order of Saint Michael
- Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece — 1814
- Educated at Lycée Saint-Louis
