The 13th Duke de Brissac, François de Cossé-Brissac, passed away on April 6, 2021, at the age of ninety-two. Surrounded by his family, the duke died at his manor La Roche in Charcé-Saint-Ellier, leaving behind a legacy of passion for horse breeding and public service.
Born on February 29, 1929, at the château de la Verrerie, François de Cossé-Brissac was the eldest son of Pierre de Cossé-Brissac (1900-1993), 12th Duke de Brissac, and Marie-Zélie “May” Antoinette Eugénie Schneider (1902-1999). He married Jacqueline de Contades in 1958 and had five children. The 14th Duke de Brissac, Charles-André de Cossé-Brissac, is the eldest son and heir of François, ensuring the continuation of the noble lineage.
what were the key achievements of the 13th Duke de Brissac
- Passion for Horse Breeding: The late duke was particularly passionate about horse breeding and was involved in various equestrian activities.
- Public Service: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to public service and community involvement.
- Presidency of the Jockey-Club de Paris: François de Cossé-Brissac held the position of President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, showcasing his leadership skills and dedication to the equestrian community.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: He served as the Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, highlighting his involvement in charitable and philanthropic endeavors.
These achievements reflect the duke’s multifaceted personality and his contributions to various fields, including horse breeding, public service, and philanthropy.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s contributions to the community in Brissac
- Passion for Horse Breeding: The late duke was particularly passionate about horse breeding and was involved in various equestrian activities.
- Public Service: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to public service and community involvement.
- Presidency of the Jockey-Club de Paris: François de Cossé-Brissac held the position of President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, showcasing his leadership skills and dedication to the equestrian community.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: He served as the Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, highlighting his involvement in charitable and philanthropic endeavors.
These achievements reflect the duke’s multifaceted personality and his contributions to various fields, including horse breeding, public service, and philanthropy.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s most notable projects in Brissac
- Preservation of Château de Brissac: As the head of the Cossé-Brissac family, he was responsible for maintaining and preserving the historic Château de Brissac, which has been in the family since 1502. The castle is known for its unique architecture and is considered the tallest in France, with seven floors and 204 rooms.
- Wine Production: The Château de Brissac has a long history of wine production, and the 13th Duke de Brissac continued this tradition. The estate has 28 hectares of vineyards, producing three distinct AOC wines with the label of ‘Château de Brissac’.
- Equestrian Activities: The late duke was passionate about horse breeding and was involved in various equestrian activities. This reflects his dedication to the equestrian community and his family’s long history of horse breeding.
- Public Service: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to public service and community involvement.
These projects highlight the 13th Duke de Brissac’s multifaceted personality and his contributions to various fields, including preservation, wine production, equestrian activities, and public service.
 |
| François de Cossé-Brissac, XIII Duc de Brissac. |
On Tuesday, 6 April 2021, the 13th Duke de Brissac passed away at the age of ninety-two. Surrounded by his family, the duke died at his manor La Roche in Charcé-Saint-Ellier. The late duke was particularly passionate about horse breeding, and he served as a municipal councillor in Brissac.
 |
| Pierre de Cossé, Duke de Brissac. |
 |
| May de Cossé (née Schneider), Duchess de Brissac. |
Born on 29 February 1929 at the château de la Verrerie, Eugène Marie Timoléon François de Cossé-Brissac was the eldest son of Pierre de Cossé-Brissac (1900-1993), 12th Duke de Brissac, and Marie-Zélie “May” Antoinette Eugénie Schneider (1902-1999). François had three siblings: Marie-Pierre (b.1925; married 1stly Simon Nora; married 2ndly Maurice Herzog; married 3rdly Christian Schmidt), Gilles (1935-2002), and Elvire (b.1939).
 |
| The Duke and Duchess de Brissac with Sir Roger Moore and his wife. |
 |
| The Duke and Duchess de Brissac attend the Christmas dinner at the British Embassy to Paris, 2009. Photograph (c) Getty Images / Bertrand Rindoff Petroff. |
In 1958, François de Cossé-Brissac married Jacqueline de Contades (b.1940), the daughter of André de Contades and Marguerite “Daisy” Thome. Jacqueline was a friend of her husband’s younger sister Elvire. François and Jacqueline had five children, three daughters and two sons: Agnès (b.1960; married Bruno van den Broek d’Obrenan), Charles-André (b.1962), Angélique (b.1965; married Vicomte Stanislas de Rougé), Marie-Antoinette (b.1968; married Philippe Leclerq), and Pierre-Emmanuel (b.1974; married Marie-Astrid Larue).
 |
| The late Duke de Brissac with his eldest son Marquis Charles-André de Cossé-Brissac. |
The 14th Duke de Brissac is the eldest son and heir of François: Charles-André de Cossé-Brissac. In 1993, Charles-André married Countess Larissa Széchényi de Sárvár-Felsövidek (b.1967). The new Duke and Duchess de Brissac have four children, three daughters and one son: Laszlo (b.1994), Irina (b.1996), Délia (b.1998; engaged to Prince Marc von Croÿ), and Annabel (b.2002).
May the Duke de Brissac Rest in Peace.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s major projects
- Passion for Horse Breeding: The late duke was particularly passionate about horse breeding and was involved in various equestrian activities.
- Public Service: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to public service and community involvement.
- Presidency of the Jockey-Club de Paris: François de Cossé-Brissac held the position of President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, showcasing his leadership skills and dedication to the equestrian community.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: He served as the Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, highlighting his involvement in charitable and philanthropic endeavors.
These achievements reflect the duke’s multifaceted personality and his contributions to various fields, including horse breeding, public service, and philanthropy.
The passing of the 13th Duke de Brissac, François de Cossé-Brissac, marks the end of an era for the noble family and the community in Brissac. As a dedicated public servant and passionate horse breeder, the late duke left a lasting impact on the region. His commitment to preserving the historic Château de Brissac and his involvement in various equestrian activities reflect his multifaceted personality and dedication to his family’s legacy. The 13th Duke de Brissac will be remembered for his tireless efforts to maintain the family’s heritage and his contributions to the community.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our collective memory and honoring the legacies of those who have shaped our history. The 13th Duke de Brissac‘s life serves as a testament to the enduring power of family, tradition, and community. His story will continue to inspire future generations, and his memory will remain a cherished part of the region’s cultural heritage. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late duke, and we honor his memory by continuing to celebrate his life and achievements.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s most significant contributions to horse breeding
- Preservation of the Château de Brissac: As the head of the Cossé-Brissac family, he was responsible for maintaining and preserving the historic Château de Brissac, which has been in the family since 1502. The castle is known for its unique architecture and is considered the tallest in France, with seven floors and 204 rooms.
- Wine Production: The Château de Brissac has a long history of wine production, and the 13th Duke de Brissac continued this tradition. The estate has 28 hectares of vineyards, producing three distinct AOC wines with the label of ‘Château de Brissac’.
- Equestrian Activities: The late duke was particularly passionate about horse breeding and was involved in various equestrian activities. This reflects his dedication to the equestrian community and his family’s long history of horse breeding.
- Public Service: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to public service and community involvement.
These projects highlight the 13th Duke de Brissac’s multifaceted personality and his contributions to various fields, including preservation, wine production, equestrian activities, and public service.
