Coffee with jacques godfrain

When people think of a trip to Paris, they immediately think of the fabulous shopping, a trip to the Louvre, a show at the Moulin Rouge and a stroll along the banks of the River Seine. But there's so much more to discover in the city, particularly in its rich history. Take the Fondation Charles de Gaulle, whose mission is to preserve the legacy of the famed French statesman. In March, it released an acclaimed book, Dans les Pas de Charles de Gaulle (In the Footsteps of Charles de Gaulle), published by Artelia. Jacques Godfrain, the foundation's chairman, discusses the close connections between the general and China, as well as the popular tourist spots that honor his storied legacy

You've just returned from a trip to China. How closely does the Fondation Charles de Gaulle work with the country?

General de Gaulle's decision to recognize the government of the People's Republic of China as the legitimate government of the country, leading to the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 27, 1964, means that to this day he enjoys unparalleled prestige among the Chinese - those in government as well as ordinary citizens.