FRANÇOIS GRAGNON

François Gragnon, born in 1929, is a renowned French photographer. He began his career photographing schoolchildren across France before moving into journalism at France Soir and later becoming one of the pioneering photographers for Paris Match in 1955, where he worked until 1980. Known for his bold approach, he captured images that stood out worldwide, often taking on assignments others avoided.

Gragnon’s iconic photographs include Alfred Hitchcock wading into the water, Marlène Dietrich in a white fur coat at Théâtre de l'Étoile, Steve McQueen at the Enduro World Championship in Erfurt, Céline at work, Maria Callas, Charles de Gaulle, and Édith Piaf. His work combined technical mastery with a keen sense for storytelling, creating images that remain deeply memorable.

Based in Noirmoutier, where he is affectionately called “the captain,” Gragnon’s photographs reflect the glamour of his era — Cannes Film Festival, luxury cars, and palaces — and the unforgettable personalities he captured with insight and creativity.