French actress Macha Méril has paid tribute to her longtime friend and radio host Philippe Bouvard following his death at age 96, while celebrating the completion of initial restoration work on a historic church in Montréal-du-Gers.
Méril spent 33 years appearing on the popular French radio program Les Grosses Têtes on RTL, which Bouvard hosted for decades. She recalled that Bouvard affectionately referred to her as his princess due to her White Russian noble lineage, and she praised his steadfast loyalty to his panellists throughout his career.
Méril is an acclaimed French film and stage actress who has worked with directors such as Luis Buñuel, Jean-Luc Godard, and Maurice Pialat, as well as an established author. Bouvard was a prominent French journalist and media figure who led Les Grosses Têtes on the commercial radio network RTL from 1977, transforming the comedy panel show into a staple of French broadcasting.
Speaking about their time on the airwaves, Méril noted that Bouvard constantly refreshed the show cast rather than keeping a static lineup. She recalled an episode when RTL executives attempted to modernize the program by replacing Bouvard with presenter Christophe Dechavanne, a decision she described as foolish management. The replacement lasted only two or three years before Bouvard was reinstated.
Méril emphasized that Bouvard possessed a rare ability to blend culture with humor, educating listeners while entertaining them. She highlighted his mastery of the French language, including his frequent use of the imperfect subjunctive tense, and noted that he did a great deal to promote French culture. Historical accounts also note that French criminal Jacques Mesrine, once designated public enemy number one, had previously considered kidnapping Bouvard during his journalism career.
Restoration of Saint-Pierre de Genens church in Gers
While Méril maintains her primary residence in Paris, she has owned a country house in the southwestern department of Gers for a quarter of a century. She explained that she bought the property in the commune of Montréal-du-Gers after falling in love with the dilapidated structure, which required extensive renovation.
After acquiring the home, local resident Michel Laffargue introduced Méril to the community, where she experienced what she described as very warm southwestern hospitality. Through these local connections, she met Ambassador Jean Brouste, who alerted her to the plight of Saint-Pierre de Genens, a ruined 12th-century Romanesque-Cistercian church in the commune.
The church building had been designated a listed historical monument since 1979, but its cultural significance remained largely unappreciated. Renowned cellist Christophe Boulier tested the building and discovered exceptional acoustics, later recording Niccolò Paganini's 12 Caprices inside the stone sanctuary. To qualify for official funding, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs, known as DRAC, advised forming a dedicated preservation group, leading to the creation of the association Pour Genens.
Méril became deeply involved in the project, seeking guidance from prominent figures including French television presenter and heritage advocate Stéphane Bern. Over a 20-year fundraising campaign, the association successfully secured financial support from the French state through DRAC, the regional council, the Heritage Foundation, the local municipality, and private donors. Master stonecutters carried out extensive structural work to save the edifice.
Following the death of Ambassador Jean Brouste, Michel Laffargue assumed the presidency of Pour Genens, with Méril serving as vice president due to her busy schedule in Paris. On August 20, the association hosted a celebratory concert in Montréal-du-Gers to mark the completion of the first phase of restoration and gather additional funds. The event featured authentic Corsican polyphonic singing performed by the vocal group Cantu di Luna.
Following the performance, Méril hosted approximately 50 guests at her home for a meal of homemade pasta, drawing on her experience as the author of a published pasta cookbook. She noted that while French citizens often complain, their commitment to preserving architectural heritage is strong. Méril stated that having lived in both the United States and Italy, she believes France is particularly effective at rebuilding historic landmarks, adding that she embraces her role as public spokesperson for the project.
Upcoming theater, literature, and television projects
In addition to her preservation work in the Gers department, Méril continues an active artistic career. Due to strong audience demand, her stage production Sand-Chopin is extending its run at the Théâtre de Poche in the Montparnasse district of Paris starting September 4. The show features Méril reading selected texts by 19th-century author George Sand while pianist Erik Berchot performs compositions by Frédéric Chopin. Performances are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m.
Méril also discussed her latest literary work, titled Je marche vers elle, published in May by Albin Michel. The book chronicles the final weeks she spent with her late sister and was written in a single continuous process without dwelling on tragedy. She expressed satisfaction with the commercial success of the memoir, noting her appreciation when serious literature connects with readers.
On television, Méril remains a regular cast member on the France 3 mystery series Enquête parallèle, which follows an investigative journalist who frequently interferes in police matters. Méril plays the journalist's mother and recently completed filming the sixth episode of the drama, which produces two episodes annually. Asked whether talent is always rewarded in the entertainment industry, Méril smiled and agreed, stating that she feels content and at peace with her career.
