In an exclusive talk with ELLE, Ambassador Eric Chevallier opened up about his unique perspective on the relationship between France and Egypt. With a deep passion for both countries and a long history of working in the region, Chevallier shared his thoughts on how cultural diplomacy can strengthen bilateral ties, particularly through education, cinema, and multilingualism. His reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the role of culture in diplomacy and the importance of building bridges between nations.
Chevallier’s first encounter with Egypt dates back to the early 1990s when he worked on a project for street children in Cairo. “I’ve known Egypt for a long time, both professionally and personally,” he recalls. “It was one of my first international assignments, and Egypt made a lasting impression.” His connection to the country only deepened over time, and today, as Ambassador, he expresses admiration for Egypt’s vibrant culture and the warm hospitality of its people.
One aspect of Egypt that strikes him daily is the strong bond between France and Egypt. “It goes both ways”, he observes, “Especially from the French People towards Egypt, and that we call “Egyptomania”. And there’s also a real passion from Egyptians towards France” he adds. “It’s not just a cultural curiosity; it’s a deep admiration that transcends generations.” This passion is embodied in the widespread love for the French language, with millions of Egyptians speaking French fluently. Chevallier notes that French culture is deeply embedded in Egypt, not just through language but in art, cinema, and education.
Egyptian cinema, for example, has a long and prestigious history, and Chevallier is eager to see the two nations’ cinematic traditions continue to evolve together. “Both Egypt and France have a rich cinematic legacy,” he explains. “We’ve had icons like Youssef Shahin, and today, young filmmakers—women and men—are pushing the boundaries of the industry.” Rather than promoting one culture over the other, Chevallier’s goal is to foster a cultural dialogue where both can enrich each other, especially through the dynamic collaboration between young creators.
Education also plays a central role in Chevallier’s vision for strengthening French-Egyptian ties. “Education is the key to building lasting connections,” he emphasizes. France and Egypt have a long history of educational collaboration, with over 50 French-Egyptian schools in the country serving more than 50,000 students. “There’s a real interest from Egyptian families in French education, and we’re seeing more and more Egyptian private investors establishing French schools,” he says. This reflects the growing appreciation for the French language and the opportunities it offers.
Higher education is another cornerstone of the Ambassador’s mission. Chevallier is particularly excited about the ongoing expansion of the French University in Cairo, which will soon have a new, state-of-the-art campus. Additionally, partnerships between French and Egyptian universities continue to flourish, offering opportunities for students and scholars to collaborate on research and exchange ideas.
In Chevallier’s view, mastering multiple languages is essential for today’s global citizens. “I believe young Egyptians should master Arabic, English, and possibly French,” he says. “Language is a powerful bridge, and being multilingual opens doors to new ideas, cultures, and opportunities.” This commitment to multilingualism ties into his broader belief in multiculturalism as a means of fostering understanding and unity in an increasingly interconnected world.
For Chevallier, promoting cultural exchange isn’t just about fostering an appreciation for French culture; it’s about celebrating the meeting of cultures and the shared experiences that can emerge from it. He points to the culinary collaboration between French and Egyptian chefs as an example of this philosophy in action. “Recently, we hosted a dinner where a French and an Egyptian chef worked together to create a meal that combined the best of both culinary traditions,” he shares. “It’s not about losing identity but about finding common ground and celebrating the best of both worlds.”
As Ambassador, Chevallier’s approach is one of inclusivity and respect. Rather than presenting French culture as something foreign to Egyptians, he seeks to create an environment where both cultures can learn from one another, appreciate each other’s strengths, and build stronger bonds for the future. “It’s not about promoting French culture in isolation,” he concludes. “It’s about promoting a relationship, a partnership, between two rich cultures.”
Ambassador Eric Chevallier’s tenure in Egypt reflects his unwavering commitment to fostering mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration between the people of France and Egypt. His vision for cultural exchange, education, and dialogue will continue to shape the bilateral relationship for years to come.
