A notable figure in the French political and social landscape, Bernadette Chirac served as First Lady of France during Jacques Chirac’s presidency. Philanthropy, cultural patronage, and public service have marked her life. Born with a famed lineage and an indelible legacy, she continues to serve as an inspiration for many. To know more about her childhood, profile, timeline, and career, read on.
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What Is Bernadette Chirac’s Net Worth and Salary?
Bernadette Chirac, the former First Lady of France, has an estimated net worth of $10 million as of 2025. The majority of her fortune comes from her marriage to her late husband, Jacques Chirac, the former President of France. Bernadette also holds several key positions in multiple philanthropic and cultural organizations, so on top of that, she keeps A-list social status & wealth generation through the years. She is in associations with all top high-profile charities & with her family’s political dynasty; resources are always available.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bernadette Thérèse Marie Chodron de Courcel |
| Date of Birth | May 18, 1933 |
| Place of Birth | Paris, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Education | Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) |
| Spouse | Jacques Chirac (married 1956; died 2019) |
| Children | Claude Chirac, Laurence Chirac |
| Occupation | Philanthropist, Political Figure, Former First Lady of France |
| Notable Roles | First Lady of France (1995–2007), Chairperson of Fondation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France |
| Major Campaigns | Pièces Jaunes (Yellow Coins) campaign |
| Net Worth | $10 million (estimated as of 2025) |
| Political Affiliation | Affiliated with Jacques Chirac’s political career (Union for a Popular Movement) |
| Awards | Numerous honors for her philanthropic work |
| Residences | Paris Apartment, Corrèze Estate, French countryside properties |
| Legacy | Advocate for healthcare, culture, and French historical preservation |
Early Life
Bernadette Chirac was born Bernadette Thérèse Marie Chodron de Courcel on May 18, 1933, in Paris, France. She hails from a prestigious aristocratic family that has been associated with the legacy of French society for centuries. Her father, Jean-Louis Chodron de Courcel, was a businessman, and her mother, Marguerite de Brondeau d’Urtières, belonged to French nobility.
Bernadette Chirac was educated at the prestigious Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and gained a keen interest in politics and social issues, setting her up for a future as a public figure and campaigner for many causes.
Career
If Bernadette Chirac is best known as France’s first lady from 1995 to 2007, she has done so much more in her own right.
- Chairmanship of Fondation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France: Bernadette took up the chairmanship of this important charity, which aims to help the conditions in hospitals for both patients and staff. Through her campaign, Pièces Jaunes Yellow Coins, millions have been raised for hospital improvements and projects within them.
- Political Involvement: For many years Bernadette was a local councillor for the department of Corrèze, demonstrating her commitment to grass-roots politics.
- Cultural Contributions: A patron of culture, Bernadette had financially supported many cultural activities, such as restoration works of historical monuments and museums in France.
Career Earnings
Bernadette Chirac’s career has for the most part been defined by public service; however, here is where she makes her money:
- Inheritance: Bernadette inherited a significant amount of money from her family, both as a member of the French aristocracy and through her marriage to Jacques Chirac. This includes property and investments.
- Honorariums: She gets stipends and an honorarium for sitting on the boards of corporate nonprofits and for speaking engagements.
Bernadette has written numerous memoirs and other books about her life and career; that’s why.
Personal Life
Bernadette Chirac married Jacques Chirac in 1956, and the couple had two daughters, Claude Chirac and Laurence Chirac. The family remained a constant in French politics, with Jacques Chirac serving as the Mayor of Paris, Prime Minister, and ultimately the President of France.
While her husband was never one for public displays of affection or even frequent partner outings or events, he rarely appeared with her at his side on diplomatic trips abroad. Bernadette was nevertheless an ever-present wife and sounding board. She mostly retreated from the political scene after Jacques’s death in 2019 but is still a belovedly well-known figure in France today.
Real Estate
The Chirac family owns some of the most prestigious real estate in France.
- Corrèze Residence: The family estate in Corrèze of which Bernadette was a local councillor.
- Paris Apartment: A luxurious apartment in central Paris that has been the family’s base for decades.
- Vacation Properties: The Chiracs have owned other vacation homes in the countryside of France, which suggests that they like rural life in general.
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FAQs
1. What is Bernadette Chirac”s net worth today?
Bernadette Chirac”s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.
2. Where does Bernadette Chirac live now?
She lives in the family’s Paris apartment and sometimes makes trips to their properties in Corrèze and the French countryside.
