Étienne Pellot facts for kids

Étienne Pellot "Montvieux", also known as le Renard Basque (the Basque fox), was a very brave and successful French corsair. He was born in Hendaye, France, on September 1, 1765, and passed away there in 1856. He is remembered as the last known French corsair.

Who Was Étienne Pellot?

Étienne Pellot was a famous sea captain from the Basque region of France. He lived during a time when countries often fought wars at sea. Pellot became well-known for his daring adventures and his success in capturing enemy ships.

What Was a Corsair?

A corsair was a private ship captain who was given official permission by their government to attack and capture enemy ships. This was different from a pirate, who attacked ships illegally. Corsairs were like private navy captains who helped their country during wartime. They would capture enemy ships and their cargo, which was then shared with the government.

Pellot's Famous Ships

Étienne Pellot commanded several ships during his career. Two of his most famous ships were named Deux-Amis (meaning "Two Friends") and General Augereau . These ships became legendary in the stories of corsairs because of Pellot's many victories while sailing them.

A Special Award

For his bravery and success, Étienne Pellot received a very important award called the Légion d'honneur. This is one of the highest honors given by the French government. It showed how much his country appreciated his service and courage.

Remembering Étienne Pellot Today

Even today, Étienne Pellot is remembered in his hometown of Hendaye. Every January, children in Hendaye dress up as corsairs. They parade through the streets to celebrate the return of Étienne Pellot, the last Basque corsair. It's a fun way to remember his legacy and the history of their town.