Welcome to Le Petit Prince et Saint-Exupery, a location steeped in the legacy of one of France’s most cherished literary figures, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Born in 1900 in Lyon, Saint-Exupéry was not just a celebrated author but also a pioneering aviator whose adventurous life and tragic disappearance continue to capture the imagination of many.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is best known for his novella, ‘Le Petit Prince,’ published in 1943. This whimsical yet profound tale of a young prince exploring different planets is more than a children’s book; it’s a philosophical commentary on human nature, loneliness, and friendship. The book’s universal themes and enchanting illustrations, drawn by Saint-Exupéry himself, have made it one of the most translated and best-selling books globally.
Saint-Exupéry’s life was as adventurous as his tales. He began flying as a young man and worked as an airmail pilot, establishing routes across Africa and South America. His experiences in aviation heavily influenced his writing, with works such as ‘Wind, Sand and Stars’ and ‘Night Flight’ offering vivid depictions of the challenges and beauty of flight. During World War II, Saint-Exupéry flew reconnaissance missions for the Free French Air Force until his mysterious disappearance over the Mediterranean in 1944. His plane was discovered decades later near Marseille, yet the circumstances of his crash remain a mystery.
Saint-Exupéry’s time in New York City during the war was crucial. It was here he wrote ‘Le Petit Prince,’ amidst a backdrop of exile and longing for his homeland. The book was dedicated to his close friend, Léon Werth, a fellow writer who, like Saint-Exupéry, experienced the war’s upheaval firsthand.
The legacy of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and his ‘Le Petit Prince’ continues to inspire generations. This location is a tribute to his life’s work and his enduring message that ‘what is essential is invisible to the eye.’
As you explore this site, reflect on the extraordinary journey of Saint-Exupéry and the timeless wisdom of the little prince.
