Bailli de Suffren Statue

Suffren, who was a remarkable tactician and intrepid fighter, remains one of history's most important naval figures, alongside Nelson and Ruyter. He was, in fact, nicknamed "Admiral Satan" by the English.

All year round, daily.

• Château de Saint-Cannat: 1729
• Paris: 1788

Son of the Marquis of Saint-Tropez, Pierre André de Suffren become a Chevalier de Minorité of the Order of Malta at the age of 8 and later Bailiff.

After fighting under Admiral d’Estaing during the American Revolutionary War, he was then given command of a five-ship squadron heading for the Indian Ocean. Arriving at his destination, he waged a fierce and relentless war against the English troops, winning five battles: Sadras, Provedien, Negapatam, Trincomalee and Cuddalore.

When he returned to Paris in 1784, Suffren was promoted to Lieutenant General of the French Navy, made a Knight of the Saint-Esprit and later became Vice-Admiral. Showered with honours, he died in Paris in 1788, after the King had given him command of an armed fleet at Brest. This violent, quick-tempered individual, a great bon viveur and obese hedonist, eventually died in a dual against the Duke of Mirepoix.

Suffren, who was a remarkable tactician and intrepid fighter, remains one of history's most important naval figures, alongside Nelson and Ruyter. He was, in fact, nicknamed "Admiral Satan" by the English.

Pierre-André de Suffren spent a large part of his childhood in Saint-Tropez where he discovered the sea and a love of sailing. Between military campaigns, he would come back to Saint-Tropez to unwind.