Another of Eric's Paris Philex 2026 posted FDC's, and again one with strong literary connections. Un grand merci, Eric.

Ask anyone about Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin de Francueil, and I bet that 9 out of 10 (if not 10 out of 10, ) answers (and this would include mine) will be "Don't know..."; "Never heard about her..." "Can't really say I have heard this mane ever"...;

Things will take a sharp turn though if you ask the same people (me included) if the name George Sand rings a bell.

Lucille de Francueil (1804-1876), who would reclaim a place in history as George Sand, her literary pseudonym, was a woman far ahead of her time. 

A well established and consecrated writer in her days, she was also an advocate for women's rights,  a socialist and a republican and someone who really did not give much of a damn about what people thought of her life options, be it in the way she dressed, adopting men's clothes, smoking in public or leading a  rather turbulent love life with several well known lovers, like Prosper Merimé, Alfred de Musset or Frederic Chopin, to name the more resonating names.

On the occasion of 150th anniversary of George Sand's passing, la Poste honoured her memory by issuing, on 13JUN2026, a beautiful in-taglio printed 4 €  stamp with her portrait,   in a souvenir sheet with silver printed elements, comprising  3 identical stamps and a quote from her: "Il n'y a qu'un bonheur dans la vie, c'es d'aimer et d'être aimé" (There is but one joy in life: to love and be loved).

The First Day Postmark bears a floral element in the centre, in line with the decorative elements on the souvenir sheet.

Now, I have no recollection of having ever read one of Sand's books..... maybe in my university years, but I really can't recall.... will have to make amends for this....