Andorra

Famous Andorran People: Andorran Artists, Scientists, Leaders, Musicians, Politicians and Athletes

Given Andorra’s strategic location and political features, establishing very close links with its neighboring countries in southwestern Europe, the Pyrenean principality has traditionally attracted foreign visitors who eventually settle down and make of Andorra their new home. Apart from being the second home for outstanding individuals who became new Andorrans, the principality was also the place of birth of great people who made a difference with their remarkable achievements.

The following people made their mark on both the local and international scenes. They are just some of many famous Andorrans who have lifted Andorra’s name worldwide and made a difference in our world. Their purpose and stories inspired awe if not greatness.

:: List of Famous People from Andorra ::

Philippe Wolff

The prominent medievalist Philippe Wolff was born in Tolouse, but he lived in retirement in Andorra between 1984 and 2001, where he passed away at the age of 88. Philippe Wolff was a leading authority on economic and social history as well as the development of languages. He was a respected member of the French Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, the Institute of Catalan Studies, the Royal Academy of Belles-Lettres of Barcelona, the Medieval Academy of America, and the Royal Historical Society of London.

Jacques Trémoulet

Jacques Trémoulet was a French radio and press tycoon who founded Radio Andorra, the first independent radio of the Principality, in 1939. Between 1940 and 1944, Radio Andorra was the only French-speaking private radio that was able to broadcast freely without any political control either from the Allies or Germany, thanks to the neutrality of Andorra during World War II. The other private radio stations owned by Trémoulet which were located in France were under control of the Vichy government regime. Radio Andorra remained independent till 1981, when its broadcasting license expired.

Hocine Haciane Constantin

Hocine Haciane is Andorra’s most famous swimmer. He was the flag bearer at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, and in Beijing in 2008. Hocine Haciane also won five medals during the 2009 Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) celebrated in Cyprus.

Cyril Despres

Three times winner of the Dakar Rally, Cyril Despres is an Andorran resident since 2000, when he moved to the Principality after the late rally racing veteran Henri Magne offered him a job and became his mentor.

Àlex Antor

The Andorran alpine skier Àlex Antor represented his country at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2006. Moreover, he was also chosen to be the flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino. After his second Olympics, Àlex Antor left competition and started to work at the Ministry of Sports in Andorra.