Vidocq, an emblematic figure of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, made his mark in history by going from delinquency to the founding of the first private detective agency, thus inspiring generations.
Vidocq, born in Arras, is a fascinating historical character from Nord-Pas-de-Calais. A delinquent, escaped on multiple occasions, he became a police informer, then founded the first private detective agency. His journey between crime and justice inspires literature and cinema.
From delinquent to detective: an extraordinary journey
Vidocq begins his life illegally, fleeing his hometown of Arras at 16 after stealing from his parents. Sentenced to eight years of hard labor in 1796, he escaped several times, becoming famous for his escapes. Despite a life of banditry, he reinvents himself and became an informer for the Paris police in 1809. His knowledge of the criminal environment allows his men to carry out three times more captures than the classic police.
Vidocq’s legacy: a pioneer of the detective profession
In addition to his work for the police, Vidocq founds the very first private detective agencythus marking the history of the profession. Played by actors like Claude Brasseur on television and Gérard Depardieu in the cinema, his character has become iconic, inspiring both audiences and creators.
200 reasons to love Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Join Olivier Paulet to discover every day a new reason to be proud of our region, with humor and tenderness.
200 reasons to love Nord Pas-de-Calais to be listened to Monday to Friday at 6:57 a.m., 2:53 p.m., 4:36 p.m. and 6:18 p.m., and on weekends at 6:47 p.m.
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