Born in 1947. Ouest, France. Master’s degree in ancient history and first class higher degree (DES) in the history of religions (1969). Secondary school teacher’s qualifying certificate in history and geography (1970). Head of secondary school (1988). Founder and Director-General of the National Centre for Distance Learning (CNED), Futuroscope (1988). Departmental education officer (1997). Inspector-General, National Education and Research Administration (2001-2009). Member of Tours Municipal Council (2001-2007). Regional councillor (1998); President of Poitou-Charentes Regional Council (2002-2004). Member of the Economic and Social Council of the French Republic (2004-2007). Publications: Les partis politiques à l’époque de Jules César,1976. Manger autrefois en Poitou, 1995. Patrimoine et environnement en milieu urbain, 1984. Aux urnes, citoyens, 1986. Les marchés du multimédia, 1995. MEP since 2007.