Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 1900 – 1944

Biography

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was born on June 29, 1900, in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, France. From his earliest days in this historic city, he would grow to become one of France’s most celebrated literary figures, blending two extraordinary passions that defined his remarkable life: writing and aviation.

Throughout his career, Saint-Exupéry pursued both vocations with equal devotion, becoming a skilled aviator and accomplished writer. His experiences in the skies informed his literary work, giving his writing a unique perspective shaped by his time as a pilot. This dual mastery made him a singular voice in twentieth-century French literature and culture.

On July 31, 1944, during an aviation mission, Saint-Exupéry was lost in an accident near île de Riou. His death marked the end of a life lived with intensity and purpose, though his literary legacy would endure far beyond his years. The writer and aviator who had spent his life reaching toward the heavens left behind words and stories that continue to inspire readers across generations.