Camille Blanc

Camille Blanc was the courageous mayor of Évian-les-Bains who played a pivotal role in hosting the secret negotiations that ultimately led to the end of the Algerian War and the signing of the Évian Accords in March 1962. Known for his strong anti-colonial stance, he famously declared that he would 'wash the shame of colonialism from the waters of Lake Geneva.' Tragically, Blanc was assassinated in 1961 by a member of the Secret Army Organization (OAS), a group opposing Algerian independence, which highlighted the significant risks he faced for his pro-peace efforts.