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Bernard Tapie, the story of an Atlantic record on the luxury yacht Phocéa

Suffering from cancer for several years, Bernard Tapie died at his home this Sunday morning, October 3, 2021. Businessman, politician, actor, he was also a lover of the sea. Here is a look back at a record-breaking transatlantic voyage aboard his luxury yacht Phocéa, with a crew.

A refit to be more efficient

Bernard Tapie was a real jack-of-all-trades, mixing several careers and hobbies at once. One of which is of particular interest to us, sailing.

In 1982, Bernard Tapie bought the former Club Méditerranée to the widow of Alain Colas . Repatriated from Tahiti to Marseille , the 4-masted sailing boat was completely refitted. The businessman transformed it into a luxurious sailing yacht, but did not omit the sporting side of the boat , favoring the use of light materials. With a length of 74.37 m, the Phocéa is at the time, the largest yacht in the world, dethroned in 2004 by the Athena.

Breaking the Atlantic record under sail in a monohull

After 4 years of work and 10 million euros committed (68 million francs), Phocéa (its new name) is ready to break records. This is the objective set by its owner. After a first failed attempt, Bernard Tapie tried in June 1988, to beat the Atlantic record from west to east in a monohull. This record was held at the time by Atlantic Charlie Barr's schooner in 12 days, 4 hours, 1 minute and 19 seconds.

On departure from New York, he entrusted the helm of the Phocéa to Captain Jean-Luc Pinon, assisted by Pierre Gaillet. Also present were two helmsmen, Frank Dambrin and François Prévost. In total, 20 people were on board, including a TF1 journalist who was supposed to report on the epic every day during the television news, and of course, Bernard Tapie himself.

A dangerous record

According to witnesses, after two days, the boat sank into the sea, which made its owner lose patience. A storm was then announced and, against the captain's advice, Bernard Tapie decided to stay on course and continue his crossing, putting his crew in danger. He realized this at the end of the crossing.

In total, the four-masted ship went down and got up four times, battered by the huge waves . For the anecdote, the journalist on board even went into a tetanic coma, unable to move, paralyzed by fear.

Phocéa, equipped with 2 spinnakers, 4 genoas and 2 mainsails - 3,000 m2 of canvas in total - swallows up the miles - more than 400 miles some days - at speeds approaching 20 knots. Managing to overcome the storm , the crew reached Saint-Malo after 8 days, 3 hours and 29 minutes, with an average speed of 14.96 knots over a course of 2925 miles. This beat Charlie Barr's record by 4 days.

Record breaking

If he beats the Atlantic record of Charlie Barr, and several racing multihulls of the time, his record is only homologated by the WSSR - homologation of sailing records - in the 5c category (sailboats equipped with auxiliary power, in this case winches with hydraulic assistance).

Seized in 1996 by Bernard Tapie, the Phocéa was bought several times, before being sold to the catch fire in February 2021 in Malaysia .

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Bernard Tapie's Phocéa, exceptional sailboat 1976-2021

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The Phocéa at Port Vauban in Antibes in 2009.

In 1976, navigator Alain Colas (record holder of the 1973 solo round-the-world sailing trip in 169 days on his Pen Duick IV "Manureva") had this exceptional vessel built, designed by naval architect Michel Bigouin (creator of Pen Duick IV and Pen Duick V) at the Toulon arsenal. He finances everything through his company Alain-Colas-Tahiti SA with an exceptional ability to solicit sponsors. The ship is built within the confines of the Mourillon arsenal in Toulon. Unique and revolutionary boat 72 meters long, it was initially baptized Club Méditerranée, and has 1 m000 of sail area, 2 masts 4 meters high. It is equipped with very advanced technological equipment for the time. This boat having to perform the English Transat (solo transatlantic) and the solo round the world, it must be able to be maneuvered by a single person: the maneuver of the boat is entirely assisted by a hydraulic pilot system. This then state-of-the-art boat is one of the largest and fastest racing sailboats in the world, capable of theoretically reaching a top speed of 30 knots (or 30 km/h).

On June 5, 1976, Alain Colas took the start of the fifth English Transat solo, in Plymouth. The following days, five storms follow one another in the North Atlantic, several boats sink. On Club Méditerranée, they caused the halyards, cables holding the sails, to break. Alain Colas decides on a technical stopover in Newfoundland, which lasts thirty-six hours. On June 29, he arrived in Newport in fifth place after a fixed penalty of 58 hours, but only 7 hours and 28 minutes in real time behind Éric Tabarly.

In 1978, Alain Colas was reported missing at sea on November 16 while taking part in the Route du Rhum on his Pen Duick IV “Manureva”. His wife Teura Colas then inherited his company and its boats, which had been abandoned for many years in Tahiti.

The Phocea off Pampelonne in Saint-Tropez.

In 1982, businessman Bernard Tapie bought Club Méditerranée and Alain-Colas-Tahiti SA from Teura Colas, which he made a subsidiary of his group. He repatriates the wreckage of the boat to Marseilles from Tahiti where he has it completely restored and transformed into a luxury yacht, while retaining its sporting spirit. Thus, only light materials are used to fit out the Phocéa, which remains very efficient under sail. Bernard Tapie wants to make the Phocéa the most beautiful and the most efficient sailboat in the world. The renovation will last four years, at a cost of 68 million francs (10 million euros). On May 23, 1987, by way of inauguration, he married Dominique Mialet-Damianos, of Greek origin, on board in Greece during a private ceremony with some friends, celebrated by a Greek Orthodox priest and made his first cruise in the Mediterranean at on board for her honeymoon.

In 1988, on his second attempt, Bernard Tapie broke the record for crossing the Atlantic in a monohull with this boat in June. Bernard Tapie is personally on board for the crossing as owner.

The fire on February 18, 2021

Ex-wife of billionaire Nasser Al-Rashid, businessman Saudi real estate developer and personal friend of the King of Saudi Arabia Fahd ben Abdelaziz Al Saud, Mouna Ayoub buys Phocéa with the idea of ​​transforming it in depth. Little sensitive to the sporting spirit that animated Bernard Tapie, Mouna Ayoub replaced the light materials used for decoration by the latter with heavier materials, in the tradition of luxury yachting. It also reduces the size of the masts and the sails, hampered by the significant angle of heel of the boat under sail. Finally, she adds a floor to have more space. Mouna Ayoub thus spends a total of 17 million dollars in modifications, development and decoration work. In the opinion of all observers of the yachting world, these changes are not very flattering for the Phocéa: the formerly slender line is weighed down by the shortening of the masts and the addition of a floor, as well as by the use of the color white for the superstructure which “stands out” visually much more. In addition, the ship has become 60% heavier and has lost 35% of sail area, making its performance under sail, once exceptional, much more common. Mouna Ayoub makes Phocéa her personal address and rents it out from €196 per week. The new owners of the Phocéa continue to offer it on charter.

In 2010, Mouna Ayoub resold the yacht for approximately 10 million euros to Xavier Niel, associated with brothers Steve and Jean-Émile Rosenblum, the founders of the Pixmania site. The yacht is registered in Luxembourg. It is owned by a Maltese company, Phocea Limited. This in turn is 50% owned by the NJJ Capital holding company (French company owned by Xavier Niel) and the Dotcorp Finance holding company (Luxembourg company owned by the Rosenblum brothers). On the occasion of the disclosure of the "Malta Files", the financial arrangement used for the management of Phocéa is highlighted.

The Phocéa sank after being partially destroyed by fire on February 18, 2021 while anchored in the Langkawi archipelago in Malaysia.

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Bernard Tapie, French magnate trailed by scandal in business and soccer, dies at 78

Bernard Tapie, the flamboyant French business tycoon who raced cars, starred on television, served in parliament and owned one of the country’s premier soccer clubs, becoming an object of national fascination even as he faced repeated scandals and went to prison for a bribery scheme, died on Oct. 3 at 78. The cause was cancer, according to his family who told La Provence, a Marseille newspaper that he had owned since 2012.

Raised in the Paris suburbs, where his father worked at a refrigerator factory, Mr. Tapie became a multimillionaire before he was 40, buying ailing companies, stripping them of their assets and selling them for a profit. His holdings once included the health store chain La Vie Claire, tennis racket manufacturer Donnay and sportswear giant Adidas. “If there is one thing I know how to do,” he once declared, “it is making dough.”

Mr. Tapie used the proceeds to buy one of the world’s largest sailing yachts called the Phocea, finance a cycling team that won two consecutive Tour de France titles, and acquire a lackluster soccer club, Olympique de Marseille, that he grew into a national and European champion.

Tanned and jowly, with bushy eyebrows and dark wavy hair, he was sometimes described as the French Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian media mogul who ran the A.C. Milan soccer club and served four times as prime minister. He maintained a similar populist appeal, emerging as a blunt spokesperson for the Socialist Party after he called far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen “a big mouth who should be kicked in the butt” in 1989.

Mr. Tapie was elected to the French parliament that year as a deputy from Marseille, and he was soon ranked in polls as one of the country’s most popular politicians, behind only the president, prime minister and head of the National Assembly. He briefly served as urban affairs minister in President François Mitterrand’s cabinet and was cited as a potential successor, with rumored ambitions to move into the Élysée Palace.

But the “Zorro of business,” as French newspapers called him, saw his fortunes evaporate in the 1990s, when he was declared bankrupt, convicted of tax evasion and found guilty of offering bribes to three soccer players in a match-rigging scheme. Mr. Tapie spent six months in prison in 1997 for the bribery conviction and was banned from French soccer for life.

To some, his fall was just deserts for a flashy outspoken millionaire and gleeful self-promoter. “The collapse of Bernard Tapie has become a sort of symbol, the symbol of a triple failure: that of a tabloid society ... that of an era of easy money and hysterical financing which was the 1980s, and that of the power of an ambition to change life,” journalist Philippe Labarde wrote about the French mogul in a column for Le Monde.

Yet Mr. Tapie remained a beloved figure among admirers who said he took on the Paris elite, and among Marseille fans who credited him with the club’s glory years. After he bought the team in 1986, he bankrolled the acquisition of stars including Fabien Barthez, Didier Deschamps and Jean-Pierre Papin, helping Marseille win five straight French league titles. The club won the 1993 Champions League final, becoming the first and only French team to win Europe’s most prestigious soccer tournament, but was forced to vacate its French title that year after the match-fixing scandal.

“I was rich, I am no longer,” a seemingly unshaken Mr. Tapie told Le Figaro in 1995. “I was fashionable, I am no longer. I was president of a European championship team, I am no longer. I ran businesses, I no longer do so. Many French people have more to complain about than do I.”

Rather than fade from public life, he appeared in a 1996 film by director Claude Lelouch, “Men, Women: A User’s Manual,” starred as a rebellious psychiatric hospital patient in a Paris production of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” hosted radio and television shows, and recorded a duet with the French hip-hop artist Doc Gynéco released in 1998.

For more than two decades, he was also embroiled in lawsuits related to the sale of Adidas. He had used nearly $400 million worth of loans to acquire a controlling interest in the company in 1990, calling it “the deal of my life.” But he sold the business less than three years later in a transaction involving the state-owned bank Crédit Lyonnais, reportedly while in dire financial straits and trying to focus on his political career.

Alleging that the deal was mismanaged, he sued Crédit Lyonnais, accusing the company of undervaluing Adidas and bilking him in the sale. French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, who eventually led the International Monetary Fund, referred the case to arbitration and approved a settlement in 2008, with Mr. Tapie receiving 404 million euros, or $421 million.

Critics said the case should have gone through the normal court system instead of arbitration and alleged that Mr. Tapie had received favorable treatment because he had backed Lagarde’s boss, Nicolas Sarkozy, in the 2007 presidential election. Mr. Tapie denied the allegations and continued to fight for compensation after a French court ruled in 2015 that he was not entitled to payment after all.

Authorities were still investigating the settlement in recent years. Lagarde was found guilty of negligence — she denied wrongdoing and was not fined or imprisoned — and Mr. Tapie was acquitted of defrauding the state in 2019. Prosecutors appealed that decision, leading to a new trial that began in May, with Mr. Tapie already seriously ill. A verdict had not yet been handed down when he died.

Mr. Tapie previously said he remained haunted by his decision to sell Adidas in the first place. “I’ve made many mistakes in my life, but that was the biggest one,” he told his biographer, according to the Financial Times. “Selling one of the best known sports brands in the world for a short-lived stint as minister,” he said.

The older of two sons, Mr. Tapie was born in Paris on Jan. 26, 1943, and grew up in the northeastern suburb of Le Bourget. His father was pressed into working for the occupying German forces, and his mother worked as a nurse’s aide and homemaker.

Mr. Tapie studied engineering and, after completing his military service, won a singing competition at age 21, prompting him to pursue a career as a pop star under the name Bernard Tapy. In 1966, RCA released his version of “The Ballad of the Green Berets,” describing him in the liner notes as “a sporty good-looking enfant du peuple with a smile that has all the cheeky charm of a kid from the back streets of Paris.”

But he sold relatively few albums and also found little success in racing, driving a Formula Three until he was hospitalized in an accident, according to Le Monde. Switching his focus to business, he sold television sets in Paris and worked as a consultant, making his first major acquisition in the 1970s, when he used a single franc to buy the debt of a printing company that had been occupied by its workers.

Mr. Tapie developed a repayment schedule with the bank and arranged for part-ownership with the workers, rejuvenating the company’s finances before buying 40 companies between 1977 and 1989, according to the British newspaper the Independent. For much of that decade, he also appeared on television, including as the host of “Ambitions,” in which he helped people launch their own businesses.

He had two children from his first marriage, to Michèle Layec, which ended in divorce. Mr. Tapie also had two children from his second marriage, to Dominique Mialet-Damianos. He and his wife were attacked in April this year during a burglary at their home in Combs-la-Ville near Paris, where authorities said that four men beat them, tied them up with electrical cords and stole watches and jewelry.

Complete information on survivors was not immediately available.

Mr. Tapie liked to say that “strange things happen in soccer,” a maxim that received further proof after the match-fixing scandal was exposed in 1993. After one of his alibis collapsed at the trial, he declared that he had “lied in good faith,” prompting the judge to say, “You could have that phrase studied in a philosophy textbook.”

The court case left him with a reputation as a fabulist, although Mr. Tapie insisted that he told the truth, or something like it. “I don’t lie,” he told the French daily Libération. “When I speak, I believe it to be true. One week later, it may no longer be.”

The True Story Behind Netflix's 'Class Act'

The miniseries fuses fiction and reality to create a cautionary tale about careerism and unhinged ambition.

The Big Picture

• Class Act on Netflix tells the captivating story of Bernard Tapie, a French businessman whose genius and ambition propelled him to great success.
• Tapie's rise from humble beginnings to owning major companies like Adidas and winning championships is awe-inspiring, but his involvement in a match-fixing scandal tarnished his reputation.
• The series overlooks some details of Tapie's life, such as his sponsorship of a successful cycling team and his legal battles with Crédit Lyonnais bank, but it still highlights his incredible achievements and the controversies that surrounded him.

Following the larger-than-life adventures of French businessman Bernard Tapie ( Larent Lafitte ), Class Act on Netflix fuses fiction and reality to create a cautionary tale about careerism and unhinged ambition. The seven-episode series captures everything from the man's initial entrepreneurial ventures to his rise to political office, extending a quick glance over the events that defined the life of the French businessman.

Although his involvement in a match-fixing scandal tarnished his glorious rise, Bernard Tapie’s genius and relentless pursuit of success made him a man who faced many failures as he climbed French society's hierarchy, purely fueled by ambition. Class Act highlights Tapie’s meteoric rise while also outlining the mistakes that eventually led to his downfall. If the events portrayed in Class Act seem unbelievable, the true story behind it deserves all the credit.

Class Act (2023)

A relentlessly ambitious working-class man becomes one of France's most controversial public figures in this fictionalized biopic about Bernard Tapie.

Who Is Bernard Tapie?

Created by Olivier Demangel and Tristan Séguéla , Class Act focuses on the eventful life of Bernard Tapie from 1967 to 1997. During his life, Tapie wore many hats as he continued to seek greater milestones to achieve albeit his beginnings were humble. In 1943, Tapie was born as the son of a plumber. His early life involved selling TV sets and performing as a singer. Tapie married Michèle Layec ( Ophélia Kolb ) in 1964. From the marriage, Tapie had two children — Nathalie and Stéphane. He would later marry Dominique Mialet-Damianos ( Joséphine Japy ).

Remarkable success followed when he decided to buy debt-ridden companies and turn them into money-making machines through his genius and charisma. As reflected through Laurent Lafitte ’s character, Tapie was always proud of his achievements and openly flaunted his wealth . The now-sporting giant Adidas became the crowning glory in the portfolio of companies Tapie owned. His ownership of a Tour de France-winning cycling team and the Champions League-winning club Olympique de Marseilles further cemented the legend of his Midas touch.

‘Dexter’ Was Heavily Inspired by This Chilling True Story

Bernard tapie's popularity propelled his political rise.

Tapie’s entry into politics became another turning point in his career. After having achieved everything as a businessman, Bernard Tapie forayed into politics to bring social change. Much like French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned in his tribute to Tapie, he did become a source of inspiration for generations of French citizens. After being elected as an independent Member of Parliament in 1989, he served as urban affairs minister under the presidency of François Mitterrand. In 1994, as a member of the Mouvement des Radicaux de Gauche, Tapie became a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). While his role in Parliament wouldn't last, this didn't mean that he'd stay away from politics. His extensive support for later President Nicolas Sarkozy also led to some controversies later in his life.

Tapie's political career was cut short when his name came up in a match-fixing scandal, covered in detail in Class Act. The allegation and conviction of bribing the minor club Valenciennes affected Tapie badly. His club, Olympique de Marseilles, was stripped of the French League championship and relegated to the second division. The court case between Éric de Montgolfier and Tapie resulted in a two-year prison sentence for Tapie. Along with match-fixing charges, Tapie was convicted of tax fraud twice, in 1997 and 2005.

Class Act also focuses on Tapie's love for the media. He released several pop songs starting in the 1960s and his stint as a television show host for the monthly economics television program Ambitions (or ‘Success’ in Class Act ) further established his image as a visionary and inspirational personality . After his prison sentence, Tapie decided to explore his other interests, including acting. in the theater realm, he re-enacted Jack Nicholson's role of Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest , gathering positive reviews. He also appeared in the role of a police chief in the French television series Commissaire Valence .

'Class Act' Leaves Out Some Details of Tapie's Life

Class Act doesn't cover all the achievements and controversies of Bernard Tapie's life. One achievement that doesn't get much attention is that his company, La Vie Claire, sponsored Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault 's cycling team of the same name. The team won the Tour de France twice, in 1985 and 1986. A possible reason why Tapie’s involvement with the team wasn't mentioned could be due to the fact that Hinault did much of the leg work to form the team before Tapie decided to invest.

Tapie’s legal battle with Crédit Lyonnais bank, which continued long after the series' events and until his death in 2021, was also not discussed . However, Class Act does mention the event it originated from . In fact, the sale of Adidas was shown as a subject of rising tension between Tapie and Dominique. In Class Act, Tapie felt strongly against selling the sporting giant, which he called a family company. The bank was sued by Tapie for undervaluing the company at the time Tapie decided to sell it . The bank also used its offshore companies to buy Adidas on its behalf, breaching the agreement.

After a long-standing struggle, Tapie was awarded compensation to the tune of 404 million Euros, which came from France’s Ministry of Finance. Later, in 2015, another court ruled that Tapie should return the public’s money with interest. Multiple court cases and decisions later, the case was still an ongoing one at the time of Tapie’s death. Possibly, in another season of Class Act, the entire controversy surrounding the sale can be fully explored, considering some big names, such as that of the current President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde , popped up during the course of the events. In 2017, Tapie was diagnosed with stomach cancer. In April 2021, Tapie and Dominique became victims of a burglary at their Paris house, during which they were tied up and beaten. In October of that year, Tapie passed away at the age of 78.

As Tapie was against the idea of a biographical series on his life , it cannot be conclusively said how true the Netflix series is. This is particularly when it comes to the details pertaining to his personal life, although the major events covered in the series are not fictitious. His family has come out in strong opposition to the series that portrays Tapie with certain strong flaws. In Class Act, Tapie is a man who, despite his internal struggle to do the right thing, often adopts the “all is fair in love and war” approach at a great cost. To be fair, Laurent Lafitte’s Bernard Tapie stands tall as an inspiring figure in Class Act despite the potentially contentious nature of his transgressions. This allows a new generation of viewers to the French legend who were otherwise unaware of his accomplishments.

All episodes of Class Act are currently available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.

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Leila Abboud in Paris

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Bernard Tapie, the French businessman who rose from nothing to scale the heights of power in politics and sports despite being dogged by scandal, has died of cancer aged 78.

With a gift for self-promotion and not a little charm, Tapie became a symbol of les années fric (the money years) in 1980s Socialist-led France as he made a fortune buying bankrupt companies in industries from batteries to weighing scales.

But Tapie was never a dull chief executive in a suit, and he stood out in the often conservative French business elite. With his trademark mane of wavy hair and a deep tan, he seemed to live multiple lives — all of them colourful — earning vast sums of money only to lose it, winning elected office, and becoming a television presenter and pop crooner.

His biggest business coup — buying sports-gear maker Adidas — in the 1990s ended as his biggest nightmare, leading to a long legal battle he was still fighting when he died. The legal woes, which pitted him against the French state and banking establishment, have outlived him: an appeals judgment is expected on October 6.

As he rose in business in the 1980s, Tapie caught the eye of then Socialist president François Mitterrand, who backed his political career by helping him win a seat in parliament for Marseille. His fearless takedown of far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen in a televised debate in 1989 impressed Mitterrand, who later named him as minister of urban affairs, to the shock of others in the cabinet.

When he was named minister, he decided to sell his stake in Adidas to signal his independence, a decision he later told his biographer he bitterly regretted. “I’ve made many mistakes in my life, but that was the biggest one,” he said. “Selling one of the best known sports brands in the world for a shortlived stint as minister.”

Although he grew up in a working class family in Paris, Marseille became Tapie’s spiritual home and where his most glorious and lowest moments took place. He gained adulation as the owner of Olympique de Marseille when it won five titles and Europe’s top football prize in 1993, a first for a French club. Opprobrium followed, however, when he was convicted in 1995 on match-fixing charges, and served six months in prison after losing his appeals.

Soon after, he went bankrupt and was convicted in separate cases for corruption and tax fraud.

When Tapie emerged from jail in 1997 he told journalist Airy Routier he would exact revenge just as the main character did in Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo . “I am Edmond Dantès. I will come back and crush them all,” Routier recalled in a 2020 documentary.  

Tapie did indeed rebuild his business interests, helped in part by a spectacular arbitration award worth €403m that he won in 2008 stemming from the sale of his stake in Adidas.

That saga began when he sued the then state-owned Crédit Lyonnais bank, his former lender, alleging the bank had sold Adidas at a depressed price. Tapie ended up fighting the French state after Crédit Lyonnais failed.

The case turned into a political scandal after it was alleged that President Nicolas Sarkozy and allies had pushed for the settlement instead of continuing the court case. Since the payout to Tapie came from public coffers, it prompted outrage in some quarters and questions about whether he benefited from political connections.

L’Affaire Tapie , as it was called in the press, has cast a long shadow over the French business and political elite: in 2016  Christine Lagarde , now head of the European Central Bank,  was convicted of negligence  over her actions as France’s finance minister at the time (Lagarde did not appeal). Her then chief of staff, Stéphane Richard — now chief executive of state-backed telecoms group Orange — is still facing charges related to the payout and his appeal judgment is expected on Wednesday.

As the various cases dragged on, Tapie returned to his habits of conspicuous consumption. He splashed out on a 76-metre yacht he named Reborn, a private jet and bought the Marseille newspaper La Provence.

In 2015, a court ordered Tapie to return the Crédit Lyonnais settlement money, but as of mid-2021 he still had not done so amid the continuing legal challenges.

Prosecutors also alleged that Tapie and others engaged in fraud to get the settlement. He was tried along with five co-defendants and acquitted in 2019. Prosecutors appealed that decision and a new trial took place in May 2021.

Weakened from a years-long battle with cancer, a white-haired, rail-thin Tapie appeared in court on one occasion before his family said he was too frail to attend.

Tapie went public in 2017 with his diagnosis of stomach and oesophageal cancer by telling a well-known Olympique de Marseille supporter, who announced it on social media. The next day, fans at OM’s Velodrome stadium chanted his name and unfurled banners reading: “Courage! We are with you boss.” 

Since then Tapie had spoken out about his battle with the illness and advocated for other sufferers. “Each person has to find the motivation for their combat,” he said in an interview with broadcaster TF1 in April this year. “Science is advancing incredibly quickly, so someone with a supposedly mortal cancer now can still have hope.”

In the same interview, he said there were things he still wanted to accomplish and mused about acting in a movie for his old friend, the director Claude Lelouch. “He wants to make a last movie with me and I am crazy happy about it!”

Tapie is survived by four children and his wife of 34 years, Dominique Tapie.

The story was corrected on October 4, 2021 to include the fact that Christine Lagarde was convicted of negligence in 2016.

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Class Act: Is it a true story? Who was Bernard Tapie? All your questions answered about the Netflix series

Class Act is a new mini-series available on Netflix that focuses on the life of French businessman turned-politician Bernard Tapie. But how much of it is based on true events?

Netflix’s new fictionalized biopic Class Act tells the story of the rise and fall, the successes and the failures, of Bernard Tapie. Singer, businessman, TV host, politician… Bernard Tapie wore many caps but mostly left his mark on French society for being one of its most controversial public figures.

While the show is based on the life of a real person, its creators, Tristan Séguéla and Olivier Demangel, took care of cautioning viewers before each episode with a warning: "This series is loosely based on a true story. The hero’s journey is based on facts known to the public. The role played by his entourage, and Dominique, their private lives and the dialogue are fictional."

So how much of what viewers see in Class Act is true? Here is everything you need to know about who Bernard Tapie really was and how the Netflix series adapted his story…

NOTE : This article contains spoilers regarding key plot points of the Netflix series Class Act.

Was Bernard Tapie really a singer, businessman, TV host, politician and sports club owner?

The real Bernard Tapie, just like the character played by Laurent Lafitte in Class Act , was a jack-of-all-trades who dived into many business, artistic, and political ventures.

As shown in the Netflix series, he indeed recorded music (in fact not one but several songs, and not only in the 1960s but also in the 1980s and 1990s). He was also the host of several TV shows, including one called Ambitions (renamed Réussite in the Netflix series) and was even an actor in several films and TV series. He even did theatre!

However, it is as a businessman, a politician, and for owing the football club Olympique de Marseille that Tapie was well known in France. Class Act shows some of the real businesses Bernard Tapie built, like Coeur Assistance, and some of the ones that he bought, like Wonder and Adidas.

What was Tapie’s political career?

As seen in the series, Tapie did become Minister of City Affairs under the government of Pierre Bérégovoy during François Mitterand's presidency. What the Netflix series doesn't show, however, is that after being forced to resign due to legal issues, Tapie was asked to return to the Ministry of City Affairs a few months later, in 1992.

In the following years, he remained in politics and was a member of the National Assembly before becoming a European deputy. He only stopped his involvement in politics in 1995 following more legal problems, and not because his wife had an issue with it (as it is depicted in Class Act ).

Did Bernard Tapie really go to prison ?

Bernard Tapie had to face Justice many times throughout his life and was even condemned to prison several times, although the only time he was actually incarcerated was following the corruption scandal around the Olympique de Marseille football club. He was accused of fixing the match between his club and minor club Valenciennes and was sentenced in 1995 to two years in prison, including eight months non-suspended and three years of deprivation of his civic rights. He stayed in prison for six months.

After this, Bernard Tapie had several other legal difficulties but did not serve time again. At the time of his death, in 2021, he was still involved in a legal battle.

What happened to Bernard Tapie after he went to prison ?

After 1995, Bernard Tapie was personally bankrupt and therefore unable to pursue business ventures. He was also declared ineligible to run for political office and was banned from football. For several years, he then pursued artistic endeavors, acting in films and theatre for instance. 

In 2009, he went back to being a businessman but never made a true comeback to politics.

In 2017, Bernard Tapie announced he was suffering from stomach cancer. He received treatment but the disease spread and on October 3, 2021, Tapie died at home at the age of 78. On October 7, a chapel of rest was installed at the Velodrome stadium of Marseille and around 5000 people came to see his casket to pay their respects.

Does the Tapie family approve of the Netflix series?

Class Act was in the works before Bernard Tapie’s death and he did not approve of it. His wife and children also did not approve of the show and since its release, they have all expressed various degrees of discontentment about it.

Speaking to French radio Europe 1, Dominique Tapie, Bernard’s widow, said that everything depicted in the show regarding their private life is either false or approximate. For one, the show presents Dominique pretty much as Bernard’s right hand in his business affairs, which she never had anything to do with in real life.

Moreover, Class Act featured Bernard Tapie only having two children, named Stéphanie and Victor in the series. In reality, he had four children: two during his first marriage with Michèle Layec, named Nathalie and Stéphane, and two with his second wife Dominique, named Laurent and Sophie.

Is Class Act based on a true story?

Yes, but Class Act is a TV drama adaptation of the life of Bernard Tapie. While the events depicted in the show are based on publicly known facts, many of the situations, especially surrounding his private life, were fictionalized for dramatic purposes.

Where can I watch the Class Act mini-series?

All seven episodes of Class Act are available to stream on Netflix.

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Marine Perot is a freelance entertainment writer living in London. She has been writing about television for 10 years, which led us to work with various publications including Paste Magazine, Radio Times, Konbini, Giddy, and more. Her favorite shows include  Lost ,  Outlander ,  Game of Thrones , and  The Haunting of Hill House . When not writing, Marine enjoys going on adventures with her corgi and reading a good book.

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Who was Bernard Tapie? True story of Netflix’s Class Act

The series, called Class Act, is now available on the streamer.

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New Netflix series Class Act is available to stream in full now, and it stars Laurent Lafitte as Bernard Tapie.

The official synopsis for the series says that it "traces the romantic destiny of an extraordinary character, Bernard Tapie, one of the most iconic and controversial French public figures".

The synopsis continues: "Throughout the seven episodes, Laurent Lafitte will step into the shoes of Bernard Tapie, exploring his rise and fall."

But just who was Bernard Tapie and how closely does the series follow real life? Read on for everything you need to know about Class Act and Bernard Tapie.

Is Class Act based on a true story?

Sort 0f. Class Act has been billed as a "fictionalised biopic" of Bernard Tapie, telling the life story of the French businessman, politician, actor, singer and TV host through a fictional lens.

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That means that the story told in the series will not strictly follow real-life events - a decision which has stirred up some controversy.

Before his death, in 2021 Tapie told Nice-Matin that he was opposed to the series, saying : "Doing it without asking for my agreement in principle is not very good."

Meanwhile his widow Dominique Tapie told RTL: "The person who made this series came to see Bernard and he told him 'No, if someone is going to tell my story, it will be my son Laurent'. And there you have it… No comment."

Star Laurent Lafitte defended the series, reportedly told BFM TV : "As long as we are not defaming, we have the right, in France, to tell the life story of a public figure. However, I can understand concerns about respecting his memory.

"It will be a biopic about the man, with a strong subjective element. It’s our perspective on his journey. As soon as the idea came up, I informed him because I thought it was a good thing to do. But we didn’t seek his approval or opinion."

Who was Bernard Tapie?

Bernard Tapie was born in Paris in 1943 to a refrigeration engineer and a nurse. He started his career selling televisions, while at night he performed as a crooner. He later became known for recovering bankrupt companies, before reselling them for millions.

In 1964 he married Michèle Layec with whom he had two children, Nathalie and Stéphane. Tapie and Layec later divorced.

He had made a fortune by the time he was 30. He entered other pursuits, holding a major stake in newspaper La Provence and owning the cycling team La Vie Claire, which won the Tour de France twice, in 1985 and 1986.

He also owned football club Olympique de Marseille between 1986 and 1994, taking them from 17th place in the French championship to winning the Champions League six years later.

In 1987, Tapie married Dominique Mialet-Damianos, with whom he had two children, Laurent and Sophie.

He entered politics in the 1980s, being elected as an independent MP in 1989 and serving as urban affairs minister in President François Mitterrand’s cabinet. He was re-elected in 1993, this time as a member of the left-wing Mouvement des Radicaux de Gauche, which he had become head of.

In 1993 he sold his majority stake in sports company Adidas to a group of private investors. At the time, the company was seen to be ailing, and he sold it to avoid any conflicts of interest with his political career.

When Adidas was sold a year later for more than double the price, Tapie sued Crédit Lyonnais bank, claiming it had deliberately undervalued Adidas. He was awarded €403m in damages and interest in 2008, to be paid from public funds, but in 2015 an appeal court ordered Tapie to pay back the money with interest. The case went back and forth between judgments and appeals for years.

Tapie became an MEP in 1994, but had to give up politics because of legal issues. The first of these was that, in 1995, it was revealed that Tapie had offered rival team Valenciennes a bribe to underperform in a league game, hoping to keep Olympique de Marseille ready for the Champions League final. He was sentenced to two years in prison, including 8 months non-suspended and three years of deprivation of his civic rights.

After he was released, Tapie was banned from participating in politics and football, so he instead became an actor, appearing in films such as Hommes, Femmes, Mode d’emploi, series including Commissaire Valence and plays including a production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

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Tapie was convicted of tax fraud twice, once in 1997 when he was sentenced to 18 months, of which 12 months were suspended, and then in 2005, for which he was sentenced to three years in prison, 28 months of which were suspended. Both sentences were set against the eight months he had already served, so he did not return to prison.

Tapie was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2017 and died four years later in 2021.

Class Act is available to stream on Netflix now. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month . Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream .

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Splendeur et misères du "Phocéa", le bateau mythique de Bernard Tapie

Le voilier, qui a fait rêver tant de marins, a sombré au large de la Malaisie le 19 février dernier. Construit en 1976 pour le navigateur Alain Colas, son histoire, romanesque, en a fait un mythe. Devenu yacht de luxe, il a séduit les grosses fortunes, Mouna Ayoub, Xavier Niel ou Bernard Tapie, son propriétaire le plus emblématique. Rebaptisé "Enigma", il naviguait ces dernières années dans les eaux troubles des paradis fiscaux.

« Grand bateau », c’est ainsi qu’Alain Colas surnommait son monocoque géant alors en construction dans l’arsenal du Mourillon, à Toulon. L’ex-élève de Tabarly, devenu son rival, s’est lancé dans un projet fou : concevoir et bâtir le plus grand voilier du monde pour prendre le départ de la Transat anglaise en solitaire de 1976. Un demi-siècle qu’on n’avait pas mis en chantier un tel navire : 72 mètres de longueur, 4 mâts, 250 tonnes, des innovations et des instruments à la pointe de la technologie.

Michel Bigoin, architecte naval marseillais, sera le maître d’œuvre ; Gaston Defferre, le parrain ; Gilbert Trigano, le sponsor de cette F1 des mers qui va s’appeler « Club-Méditerranée ». Dans cette aventure, tout est démesuré – y compris le budget de 10 millions de francs – et surtout périlleux. Car Alain Colas s’engage dans cette compétition avec un handicap : malgré une vingtaine d’opérations pour réparer sa cheville et son pied, broyés par une chaîne de grappin, il marche toujours difficilement. Il finira cinquième de cette course, remportée par Eric Tabarly.

Surendetté mais terriblement obstiné, le navigateur réarme « Club-Méditerranée » en bateau de croisière pour touristes américains et cabote sans grand succès dans l’archipel polynésien. Jusqu’à ce drame, survenu le 16 novembre 1978, lors de la première édition de la Route du rhum. Parti à bord de « Manureva », Alain Colas est officiellement porté disparu. Le bateau ne sera jamais retrouvé, ouvrant la voie aux spéculations les plus hasardeuses. Le marin laisse derrière lui sa veuve tahitienne Teura et leurs trois enfants : une fille, Vaimiti, 4 ans, et des jumeaux de 8 mois, Torea et Tereva. Reste « Club-Méditerranée », désormais sans capitaine. A l’abandon dans le port de Papeete, le fier voilier n’est plus qu’une épave rongée par la rouille.

Bernard Tapie , qui connaît les dettes abyssales de la famille, y voit une affaire à saisir. Il le rachète pour une somme dérisoire, tout en garantissant une rente destinée à financer les études des enfants d’Alain Colas jusqu’à leurs 18 ans. Pour lui, ce quatre-mâts n’est pas seulement synonyme de business, de montage financier ou de défiscalisation. Tapie tombe fou amoureux de cette carcasse légendaire pour laquelle il a de grandes ambitions. Rafistolé, le « grand bateau » rejoint Marseille pour quatre ans de travaux pharaoniques qui coûteront 68 millions de francs. Michel Bigoin, le concepteur du navire, va le réaménager pour en livrer une version 5 étoiles, sans l’alourdir. Il doit rester compétitif. Désormais yacht de luxe, rebaptisé « Phocéa » en hommage à Marseille, le bateau va battre en 1988 le record du monde de la traversée de l’Atlantique en monocoque d’ouest en Est. Record jamais tombé depuis 1905. Tapie est « à la barre », frôlant la mort, tout comme l’équipage, qui pousse le quatre-mâts jusqu’à ses limites. Tout lui sourit. On est en pleine Tapie-mania.

Dans ce bureau flottant, Bernard Tapie conclut le rachat d'Adidas et de Toshiba

Le « Phocéa » devient vite l’épicentre de sa galaxie professionnelle et personnelle. A son bord, au large de Corfou, il épouse Dominique. Dans ce bureau flottant, il conclut le rachat d’Adidas et de Toshiba, règle les transferts des joueurs et y fêtera en 1993 la victoire de l’OM en Coupe d’Europe. Le bateau lui permet de cultiver ses réseaux, d’organiser « séminaires » et réunions secrètes, comme ce fut le cas lors du scandale de corruption du match OM-Valenciennes. Le yacht sera aussi son talon d’Achille via l’affaire « Phocéa » qui le conduira devant les tribunaux pour abus de biens sociaux et fraude fiscale.

Tapie est à la prison de la Santé quand, en 1997, une annonce paraît dans le « Herald Tribune » : le « Phocéa » est à vendre. Mouna Ayoub, milliardaire jet-setteuse, le rachète pour 36,5 millions de francs et transforme son pont en salon VIP. Elle y organisera des séances photo tout à sa gloire, posant telle une sirène sculpturale en Bikini. Décoration tapageuse, fêtes démesurées, location à la semaine pour 180 000 euros… Mouna Ayoub exploite le yacht pendant treize ans. Puis, en 2010, il passe aux mains de l’homme d’affaires Xavier Niel, fondateur de Free, associé avec les frères Rosenblum (Pixmania). La gestion du bateau est confiée à un « homme d’affaires et investisseur du Vanuatu ». Endommagé dans une tempête en 2013, le voilier est convoyé vers la Thaïlande pour réparations. Il ne quittera plus l’Asie du Sud-Est, où il finira par couler mystérieusement après un incendie. L’épave repose aujourd’hui sur les fonds de l’île paradisiaque de Langkawi.

Lire aussi. Le Phocéa, l'ancien yacht de Bernard Tapie, a coulé au large de la Malaisie

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Bernard Tapie, French Tycoon, Actor and Politician, Dies at 78

His larger-than-life career, flamboyant personality and ongoing legal struggles made him one of the best-known personalities in France.

By Roger Cohen

PARIS — Bernard Tapie, a swaggering French businessman who lurched throughout his life from wild success to humiliation, knowing everything from high political office to the prison cell, died on Oct. 3 in Paris. He was 78.

The cause was cancer, according to a statement by his wife, Dominique Tapie. The announcement appeared in La Provence, a newspaper Mr. Tapie owned in the southern French port city of Marseille, where he was beloved because of the extraordinary success he brought its soccer team, Olympique de Marseille, after he bought it in 1986.

“He led a thousand lives,” President Emmanuel Macron said in a message of condolence to the Tapie family, adding that Mr. Tapie’s “ambition, energy and enthusiasm were an inspiration for generations of French people.”

The president’s praise of a man who was embroiled in legal problems for several decades and who went to jail for five months in 1997 for his role in a soccer match-fixing scandal was a measure of the fascination exerted by this sometime pop singer, business mogul, actor, sports impresario, TV star and left-wing government minister. Mr. Tapie was many things but never less than irrepressible.

His soccer team — OM, as it was known — was a nothing club in dire straits when Mr. Tapie took over, but through a mix of acumen and braggadocio he guided it to victory in the 1993 Champions League, Europe’s most coveted club competition. No other French team had ever won it. The players, courted on his yacht or the private jet he piloted himself, dubbed him “le boss.” He was everywhere — on the pitch, in the dressing rooms — and they loved him.

It was typical of Mr. Tapie that within two years of a triumph that politicians seized on as symbolizing “a winning France,” he was convicted of trying to bribe a Valenciennes player to throw a match. Sentenced to two years in prison, he served 165 days. OM fans never cared. “He will leave a great void in the hearts of the people of Marseille,” the club tweeted on his death.

For Mr. Tapie, nothing was ever more than a superable setback. He had the gift of the gab and soulful dark eyes that somehow made all the words that gushed from him more credible. In a country where power tends to be concentrated among the graduates of its elite schools, Mr. Tapie, the loud rags-to-riches self-made man, held an enduring appeal.

Bernard Roger Tapie was born on Jan. 26, 1943, in Paris into a working-class family. His father, Jean-Baptiste, was a milling machine operator and his mother, Raymonde (Nodot) Tapie was a caregiver. He had to fight his way out of the tough northern suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis. The book he would write in 1986 was called “Winning” for a reason.

He started out as a singer — his singles included “I No Longer Believe in Girls” and “Quick, a Drink” — and dabbled in motor racing only to find himself in a coma after a crash, before turning to business in 1967 with a small company that sold televisions in eastern Paris.

A domestic appliances venture followed, then something called “Heart Assistance,” which was supposed to provide instant help to people with heart problems through a portable gadget that would summon an ambulance at the press of a button.

Mr. Tapie was convicted in 1981 of fraudulent advertising; the company had two ambulances, maybe, when it declared it had five.

About the same time, he was ordered by a French court to return four chateaus that he had acquired for a song from the fallen, self-proclaimed emperor of the Central African Republic, Jean-Bédel Bokassa, by persuading him — falsely — that they were to be seized by the French authorities.

Moving at speed in his personal and professional life — he had two children by a brief first marriage — Mr. Tapie specialized in rescuing and reselling troubled companies, from battery to bicycle manufacturers. With his La Vie Claire cycling team, he managed cyclists Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault to victories in the Tour de France. He built a fortune. The summit of his business career came in 1990 with the purchase of Adidas, the sporting goods company.

As in many of his business adventures, however, Adidas would come to haunt Mr. Tapie. A long legal saga involving the company ensued, involving the sale of his majority stake to Credit Lyonnais in 1992; a lawsuit he had brought against the bank alleging that it had underpaid for the company; a payment to Mr. Tapie of $449 million awarded in 2008; and an order on appeal to repay that sum in 2017. The case remained unresolved at his death.

If anything, these judicial travails brought Mr. Tapie sympathy, especially after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2017.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by the two children from his first marriage, Nathalie and Stéphane; two children with his wife, Laurent and Sophie; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Even in poor health, Mr. Tapie continued to give interviews. He always had a gift for communication, grasping before his time that in the modern era it counted as much as anything. Like former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in Italy, and later former President Donald J. Trump in the United States, he seized on television to cement his notoriety. He had his own television show, called “Ambitions,” in the mid-1980s. Through it he did a lot to make words like “entrepreneurship” and “success” less suspect in a France that is always suspicious of the rich, self-made or not.

These gifts drew him to President François Mitterrand, who asked to meet Mr. Tapie in 1987 and saw in him a showman who could be an effective communicator for the left, using simple, raw language. A debate in 1989 between Mr. Tapie and the hard right anti-immigrant leader Jean-Marie Le Pen remains legendary for Mr. Tapie’s demolition of his opponent.

Addressing a meeting of Le Pen’s National Front party in 1992, Mr. Tapie, who had been elected to Parliament as a representative from Marseille in 1989, postulated the idea of seizing immigrants, piling them into a boat and sinking the boat off the coast of France. There was wild applause, according to an account by the writer André Bercoff.

Mr. Tapie deadpanned: “I made no mistake about you. I just spoke of a massacre, and you applauded. Tomorrow, take a look at yourselves in the mirror while you shave or put on makeup and just throw up.”

Mr. Mitterrand made Mr. Tapie minister for town planning in 1992, but he had to resign after 52 days as a result of yet another legal problem. The case was resolved in Mr. Tapie’s favor, and he returned to the government in 1993, but the defeat of the left that year ended his ministerial career.

There was still time for further ventures, including Mr. Tapie’s acquisition of the La Provence newspaper. His acting career revived with a Paris theater performance in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in the mid-1990s. Close to former President Nicolas Sarkozy, he became a frequent visitor to the Élysée Palace between 2007 and 2012. His opinions — on business and the affairs of the world — were sought after and reported on, even in his last years.

“For the French to love you again, it suffices to get sick,” Mr. Tapie commented. The national mourning and considerable adulation at his death seemed to prove him right.

Roger Cohen is the Paris Bureau Chief of The Times. He was a columnist from 2009 to 2020. He has worked for The Times for more than 30 years and has served as a foreign correspondent and foreign editor. Raised in South Africa and Britain, he is a naturalized American. More about Roger Cohen

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Fire hits yacht that belonged to French tycoon Bernard Tapie off Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - A multi-million-dollar sailing yacht that once belonged to French tycoon Bernard Tapie went up in flames off Malaysia on Thursday (Feb 18), with firefighters battling for hours to put out the blaze.

Coastguards said they were alerted to the fire on the 75 metre (246 foot) Phocea just after 8pm when it was off the resort island of Langkawi.

Seven crew members were rescued from the vessel without suffering injuries, said coastguard official Mohamad Zawawi Abdullah, but firefighters were still battling to extinguish the blaze in the evening.

The four-masted yacht was built for renowned French sailor Alain Colas in 1976 and was owned by Tapie in the 1980s and 90s.

It was later sold to a wealthy Lebanese woman for 36.5 million francs (7.5 million euros/S$12 million at current values), according to media reports.

Tapie is a former Socialist minister who rose from humble beginnings to build up a sporting and media empire but later faced a string of legal problems.

He had made a fortune in the early part of his career by taking over failing companies, and flaunted his wealth. As well as the yacht, he bought a football team.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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