De Gaulle is Greatest Frenchman

To no one's surprise, France's iconic if cantankerous wartime leader Charles de Gaulle has topped a television poll to choose le plus grand Français de tous les temps - the greatest Frenchman ever.

De Gaulle, who died in 1970 after founding modern-day France, beat nine other Gallic heroes including Louis Pasteur, Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Moliere, Jacques Cousteau and Edith Piaf in a late-night vote on Monday.

The late general's son, Philippe de Gaulle, said: "The other finalists are all very famous, very valuable, but each in their own sphere. My father was more universal."

De Gaulle continues to enjoy a quasi-mythical status, with a reputation substantially greater than that of Napoleon (who finished a lowly 16th).