The New Face of Saint-Brieuc
By Steven Couzigou | Published on ; updated on May 6, 2026 at 10:18 am
The new Mayor of Saint-Brieuc (Côtes-d’Armor) is known for his mustache and his smile. Victor Bonnot, 30 years old and born in Trégor, has been a resident of Saint-Brieuc since he was 3 years old.
In the Horizons section, he was noticed during his studies by the LR senator Alain Cadec. He has worked in both the private and public sectors, in France and in Europe, notably at Christophe Béchu’s office and the Ministry of Local Authorities. He worked at the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion before becoming the mayor of Saint-Brieuc.
His Priorities
“What is the first thing you tackled?”
“Since March 23rd, I have been meeting with the city’s stakeholders: employees, merchants, economic players, institutional partners, associations… We need to facilitate dialogue and provide solutions.”
“I want to embody a mayor who is out in the field, notepad in hand.”
“Then I tackled three priority issues:”
– “Opening up the city with the aim of creating parking spaces (including adding 20 blue zone spots in Résistance) and improving the coexistence of various modes of transport: pedestrians, cars, bicycles, and public transport.”
– “Security by appointing a dedicated deputy, the project to deploy 30 surveillance cameras from this year, arming municipal police officers, and securing the police station. We will also review public lighting.”
– “Finances, which are in a tough spot. First, understand the city’s financial situation, the trajectory we have inherited, and how we can redirect it. The goal is to do more with less. Public meetings will be organized to discuss this in each neighborhood soon.”
His Relationship with Saint-Brieuc
“What comes to mind when you think of Saint-Brieuc?”
“Pride.”
“A specific place in the town that represents you or where you find solace?”
“The cabins of Valais.”
“Your most memorable moment here?”
“Saint-Michel fair, when I was very young.”
“How would you describe the residents in three words?”
“Proud, humble, and daring.”
“What moment in your life inspired you to get involved?”
“When I was with my grandfather, Yvon Bonnot (*), in Perros-Guirrec.”
“Who has influenced you the most in your personal or public journey?”
“I had several mentors: Yvon Bonnot, Alain Cadec, Christophe Béchu. But also my other grandparents, who passed on their human values to me. You can’t do politics if you don’t love people.”
The Man Behind the Mayor
“Which part of the day do you prefer?”
“When I arrive early in the morning at City Hall. Each day is different with a diverse agenda. It’s very stimulating.”
“Do you have a daily ritual that you hold dear?”
“My coffee when I arrive.”
“What calms you down when the pressure rises?”
“Talking to my partner, my primary support.”
“What do you listen to?”
“My favorite groups are Sade, Kartell, and Massive Attack. I also listen to a lot of techno (house) to relax.”
“Your favorite word?”
“One that is shared.”
“The one you dislike?”
“One that is imposed.”
“Your favorite ‘drug’?”
“Interacting with people.”
“The sound you love?”
“The birdsong that sets the soundtrack for the city, especially in the Gouëdic valley.”
“The one you dislike?”
“Silence.”
“Your favorite curse word?”
“Damn.”
“The profession you could never have pursued?”
“Pilot because I wear glasses.”
“Which animal would you like to be incarnated as?”
“A sloth. I love them! They always have a smile and a different sense of time.”
His Personal Preferences
“Your favorite movie?”
“A trilogy by Costa-Gavras about totalitarian regimes: Z, The Confession, and State of Siege. These are old films (from the 60s-70s) that deeply marked me.”
“One movie you are less proud of liking?”
“Love Actually.”
“A novel or author that has impacted you?”
“We by the Russian writer Yevgeny Zamyatin.”
“Do you prefer movies, series, or reading to unwind?”
“Reading.”
His Vision for the Term
“At the end of your term, how would you like to be described?”
“Always accessible, enthusiastic, and humble. I don’t want to lose touch with reality. Being elected is just the beginning; I have seven years to act.”
“What legacy do you want to leave?”
“To show that politics is accessible to everyone, without barriers, glass ceilings, or disdain. Politics is profoundly human and sincere. Today it’s me, tomorrow it will be someone else.”
“If you could speak to yourself from 10 years ago, what would you say?”
“Stay the course.”
(*) Mayor of Perros-Guirec from 1981 to 2013, Yvon Bonnot was also a deputy.
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