Sentiers du Patrimoine ®
Le Perchay
Poursuivre jusqu’à la table de lecture du paysage 'Le Perchay, du plateau aux ravines'.
Prochain point : Lat. 49.11212, Long. 1.92303
Behind some of the greatest French hits of the twentieth century — Alexandrie Alexandra by Claude François, L’école est finie by Sheila, Que je t’aime by Johnny Hallyday, Mourir sur scène by Dalida, and many others — stood Bernard Estardy.
It is said that this sound engineer recorded more than 15,000 songs over a career spanning more than thirty years, contributing to nearly 500 million records sold worldwide. At the CBE recording studio in Paris, which he co-founded, the man the music industry nicknamed “The Giant” did far more than simply record artists: he arranged, mixed and composed, guided singers in the studio, and added instruments and musical touches that gave each track its own soul.
The song Le Sud by Nino Ferrer perfectly illustrates his talent. Originally recorded in English at another studio, the song failed to convince. Nino Ferrer decided to create a French version and entrusted its production to his lifelong friend. Like an alchemist, Bernard Estardy crafted a unique atmosphere and a distinctive sound signature, filled with nostalgia and a touch of magic. The song sold one million copies in a single week and became the singer’s defining hit.
Bernard Estardy was deeply attached to his great-uncle Fernand Estardy, who lived in Le Perchay. Fernand lent him his house so that he could “celebrate with his friends” — an invitation Bernard gladly accepted!
Rue de la Chaumette therefore welcomed many famous visitors, including Johnny Hallyday, Gérard Manset, Didier Barbelivien, Patricia Kaas and Dave. It was also in Le Perchay that Bernard married the singer Michèle Estoupan.
A key figure at the CBE studio, known to everyone as “Mimi”, Michèle Estoupan managed the studio’s daily life, from administration to scheduling. She was also a discreet muse, contributing to the warm and creative atmosphere that surrounded recording sessions.
Despite their extraordinary lives, Bernard and Michèle remained approachable and down-to-earth. Some residents of Le Perchay may well have known them simply as neighbours or riding companions, without ever realising their importance in the history of French music.
