Marie-Thérèse Figueur (1774 – 1861), nicknamed Mademoiselle Sans-Gêne (without shame), was one of the few French female soldiers to enlist in the French Revolutionary Army and fight in the Napoleonic Wars.

Trained in horsemanship, the use of firearms and sword, this small and courageous lady was assigned to the Army of the Pyrénées-Orientales for the 1793–94 campaign, saving the life of the grievously wounded General Noguès, losing two horses, both shot out from under her.

Find out more about her fascinating life at the  Maison De L’histoire in Le Boulou (in the car park opposite the mairie.) It’s free – and Nathalie will enjoy showing you around the small museum in French or English.