The Dawn of Control in France

This is not the official story of the dawn of control in France, and of its early developments. This contribution only presents recollections and events as I have witnessed them, in a double capacity: As engineer, researcher and teacher who was present (almost) from the beginning and as a participant in many control organizations, both national (AFRA, then AFCET, universities, CNRS …) and international, especially IFAC. The number of facets of control, the number of actors, individuals or organizations who have contributed to its growth are such that it is surely impossible, in a few pages to give the right credit to and perspective of each one. Consequently, there are many deficiencies, limitations and biases in what follows. I apologize in advance.