The ''Ordre du Mérite civil'' (Order of Civil Merit) of France was created on 14 October 1957 to reward individuals who have rendered services reported to the state as part of the

Ministry of Interior An interior ministry (sometimes called a ministry of internal affairs or ministry of home affairs) is a government department that is responsible for internal affairs. Lists of current ministries of internal affairs Named "ministry" * Ministry ...

, or to departments, municipalities and public institutions. The order is managed by the Interior minister, assisted by a Council of the Order. The Order was deprecated by decree on 3 December 1963, and superseded by the

Ordre national du Mérite The Ordre national du Mérite (; en, National Order of Merit) is a French order of merit with membership awarded by the President of the French Republic, founded on 3 December 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle. The reason for the order's estab ...

. Extant members may continue to display their decorations.

Classes

The Order has three classes: *''Commandeur'' (Commander) *''Officier'' (Officer) *''Chevalier'' (Knight)

References

* Civil Merit Civil Merit Awards established in 1957 1957 establishments in France 1963 disestablishments in France Orders of merit {{French medals