Colis Piégés in Dordogne: Explosive Packages Sent to French Celebrities Spark Major Investigation
French authorities are investigating a disturbing incident after three Colis Piégés in Dordogne were discovered at a local post office, reportedly addressed to high-profile public figures. The discovery has raised national concern about the motives behind the attack and the growing sense of insecurity among public personalities in France.
Explosive Parcels Found in a Dordogne Post Office
On Saturday, October 4, postal workers in Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou, a quiet town in southwestern France, uncovered three suspicious parcels that immediately prompted a security alert. One of the packages detonated inside the post office, but fortunately, no one was injured.
A bomb disposal team from Bordeaux was quickly dispatched to neutralize the remaining parcels. Officials confirmed that each contained a small detonator and a limited explosive charge, designed to cause fear rather than large-scale harm. The post office was evacuated, and a security perimeter was set up to ensure public safety.
The Intended Targets: Three French Public Figures
According to initial reports, the three parcels were addressed to well-known individuals:
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Estelle Denis, a journalist and television host
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Élodie Poux, a comedian
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Manuel Bompard, a deputy from La France Insoumise
These names, representing different areas of French public life—media, entertainment, and politics—suggest that the sender may have been attempting to deliver a broader message or provoke public outrage.
How the Investigation Unfolded
Authorities traced the origin of the Colis Piégés in Dordogne to La Roche-Chalais, a nearby town about twelve kilometers away. On Sunday, October 5, investigators and gendarmes canvassed the area, questioning residents and reviewing hours of video surveillance footage from the town’s dozen security cameras.
Local mayor Jean-Michel Sautreau confirmed that one of the cameras, positioned near the main road leading to the post office, may have recorded crucial evidence. Investigators reportedly identified several “useful elements,” though no suspects have been publicly named.
“It’s worrying, especially in a small community like ours,” the mayor commented, echoing the unease felt among residents.
Florence Joubert, the deputy representing the Dordogne constituency, also described the situation as “troubling,” while urging the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to progress.
What Authorities Know So Far
Officials from the Périgueux prosecutor’s office have confirmed that an inquiry is underway, handled by the Bordeaux research division. For now, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office has not taken charge of the case, suggesting that investigators do not yet see evidence of organized terrorism.
The investigation focuses on identifying the sender, determining their motive, and understanding whether this act was personal, political, or symbolic.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Discovery | October 4, 2025 |
| Location | Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou, Dordogne |
| Origin of Parcels | La Roche-Chalais |
| Number of Packages | Three |
| Explosion Reported | One (no injuries) |
| Targets | Estelle Denis, Élodie Poux, Manuel Bompard |
| Investigating Units | Périgueux Prosecutor’s Office, Bordeaux Research Division |
Local Fear and Broader Implications
The Colis Piégés in Dordogne incident has sparked a wave of concern about the safety of public figures and the accessibility of potentially dangerous materials. While the devices were not powerful enough to cause fatalities, their symbolic impact is significant.
Many in the region see this as a wake-up call for tighter postal security and greater protection for those frequently exposed to public threats. The mix of celebrity, politics, and targeted intimidation has reignited debate over whether French authorities should strengthen screening measures for mail sent to public personalities.
As the investigation continues, the people of Dordogne—and across France—wait for answers about who sent these explosive packages and why three very different figures were chosen as targets.
