A Triumph of
Diplomacy

Charles Pictet de Rochemont is an early example of the Pictet family’s responsible actions. Re-entering politics after retirement, he was instrumental in securing Geneva’s place in the Swiss federation.
1798

Charles Pictet de Rochemont acquires 75 hectares of land outside Geneva to raise Merino sheep.

1806

Pictet de Rochemont engages in scientific cross-breeding and employs the latest equipment to grow his Merino herd in addition to recruiting spinners and weavers to make the finest garments.

1809

Three years later, Pictet de Rochemont sends his son Charles-René to Russia with a caravan of 850 Merinos, intending to farm in Odessa.

1809–1814

While establishing the farm, Charles-René befriends the Governor of Odessa, the Duc de Richelieu.

1814

While accompanying Richelieu, Charles-René is reunited with his father Charles who is attending the Congress of Vienna as a representative of Geneva.

1815

At the Treaty of Paris, Charles Pictet de Rochemont helps establish Switzerland’s neutrality and ensures that Geneva joins the Swiss Confederation.

A Triumph of Diplomacy

An early example of the Pictet family’s philanthropic action was Charles Pictet de Rochemont, who re-entered politics after retirement, ensuring that Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815 and helping Switzerland’s neutrality to be recognised.
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According to family lore, during the long journey Pictet de Rochemont's dog returned to Geneva on his own after being separated from the flock.

To avoid Franco-Austrian fighting, the five-month voyage must pass through Nuremberg, Dresden and Cracow. According to a long-held family story, Pictet de Rochemont's dog, who accompanied the convoy of sheep from Lancy (Geneva) to Russia, returned on his own to his master in Geneva after being separated from the flock in Austria.

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