Dominique Lapierre was born in Châtelaillon-Plage, Charente-Maritime, France. At the age of thirteen, he travelled to America with his father who was a diplomat (Consul General of France). He attended the Jesuit school in New Orleans and became a paper boy for the New Orleans Item. He developed interests in travelling, writing and cars.He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award in the 2008 Republic Day honours list.
Father of author Alexandra Lapierre.
