Gov. John Baldacci this morning hosted the French ambassador to the United States, Pierre Vimont, and Francois Gauthier, consul general of France in Boston, at an award ceremony at the State House.

The French representatives were in Maine to present Severin Beliveau with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor. The ambassador also was due to make special trips to Lewiston and Freeport to honor people and institutions that promote connections between France and Maine.

“Severin Beliveau is a proud Franco-American who holds dear his French heritage,” Baldacci said. “He has served as a liaison for the French people and interests for many years, and has helped to establish stronger ties between Maine and France economically and culturally.”

Beliveau, a lawyer and former state legislator, has served for 16 years as the Honorary Consul for France. He is also President of the Forum Francophone des Affaires, the mission of which is to create and promote business partnerships and economic development.

Beliveau helped to facilitate the state trade mission to France in 2005. He has moderated and sponsored Franco-American symposiums and conferences at university and college campuses across the state.

The Legion of Honor was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. The decoration is the highest honor in France, bestowed upon those who have contributed outstanding service to the people of France.

This afternoon, the ambassador was scheduled to visit the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston and L’Ecole Francaise du Maine – The French School of Maine – in Freeport.

Vimont was visiting those two prominent Franco-American institutions to pay tribute to their work for the preservation and development of the French language in the state.

The Franco-American Heritage Center, located at 46 Cedar St., is a performing arts and learning center and museum focusing on the heritage of Maine’s Franco-American population. Vimont was slated to meet with Lewiston Mayor Laurent Gilbert, who is also president of the center’s board of directors, as well as with other board members, volunteers and members of the center.

Later in the day, the ambassador will be in Freeport, visiting L’Ecole Française du Maine. Vimont will meet with founders and directors, Elizabeth and Willy LeBihan, and greet students, teachers, parents and supporters.

L’Ecole Française du Maine, located at 99 South Freeport Road, is a French immersion school created in 2002 that teaches children from preschool to fifth grade.