Cécile Renault

Cécile-Aimée Renault (1774–1794) was a French woman and royalist accused of trying to assassinate Maximilien Robespierre during the Reign of Terror with two tiny penknives.

[1] Renault approached the home of Robespierre on the evening of 22 May 1794, carrying a parcel, a basket, and extra clothing under her arm that hid her weapons.

[1] Upon waiting for several hours and becoming impatient, Renault demanded her hosts have Robespierre meet with her immediately, arguing that "a public man ought to receive at all times those who have occasion to approach him.

[1] Cécile Renault was arrested for the potential murder of Robespierre on May 23, one day after the attempted assassination of Collot d'Herbois.

Robespierre included Renault's father, a brother and aunt in her trial, noting them as accomplices to the assassination attempt.

[3] The execution of Cecile Renault and with 53 so-called accomplices, under whom three family members, was seen by the Committee of Public Safety as a Royalist conspiracy.