Kevin,

General Charles de Gaulle was born in Lille, capital city of the department du Nord, way up there by the Belgian border. He was not, nor, ever could be described as Norman.

The province received its historical identity during the invasions of the Normans (Danish, Norwegians), that gave it their name. In 911, by the treaty of Saint-Clair sur Epte, the king of France Charles the Simple, to avoid almost continual raids, disturbances and destruction (Rouen was sacked umpteen times), decided to give them the country, in exchange for a form of peaceful co-existence (this was the French equivalent of the English paying Danegelt). Normandy then constituted a dukedom owing allegiance to the throne of France.

Duke William of Normandy conspired with Harald Hardrada, King of Norway and Earl Tostig regarding the invasion, knowing that, if handled correctly, one of them would secure the crown of Harold Godwinson. Norman Conquest, Kevin, not French Conquest, the King of France played no part in it.