45+ of the BEST Quotes About France

Last updated on December 18th, 2024 at 12:01 pm

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Looking for the best quotes about France?

You’re in the right place. One of the things I love about living in France is the language, and there is no shortage of quotes about France to choose from.

Everyone who visits France has an opinion, mostly good, but sometimes not. Its capital city, Paris, is one of the most visited cities in the world and is often referred to as the City of Love.

Not surprising really, as it’s been home to many artists, writers, actors and creatives from around the world, who all fell in love with France in one way shape or form.

What is it about this country that fills people’s daydreams and has it at the top of their bucket list?

Sepia-toned image of a descending staircase in Montmartre, Paris, lined with vintage street lamps and bare trees, with a chalkboard sign displaying a quote: 'The Irish have a very simple taste, they are always satisfied with the best - Oscar Wilde.

45+ of the BEST Quotes About France

With so many to choose from it’s hard to narrow it down, so to help, I’ve put together a list that includes some funny ones, quotes you’ll know from movies, and others made famous by the big names in history.

Famous French Quotes

From Fitzgerald and Hemingway to Napoleon and de Gaulle there have been many famous people in history who have made their feelings on France known. Below are some of the most well-known.

“France has more need of me than I have need of France.” Napoleon Bonaparte

“The French air cleans up the brain and does good – a world of good.” – Vincent Van Gogh

“How can anyone govern a nation that has 240 different kinds of cheese?” —Charles de Gaulle

“France has the only two things toward which we drift as we grow older – intelligence and good manners.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” – Ernest Hemingway

A quaint Parisian courtyard scene with a black bicycle leaning against a wrought iron railing beside stone steps, with a traditional street lamp and lush balcony gardens in the background, evoking a serene, everyday moment in France.

Quotes about France

I think my favourite quote in this section has to be from the wonderful American chef and author, Julia Child.

There are so many classic Julia quotes to choose from, many of them about her love of food, but this one sums up just how much she loved France.

“I love the French language… it’s a delightful language, especially to curse with. It’s like whopping your ass with silk.” — Oscar Wilde

“France is to me the heroine in the romance of all the nations of all time.” — Lt. William Arthur Sirmon

“France is the most civilized country in the world and doesn’t care who knows it.” John Gunther

“I love France. It’s got the sun down at the bottom, the Alps for skiing, and all that wine and food.” – Paul Hollywood

“I had come to the conclusion that I must really be French, only no one had ever informed me of this fact. I loved the people, the food, the lay of the land, the civilized atmosphere, and the generous pace of life.” – Julia Child

I like Frenchmen very much, because even when they insult you they do it so nicely.” – Josephine Baker

“The thing that staggers you when you first come to France is the fact that all the French speak French—even the children.” – Olivia de Havilland

Half-timbered houses with traditional Alsatian architecture reflected in the calm waters of a canal in Colmar, France, on a bright day, showcasing the charming and picturesque 'Little Venice' area of the town.

Beautiful French Quotes

The French have a way with words that no other language can capture in the same way. And these French quotes are full of love and sentiment.

“J’accepte la grande aventure d’être moi.” – I accept the great adventure of being me. – Simone du Beauvoir

“Il n’est rien de réel que le rêve et l’amour.” – Nothing is real but dreams and love. – Anna de Noailles

“Aimer, ce n’est pas se regarder l’un l’autre, c’est regarder ensemble dans la même direction.” – Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“C’est cela l’amour, tout donner, tout sacrifier sans espoir de retour.” – That’s love, to give away all, to sacrifice all, without the desire to get anything in return. – Albert Camus

“Aimer, c’est n’avoir plus droit au soleil de tout le monde. On a le sien.”- To love is no longer having the right to the sun of everyone. You have your own. – Marcel Jouhandeau

Short French Quotes

“French is the language that turns dirt into romance.” – Stephen King

Boy, those French! They have a different word for everything. – Steve Martin

“French people speak quickly but act slowly.” – Voltaire

“America is my country and Paris is my hometown.” – Gertrude Stein

“To study in Paris is to be born in Paris!” — Victor Hugo

Dramatic view of the Eiffel Tower against a cloudy sky with warm tones, as seen from the Champ de Mars gardens, with a single bird flying high near the top and people visible in the foreground, capturing the iconic majesty of Paris.

Quotes About Paris France

It’s the city of light, the city of love and the capital of France. Books have been written about it, movies have been made and songs sung.

It’s a city that will always hold a special place in my heart, and in many others too.

“The shopping, the food, the views! Paris is a city that entrances us all — and I’m no exception.” — Michael Kors

“People wonder why so many writers come to live in Paris… because it’s the best place to pick ideas.” – Roman Payne

“Paris is always a good idea.” Audrey Hepburn

“When good Americans die, they go to Paris.” –Oscar Wilde

“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.” – Thomas Jefferson

“You can’t escape the past in Paris, and yet what’s so wonderful about it is that the past and present intermingle so intangibly that it doesn’t seem to burden.” – Allen Ginsberg

“What an immense impression Paris made upon me. It is the most extraordinary place in the world!” – Charles Dickens

“God invented Parisians so foreigners wouldn’t understand anything about French people.” – Alexandre Dumas

“The Seine. I have painted it all my life, at all hours of the day, at all times of the year, from Paris to the sea…Argenteuil, Poissy, Vétheuil, Giverny, Rouen, Le Havre.” – Claude Monet

The Louvre Pyramid spectacularly lit at night, casting a warm glow and standing as a contrast to the dark evening sky, with the silhouette of a person in the foreground giving scale to the grandeur of the scene.

Famous French Quotes from Film & TV

So many movies have been set in France, and Hollywood has certainly helped to position it as one of the most popular countries in Europe.

Here are just a few famous quotes from the glamorous world of TV and Film.

“The French are glad to die for love. They delight in fighting duels. But I prefer a man who lives… and gives expensive… jewels.” – Satine in Moulin Rouge

“The wonderful thing about Paris is that nobody judges you for doing nothing” – Emily in Emily in Paris

“I can never decide whether Paris is more beautiful by day or by night.” – Adriana in Midnight in Paris

“We’ll always have Paris” – Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca

An illuminated red windmill, the Moulin Rouge, with white lattice patterns stands out against the twilight sky, surrounded by the rooftops of Parisian buildings. The scene captures a distinctive landmark, glowing vibrantly in the evening.

Famous Quotes in French

“La vie est une fleur dont l’amour est le miel.” – Life is a flower, and love is its honey. – Victor Hugo

“L’élégance est quand l’intérieur est aussi beau que l’extérieur.” – Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside. – Coco Chanel

“Qui craint de souffrir, il souffre déjà de ce qu’il craint.” – Whoever fears to suffer, is already suffering from what he fears. – Jean La Fontaine

“Le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas.” – The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of. – Blaise Pascal

“Rien ne doit compter en dehors de l’être qu’on aime, rien ne doit exister, l’amour doit donner des ailes, vous transporter au-dessus de la terre.” – Nothing should count apart from the being you love, nothing should exist, love should give you wings, transport you above the earth. – Edith Piaf

Close-up of an ornate stone frieze inscribed with 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' in red letters, the national motto of France, representing freedom, equality, and brotherhood. The detailed Corinthian column capitals add to the historical significance of the architecture.

Famous Quotes From the French Revolution

“He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

“The people are the sovereign, and the sovereign is the people.” – Maximilien Robespierre.

“Let them eat cake.” – attributed to Marie Antoinette when she was told the French peasants were starving and couldn’t afford bread.

“Liberty is no less threatened by excessive zeal than by tyranny.” – Marquis de Lafayette.

“I die innocent of all the crimes laid to my charge; I pardon those who have occasioned my death; and I pray to God that the blood you are going to shed may never be visited on France.” – Louis XVI of France

FAQS: France Quotes

What is a famous French quote?

A famous French quote is “Liberté, égalité, fraternité,” which translates to “Liberty, equality, fraternity.” This motto is deeply embedded in French culture and history, signifying the core values of the French Republic.

What is a famous quote in Paris?

A renowned quote associated with Paris is “Paris is always a good idea,” attributed to Audrey Hepburn. This phrase captures the enduring allure and romantic charm of the French capital, making it a timeless reference to the city’s appeal.

What is the French quote about life?

A notable French quote about life is “C’est la vie,” which translates to “That’s life.” This expression conveys a sense of acceptance of life’s unpredictable and sometimes challenging nature, reflecting a philosophical approach to dealing with the ups and downs of everyday existence.

Final thoughts on quotes about France

I love a good quote from morning affirmations to ones that makes me laugh. These quotes about France are some of my favourites, and I’ll keep adding to them as I come across ones that catch my eye.

France will always be a special place for me and every time I leave I can’t wait to come back again. I feel lucky and privileged to call France home.