For many, the start of their quest to become more knowledgeable about the world begins with France. After all, Paris is the City of Light and the City of Love; it has a rich history of philosophy, education, art, and people passionate about life and social issues stretching back hundreds of years to the present day. The language and the people are so distinct that it’s no wonder people all over the world are enamored by France and the French language!
Learn more about French culture and become a little more worldly with these French quotes about life, love, and more. Allons-y!
Famous French Quotes
France was the home of some of the best philosophers, artists, and scientists throughout history, resulting in some amazing quotes from famous historical figures. Learning about these figures through their quotations can help us better understand French culture at the time and give us better insight into history. Here are some famous quotes in French to know.
1. Je pense, donc je suis. - René Descartes
This simple, yet powerful maxim is probably one of the most well-known French quotes as well as famous sayings in history. It’s also well known in its Latin translation: “Cogito, ergo sum.” In English, we say “I think, therefore, I am.”
Descartes is credited with saying something to this effect in his publication “Discourse on Method” in 1637.
Although he didn’t say these exact words, his complex idea was surmized in this one simple sentence.
He was a philosopher, scientist, and mathematician who studied in numerous educational institutions and was involved in even more schools of thought.
This simple declaration has had multiple waves of impact in philosophy through the ages, prompting deep discussions and new ways of thinking.
2. Dans la vie, rien n’est à craindre, tout est à comprendre. - Marie Curie
This quote is attributed to the Polish-born chemist-physicist, supposedly found in her personal writings in 1995, after she and her husband’s things were archived. Translated, it means “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” And the rest of the quote is “Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."
It’s thought that she was perhaps writing about her illness, leukemia, which was a result of her coming in contact with radioactive materials in her work for many years. Maybe she was pondering how it wasn’t helpful to be fearful about her disease, and instead, it was an opportunity to learn, just as she had always been doing. Curie won two Nobel Prizes in her lifetime for her work with radioactive materials.
3. Le caractère, vertu des temps difficiles. - Charles De Gaulle
These words, meaning “Character is the virtue of hard times," are found in "Le Fil de l'épée" ("The Edge of the Sword"), De Gaulle’s 1932 book. It was intended to encourage the French military to prioritize modernization in military teachings and help inspire young officers to develop the skills needed to be effective leaders in light of WWI.
Charles de Gaulle was a platoon commander in the early French battles of WWI and saw how outdated tactics had caused mass casualties to his brothers in arms.
He participated in many battles as a captain, suffered a few wounds, and was even taken prisoner by the Germans for 32 months.
After the war, he continued to be involved in the military and in strategic thinking.
He commanded a few different divisions during WWII and was a major French actor in the war. People even began following his proposed political ideas post-WWII, which was known as Gaullism. His ideas were revolutionary, and eventually, he and his followers were able to change the government of France, helping to create the Fifth Republic of France in 1958. He became the president from 1958 to 1969.
French Sayings About Life
C’est la vie, as they say. The French have a robust history of taking great care to live life fully, enjoying the big and little things. Even modern-day French culture revolves around the simple joys in life, like a fresh baguette or croissant, a hot café, sitting by the Seine, watering the garden, taking a promenade, and opening the windows. All this is further enjoyed with lots of public holidays and vacation days off work. So, listen to the French when they tell you how to enjoy more of your average days; they know more than we do about it!
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.
Marie Curie
4. À cœur vaillant, rien d’impossible. - Jacques Cœur
This is one of the most popular sayings that talks about bravery. The translation for this French saying about life is “For a valiant heart, nothing is impossible.” This proverb is a brilliant way to say that the sky is the limit and we should work hard to accomplish the impossible. This proverb was adopted as the family motto in 1441 by Jacques Cœur, a French government official under Charles VII.
5. Imaginer c’est choisir. - Jean Giono
The translation to English of this saying is “To imagine is to choose” and comes from the 1953 allegorical tale "L'Homme qui plantait des arbres" (“The Man Who Planted Trees").
The novel is an inspirational story of how one man turned an abandoned town, ruined with age, into a thriving forest and thereby once again a habitable and beautiful place.
It’s an inspiring tale of how one person doing one small thing each day can make an immense impact, bigger than themselves.
6. Il vaut mieux faire que dire. - Alfred de Musset
This spin on a more traditional proverb means “Doing is better than saying,” which is a lot like “Actions speak louder than words.” It appears in Musset’s 1836 play “Il ne faut juror de rien” (an idiom meaning “One can never tell [the reality of a situation]”). This line is spoken when a character realizes he must follow through with his promises.
De Musset garnered attention for his writing at an early age. He became the official librarian for the French Ministry of the Interior during the July Monarchy. He also had a notable affair with George Sand. Today, he is buried among many famous French people in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
Alfred de Musset was another French dramatist, poet, and novelist. He is better known for writing the 1836 novel titled "Confession d'une enfant du siècle" ("The Confession of a Child of the Century"). Learn more with a French online course taught by a professional private tutor on Superprof!
French Quotes About Love
There is a reason French is considered the language of romance. Beyond being a “romance language” referring to a Latin-based language from Roman times, French has also been the language used to describe romantic love and more with exquisite, poignant detail. Here are just some of the enchanting quotes about l’amour created in French.
7. La vie est une fleur dont l’amour est le miel. - Victor Hugo
How beautiful a way to describe the relationship between life in general and the thing that makes it sweeter?
This quote from the “Les Misérables” author means “Life is a flower of which love is the honey.”
It comes from the 1832 poem “Le Roi s'amuse.”
Victor Hugo was a prominent author and poet, who gave the world many famous quotes, especially from his most famous works 'Les Misérables' and 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame'.
8. Aimer, ce n’est pas se regarder l’un l’autre, c’est regarder ensemble dans la même direction. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
This phrase, translated literally means “Love doesn’t mean gazing at each other, but looking, together, in the same direction.” This quote means that while many feel that being in love means staying in your own little bubble, it’s actually about seeing a common future with that person. Through thick and thin, love is about keeping the same focus ahead with one another.
It comes from his 1939 non-fiction book “L'Homme et La Terre,” and it was used to refer to the deep camaraderie between friends. Any kind of love can benefit from this outlook! Antoine de Saint-Exupery was a French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist, and pioneering aviator best known for writing “Le Petit Prince” (“The Little Prince”) in 1943.
9. Il n’y a qu’un bonheur dans la vie, c’est d’aimer et d’être aimé. - George Sand
George Sand expressed this popular saying, which means “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.”
Sand was a larger-than-life person who lived passionately in love and life.
Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, best known by her pen name George Sand, was a female French novelist, memoirist, journalist, and rebellious woman.
Her work definitely stood out in a time when women were not taken seriously in any academic field.
Interesting French Proverbs
A proverb is a popular saying or phrase commonly used by people of a specific group. Proverbs are well-known because they convey a general truth in a catchy way. Learning the proverbs of different groups of people is an interesting and fun way to learn more about their culture, experiences, and values.
10. Chat échaudé craint l’eau froide.
The literal meaning of this proverb is “A scalded cat fears cold water.” In English, we would say, “Once bitten, twice shy.” It means when we have a bad experience with something, we are often blinded to the truth of a similar situation later on, thus holding ourselves back.
11. Mieux vaut être seul que mal accompagné.
This quote from Pierre Gringore means “Better to be alone than in bad company.” A wise phrase to keep in mind if you find yourself with people who only bring you down!
12. Á vaincre sans péril, on triomphe sans gloire. - Pierre Corneille
The literal translation of this saying is “To win without risk is a triumph without glory”, and it refers to how high-stakes wins are better than easy ones. Overcoming a challenge that actually challenges you is better than easily surmounting anything without any drama. In English, we would say, “No guts, no glory.”
Pierre Corneille was a tragedian, which means an actor or dramatist. He is generally considered one of the three great seventeenth-century French dramatists.
Popular French Sayings
Just like English, French is full of linguistic gems. We have phrases like “It’s raining cats and dogs,” “finer than a frog’s hair,” and “not the sharpest tool in the shed.” French is full of the same type of phrases! Here are some of the best French quotes and sayings to use in everyday life!
13. Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup.
Want to impress some people? Use this phrase as a toast before dinner, which means “Eat well, laugh often, love a lot.”
It’s a great motto to live by and a great way to get everyone excited to celebrate!
14. Ce n’est pas la mer à boire.
This zippy quote literally means “It’s not as if you have to drink the sea.” In English, we would say, “It’s not the end of the world.” You can use it when someone is being overly dramatic about a small problem they are facing.
15. Les murs ont des oreilles.
An even better way to tell your conversation partner to be careful is to do it in another language. Teach this to your friend at the beginning of a gossip session. The literal meaning is “The walls have ears,” which is very similar to the more common English expression, “The walls have eyes.”
French Quotes About Happiness
These French quotes about life and happiness offer wisdom on joy, love, and inner peace. Whether from literary icons or traditional sayings, each quote reminds us that happiness often lies in the little things, in self-discovery, and in shared experiences.
16. L’amitié double les joies et réduit de moitié les peines.
This famous French quote by Victor Hugo reminds us that life’s greatest joys are often found where we least expect them. In English, it means "Happiness is sometimes hidden in the unknown."
Hugo, one of the most famous French people in literature, believed in embracing mystery and stepping beyond comfort zones. It’s a beautiful reflection on trusting life’s uncertainty—a common theme in many French quotes about life.
17. Il n'y a qu’un bonheur dans la vie, c’est d’aimer et d’être aimé.
"There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved."This quote by George Sand, a prominent French novelist and a pioneer among women writers, emphasizes the centrality of love in the human experience. It stands out as one of the best French quotes on emotional well-being and interpersonal connection. In French culture, love—both romantic and platonic—is seen as essential to fulfilment.
18. Le bonheur dépend de nous.
"Happiness depends on us." Although originally Greek and widely attributed to Aristotle, this quote has become a staple among quotes in French discussing happiness and responsibility.
It reflects a deeply internal perspective: that contentment is not given, but cultivated.
Used often in French classrooms and philosophy texts, it represents an empowering approach to joy that aligns with modern ideas of mindfulness.
19. Fais de ta vie un rêve, et d’un rêve, une réalité.
"Make your life a dream, and a dream a reality."
Saint-Exupéry, the author of The Little Prince, frequently penned lines that read like poetry. This famous French quote blends imagination with action, reminding us that happiness lies in transforming our aspirations into real experiences. Among all French quotes about life, this one remains especially popular with dreamers, creatives, and young visionaries.
20. Le bonheur n’est réel que lorsqu’il est partagé.
"Happiness is only real when shared." Though this line originated in English, from Into the Wild, it has been widely quoted and beloved in its French translation. It captures the essence of community—a theme at the heart of many French quotes about life. It’s often found in French journals, self-help books, and graduation speeches for its reminder that joy is magnified when experienced with others.
French Quotes About Friendship
French culture holds friendship in high regard, as a bond rooted in loyalty, warmth, and choice. This section features heartfelt quotes in French that celebrate deep connections and the comfort of being truly known and accepted.
French quotes about friendship often emphasize the importance of true, loyal friends and the value they bring to life, while also acknowledging the potential for false or unreliable friendships. Many quotes highlight that true friends are like a treasure, hard to find and worth cherishing.
21. L’amitié double les joies et réduit de moitié les peines.
Friendship doubles joy and cuts grief in half. This quote, translated from Francis Bacon and embraced in the French-speaking world, speaks to the comfort of true friendship. While not originally a French quote, its presence in French literature and conversation shows how universal the value of friendship is. It's a line that fits seamlessly among famous French quotes about emotion and connection.
22. L'amitié est l'amour sans ailes.
Friendship is love without wings. - George Gordon Byron
Though Byron was English, this poetic line is widely shared in French circles, particularly in cards, gifts, and literature about amitié (friendship). Among quotes in French about relationships, this one stands out for its gentle contrast between romantic and platonic love. The metaphor is elegant, expressing how friendship is grounded, yet still deeply powerful.
23. Un ami, c’est quelqu’un qui sait tout de toi, et qui t’aime quand même.
A friend is someone who knows everything about you and still loves you.
This heartwarming quote by Elbert Hubbard is beloved in France for its candid truth. Whether used in films or personal writing, it remains one of the most famous French quotes about real friendship. It echoes the French ideal that relationships should be built on authenticity and acceptance, not just shared interest.
French Quotes About Courage & Strength
Courage is a recurring theme in many famous French quotes, especially when it comes to navigating challenges, growth, and transformation. These powerful lines remind us that resilience and boldness are key to living a full and meaningful life.
Many famous quotes come from literature, philosophy, and political discourse, with some attributed to figures like Marie Antoinette, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Napoleon Bonaparte. These quotes offer insights into French thought and offer a glimpse into the nation's past.
24. Il n’est point de bonheur sans courage.
There is no happiness without courage. - Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau, one of the Enlightenment’s most important figures, emphasizes here that bravery is essential to joy. Among famous French quotes, this one challenges us to face discomfort and uncertainty if we wish to live fully. It’s a line often referenced in motivational talks and French literature classes.
25. Il faut avoir une grande musique en soi pour faire danser la vie.
One must have great music within to make life dance.
Another Nietzsche quote that’s widely referenced in French culture, this one uses metaphor to describe the inner courage and drive needed to live meaningfully. It is often cited in French quotes about art, creativity, and passion, making it a flexible and powerful line for many contexts.
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