I rarely look at the WordPress Daily Prompt, but I was intrigued by this one. There are so many historical figures I would like to meet that I decided to narrow my choices. The obvious way – to me – was to focus on French women in history, but which one? Below is a list of ten famous French women who are well-known for different reasons but in no particular order.
- Joan of Arc – saint, martyr and military leader
- Marie Curie – first woman to win a Nobel Prize for physics
- Coco Chanel – fashion designer with dubious links in WW2
- Simone de Beauvoir – philosopher, writer and feminist activist
- Olympe de Gouges – writer, and activist, promoted women’s rights and abolition of slavery.
- Camille Claudel – sculptor known for her figurative works in bronze and marble.
- Edith Piaf – singer and entertainer
- George Sand – novelist, essayist, and playwright
- Françoise Sagan – novelist, playwright, and screenwriter.
- Eleanor of Aquitaine – Queen of France and England
There are many other famous French women throughout history who I haven’t included.
How do I choose just one French historical woman I would like to meet?!
How would you answer the question: ‘If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?’ Don’t limit yourself to French women unless you wish to!

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I would love to have been able to dance with Fred Astaire. Not that I’m much of a dancer, but I could try.
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That’s an excellent suggestion, Jo. I imagine Fred Astaire could make every partner appear to be a wonderful dancer – including me!! Thanks for your comment.
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I would love to have met Marie Curie. I spent 35 years working in cancer research, so it would be very interesting to meet and chat with her. We visited the museum in the Paris’ 5th arrondissement named after her a few years ago and it was very interesting.
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What a powerful motivator for wanting to meet Marie Curie and what a valuable job you had! Thanks for your comment.
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That is a great list. I admire these inspirational women, such as Joan of Arc, Marie Curie, and Coco Chanel. I watched French movie “Camille Claudel”, and felt so sad about her tragic life!
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Thanks for your comment and I don’t remember seeing that movie, so I’ll have to check it out – thanks!
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Mine would be Emmeline Pankhurst due to her fight to help get British women the right to vote.
Alive would be JK Rowling who is the modern day champion of womens’ rights.
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Both great choices!
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My comment disappeard is it in SPAM?
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How strange! Your comment appeared in the correct place, although I do check Spam regularly in case WordPress has had a comment glitch.
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From your list Edith Piaf and/or Chanel. I’d love to know what Chanel would make of the brand today!
A woman from history would be Irena Sendler. She saved many Jewish children’s lives during the Holocaust but also had quite a colourful personal life.
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Both of your choices from my list are excellent, Helen! I need to find out more about Irena Sendler, too. Thanks for dropping by.
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Great list. I can’t help but think of Françoise Hardy, who passed away this year—her music and style made an unforgettable impact on French culture.
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Yes, I did consider including Françoise Hardy. Perhaps I will feature her in another blog post. Thanks for the excellent suggestion and for your comment.
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I wasn’t sure until I saw the comment about Fred Astaire, he reminded me of my Dad who passed when I was a little girl, I’d love to see him dance with Ginger Rogers.
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Yes, that would be amazing. Even as a child, I was impressed by FA and GR. Thanks for your comment #pocolo
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Great list. There are so many amazing, talented, and inspiring people….. You made me think…. 🙂
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Thanks, Angela! Always pleased if one of my posts makes someone else think. It certainly was a challenge for me, and I could have added so many more names. Thanks for your comment 😊
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I like thinking and pondering. Thoughts are stimulating my brain Thank you ! 🙂
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😉
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