18 Famous French Women Who Changed the World

A group of golden statues of influential French women on display in Paris. — A tribute to the achievements of French women through a stunning exhibition of golden statues.

France has been home to some of the most influential women in history—women who shaped politics, arts, science, and society with their courage and innovation. While figures like Joan of Arc and Marie Curie are household names, many lesser-known but equally remarkable women have left an enduring mark. Here’s a look at 18 inspiring French women, from historical icons to contemporary changemakers.

1. Olympe de Gouges (1748–1793) – The Feminist Pioneer

Portrait of Olympe de Gouges, a French feminist and revolutionary thinker. — Olympe de Gouges, a trailblazing feminist and advocate for women’s rights during the French Revolution.

A playwright and political activist during the French Revolution, Olympe de Gouges wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen (1791), challenging the male-centered Declaration of the Rights of Man. She was executed for her radical views but remains a foundational figure in feminist history.

2. Marie Curie (1867–1934) – The Trailblazing Scientist

Marie Curie looking thoughtful in a black dress, a symbol of groundbreaking scientific achievement. — Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, revolutionized science with her discoveries.

Born in Poland but adopting France as her home, Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize—and the only person to win in two different sciences (Physics and Chemistry). Her discoveries in radioactivity paved the way for modern medical treatments.

3. Josephine Baker (1906–1975) – The Entertainer and Resistance Fighter

Josephine Baker posing in a glamorous dress with a radiant smile. — Josephine Baker, celebrated performer and Resistance icon, embodies elegance and courage.

Though born in the USA, Josephine Baker spent much of her life in Paris. More than just a dancer and singer, Josephine Baker used her fame to spy for the French Resistance during World War II. She also fought against racism and adopted 12 children from different nationalities to create her “Rainbow Tribe” as a symbol of unity. In 2021, she became the first Black woman inducted into the Panthéon.

4. Simone Veil (1927–2017) – The Politician Who Fought for Women’s Rights

Golden statue of Simone de Beauvoir holding a book, symbolizing her contributions to feminist philosophy. — Simone de Beauvoir, author of The Second Sex, commemorated with a golden statue in Paris.

A Holocaust survivor and one of France’s most respected politicians, Simone Veil was instrumental in legalizing abortion in France through the Veil Law (1975). She later served as President of the European Parliament, championing human rights and gender equality

5. Louise Michel (1830–1905) – The Revolutionary

A leader of the Paris Commune in 1871, Louise Michel was a fearless anarchist and activist who fought for workers’ rights, women’s emancipation, and education reform. She was exiled to New Caledonia but continued her fight for justice.

6. Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986) – The Intellectual Powerhouse

One of the most influential feminist thinkers of the 20th century, Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex (1949) questioned the social constructs of gender and inspired generations of feminists worldwide.

7. Gisèle Halimi (1927–2020) – The Lawyer Who Fought for Women’s Rights

A tireless advocate for women’s rights, Gisèle Halimi was instrumental in legalizing abortion in France. As a lawyer, she defended rape victims in high-profile cases that changed French laws on consent and reproductive rights.

8. Jeanne Barret (1740–1807) – The First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe

Disguised as a man, Jeanne Barret joined the Bougainville expedition in 1766, making her the first woman to officially sail around the world. She worked as a botanist and contributed to the discovery of new plant species.

9. Camille Claudel (1864–1943) – The Forgotten Sculptor

A talented sculptor and the muse of Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel was long overshadowed by her male contemporaries. Her works are now recognized as masterpieces of French sculpture, embodying passion and tragedy.

10. Germaine Tillion (1907–2008) – The Resistance Fighter and Ethnologist

A member of the French Resistance, Germaine Tillion was captured and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she documented Nazi atrocities. After the war, she became a leading advocate against colonial oppression.

11. Sophie Germain (1776–1831) – The Mathematician Who Broke Barriers

Denied a formal education because of her gender, Sophie Germain secretly studied mathematics and made crucial contributions to number theory and elasticity. Her work influenced later scientific discoveries, and a prestigious mathematics prize now bears her name.

12. Élisabeth Badinter (b. 1944) – The Feminist Philosopher

A leading feminist intellectual, Élisabeth Badinter has written extensively on gender, motherhood, and societal expectations. Her book The Conflict: How Modern Motherhood Undermines the Status of Women challenges the pressures placed on women in modern society.

13. Françoise Héritier (1933–2017) – The Anthropologist Who Redefined Gender Studies

A successor to Claude Lévi-Strauss, Françoise Héritier’s research challenged traditional notions of gender and power structures. Her insights have shaped modern feminist and anthropological thought.

14. Colette (1873–1954) – The Bold Novelist and Feminist Voice

Colette revolutionized French literature with her novels, often featuring independent female protagonists. Her most famous work, Gigi, was adapted into a Hollywood film. She was the first woman to be honored with a state funeral in France.

15. Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt (1913–2011) – The Egyptologist Who Saved Abu Simbel

A pioneer in Egyptology, Desroches-Noblecourt played a crucial role in the UNESCO-led rescue of the Abu Simbel temples from flooding in the 1960s. She was also a member of the French Resistance.

16. Anne Hidalgo (b. 1959) – The First Female Mayor of Paris

As the first woman elected Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo has championed environmental initiatives, pedestrian-friendly urban planning, and gender equality in politics.

17. Amélie Mauresmo (b. 1979) – The Tennis Champion Who Defied Stereotypes

A two-time Grand Slam winner, Amélie Mauresmo became the first woman to coach a top-ranked male tennis player (Andy Murray). She has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports.

18. Gabrielle Chanel (1883–1971) – The Fashion Icon with a Controversial Legacy

Coco Chanel seated at her desk, reflecting her impact on modern women's fashion. — Coco Chanel, the designer who redefined women’s fashion, photographed in her office.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion by prioritizing comfort and practicality, liberating women from restrictive corsets and introducing more relaxed, elegant silhouettes. She popularized jersey fabric, traditionally used for men’s undergarments, to create chic yet comfortable clothing that redefined femininity. However, her legacy is marred by controversy; during World War II, Chanel is believed to have collaborated with the Nazis, allegedly leveraging these connections to attempt to regain control of her business from Jewish partners. Despite her complex history, Chanel’s influence on modern fashion and women’s empowerment through style remains undeniable.

Why These Women Matter

These women broke barriers, redefined expectations, and left an indelible mark on French history and beyond. Their contributions span politics, science, arts, literature, and activism—offering inspiration for generations to come.

From revolutionaries to writers, from scientists to sports champions, these 18 French women have shaped history in remarkable ways. Their stories serve as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the fight for equality.