Vive les Femmes! Celebrating the Powerful Women of France
When we think of French history, men grab most of the headlines, names like Napoleon, Pasteur, and Louis XIV often spring to mind. But behind these iconic figures lies a rich tapestry woven with the brilliance, courage, and influence of remarkable women. From queens and revolutionaries to scientists and artists, these women have shaped ‘la belle France’ in profound ways often without the recognition they deserve.
This series delves into the stories of four exceptional French women—trailblazers who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on history. We’ll uncover their triumphs, their struggles, and the lasting legacies they’ve bequeathed to us. And, as a special bonus, we’ll also shine a light on the fascinating women of the Académie française, guardians of the French language, exploring their contributions to this esteemed institution. Prepare to be inspired by the ‘real’ stories of France’s powerful women!
MyFrenchLife Magazine has published a series of articles about these women, as well as about the female members of the Académie française, the guardian of the French language. Let’s learn about these important contributors to the history of la belle France.
Great Women of France: 16th Century and Prior
Some people believe that Mary Magdalene brought Christianity to France, while Saint Geneviève is credited with saving Paris from the plague. And rarely has a French ruler been as cunning as Catherine de Medici.
Great Women of France: 18th and 19th Centuries
Émilie de Châtelet was one of the most important French scientists of the 18th century, while many consider Berthe Morisot the greatest colorist among the Impressionists. And the gatherings organized by the salonnières are called “the cradle of the French Revolution.”
Great Women of France: 19th and 20th Centuries
No list of great women is complete without Marie Curie, the only person to have won Nobel prizes in two different scientific fields, while Gertude Stein’s weekly meetings deeply influenced Western art and culture. And was Coco Chanel a fashion icon or a Nazi collaborator…or both?
The Immortal Women of the Académie Française
The Académie française, founded in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, was for many years a boy’s club. It was only in 1980 that the first female member was elected, the brilliant author Marguerite Yourcenar, who has since been followed by ten others. But there is a long way to go, as men still make up over 80% of the Académie’s membership.
Let’s meet the women who have been elected to this most prestigious of French institutions. Since this article was written, the Académie has welcomed two more: author and historian Chantal Thomas and philosopher Sylviane Agacinski.
Image Credits:
Madame Geoffrin: Wikipedia, public domain
Joan of Arc: Wikipedia, public domain
Émilie de Châtelet: Wikipedia, public domain
Marie Curie: Wikipedia, public domain
Marguerite Yourcenar: Wikipedia, Creative Commons License, attribution Bernhard De Grendel