Top 10 Iconic People From France

One of the most famous French writers of all-time, Alexandre Dumas’ works have been converted into almost 100 different languages, with his most celebrated novels including “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Dumas also wrote numerous travel books, magazine articles, and plays, making him fantastically prolific with the written word; in fact, in total, he has published over 100,000 pages. Although not widely popular during his time because of changing attitudes in France towards literature, Dumas is widely considered to be one of the greatest authors in history.
 

You know France has produced some important individuals when Joan of Arc only makes the 9th spot on our list. The Maid of Orléans is not only a Roman Catholic saint, she’s the heroine of France, and gave her people a reason for hope during their Hundred Years’ War with England. The most impressive part? She did so as an uneducated teenager from a peasant family. Though she was ultimately captured, tried for heresy and burned at the stake, Joan’s story has been depicted in various works of literature and film, while her legacy is preserved in France through many statues and a civic holiday.    
 

While England is renowned for giving us iconic authors and poets, France packs a potent 1-2 punch with Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo. Hugo rose to fame in France during the 19th century Romantic Movement thanks to his poetry, but he is perhaps best known world-wide for his two novels: “Les Misérables” and “Notre-Dame de Paris”, also known as “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.” Not only a great writer, Hugo was also an advocator for several social causes, including the elimination of the death penalty.
 

We take a slight turn from iconic historical French citizens to a modern legend. There’s no question that sports, and by extension athletes, assume a large role in today’s society, and in many countries football stars are right at the top of that list. Zizou is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year three times. After leading his country to victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup by scoring twice in the final against Brazil, he became a national hero in his home country and solidified his legacy on and off the pitch.
 

The first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win twice in multiple sciences, Curie was a pioneer in the field of radioactivity. She discovered two elements, radium and polonium, and formulated the procedure we use to isolate radioactive isotopes. During World War I, Curie assisted surgeons with radiological units near the front lines. She even attempted to donate her Nobel Prize medals to the war effort, but was refused. Curie not only held a huge effect on science and radiology, but also overcame numerous obstacles concerning gender barriers to make her not only important in French history, but in history in general.
 

When you think of France, you likely think of the beautiful artwork associated with the 19th-century impressionist movement. The founder of this movement? Claude Monet. The term “impressionism” actually comes from one of his paintings, titled “Impression, soleil levant”, and emphasized, among other things, the accurate depiction of light and movement. Monet paved the way for numerous other great artists to follow in his footsteps. Today, his paintings of the French countryside and more sell for millions of dollars, and he is considered to be one of the most significant artists to ever live.       
 

The second scientist to make our list, Pasteur is best known for making one of the first ever vaccines, and is considered the “father of microbiology.” It is impossible to know how many lives he saved with his discoveries in the causes and preventions of diseases, including the principle of pasteurization, where sees bacterial contamination prevented in milk and wine. Pasteur is remembered not just in France, but throughout the world as his name is attached to countless streets, schools, and awards due to his life-saving discoveries.
 

World War II was one of the most difficult times for France in its entire history, but it also produced one of the country’s greatest heroes. De Gaulle was the leader of Free France, which continued to support the Allies and fight against Germany following the fall of France. Instrumental in making France a player on the world stage, particularly during the Cold War, he promoted national independence and helped repair the country’s shattered relationship with Germany following the war.
 

One of the most influential men of the 18th century, Voltaire was a leading figure in the Age of Enlightenment, which emphasized reason and individualism. While France produced several great philosophers, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire is perhaps the most famous and important. He spoke out against injustice in a time when doing so could potentially cost you your life. Voltaire frequently criticized the French bourgeoisie and was a strong advocate for civil rights, as evident in his 20,000 letters and 2,000 books and pamphlets.
 
Before we unveil notre choix pour numéro un, here are a few honorable mentions:
-          Édith Piaf
1915 - 1963
-          Coco Chanel
1883 - 1971
-          René Descartes
1596 - 1650
-          Claude Debussy
1862 - 1918
-          Brigitte Bardot
1934 -
 

Earning his status during the French Revolution, Napoleon became Emperor of France and a leading figure of Europe during the early 19th century. He participated in dozens of major battles, winning the majority of them, and gained control of most of Europe. More than just a general, he abolished feudalism and made several lasting reforms, including establishing a central bank, improving the road and sewer systems, producing a tax code and emphasizing higher education. He also created the Napoleonic Code, which allowed freedom of religion and prohibited privileges based on birth.
 
Do you agree with our list? Who is your favourite French citizen? For more informative Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.