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Influential Metropolitan French Individuals: The Top 10 Names to Know

4 min read January 23, 2024

Metropolitan French people are those who identify with the culture of France. They may be of French descent or may have adopted French culture. Metropolitan French people are known for their contributions to art, literature, fashion, and cuisine. They have also played a significant role in world history and politics.

Here are 10 of the most popular celebrities and notable people from Metropolitan French ethnicity:

  • Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970): President of France from 1958 to 1969.
  • Louis Pasteur (1822-1895): French chemist and microbiologist.
  • Victor Hugo (1802-1885): French poet, novelist, and dramatist.
  • Claude Monet (1840-1926): French Impressionist painter.
  • Marie Curie (1867-1934): Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist.
  • Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980): French philosopher, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and literary critic.
  • Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986): French writer, philosopher, feminist, and existentialist.
  • Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919): French Impressionist painter.
  • Édith Piaf (1915-1963): French singer and actress.
  • Jean Reno (1948-present): French actor.
The demography of France is monitored by the Institut national d'études démographiques (INED) and the Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE). As of 1 January 2021, 65,250,000 people lived in Metropolitan France, while 2,785,000 lived in overseas France, for a total of 68,035,000 inhabitants in the French Republic.In March 2017, the population of France officially reached the 67,000,000 mark. It had reached 66,000,000 in early 2014. Between the years 2010–17, the population of France grew from 64,613,000 to 66,991,000 (i.e. about 2.4 million people in a span of 7 years), making France one of the fastest-growing countries in Europe. The population of France is growing by 1,000,000 people every three years- an average annual increase of 340,000 people, or +0.6%.France was historically Europe's most populous country. During the Middle Ages, more than one-quarter of Europe's total population was French; by the seventeenth century, this had decreased slightly to one-fifth. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, other European countries, such as Germany and Russia, had caught up with France and overtaken it in number of people. However, the country's population sharply increased with the baby boom following World War II. According to INSEE, since 2004, 200,000 immigrants entered the country annually. One out of two was born in Europe and one in three in Africa. Between 2009 and 2012, the number of Europeans entering France increased sharply (plus 12% per year on average), but would steadily decline by 2022, as more Africans began entering France.The national birth rate, after dropping for a time, began to rebound in the 1990s and currently the country's fertility rate is close to the replacement level. According to a 2006 INSEE study, "the natural increase is close to 300,000 people, a level that has not been reached in more than thirty years." With a total fertility rate of 1.83 in 2020, France however remains the most fertile country in the European Union.Among the 802,000 babies born in metropolitan France in 2010, 80.1% had two French parents, 13.3% had one French parent, and 6.6% had two non-French parents.Between 2006 and 2008, about 22% of newborns in France had at least one foreign-born grandparent (9% born in another European country, 8% born in the Maghreb and 2% born in another region of the world). Censuses on race and ethnic origin were banned by the French government in 1978.In 2021, the Total Fertility Rate of France was 1.82, and 7.7% was the percent of births to women that were their 4th+ child.

Most Famous Metropolitan French People

Metropolitan French Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Metropolitan French community, also known as the Metropolitan French heritage, refers to the culture and traditions that have evolved in the mainland of France. With its rich history and diverse influences, this community has left a lasting impact on the global stage. Let’s explore three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Metropolitan French heritage.

1. French Revolution

The French Revolution, which took place from 1789 to 1799, was a turning point in French history. It marked the end of the monarchy and the rise of a democratic government. This revolution was fueled by the desire for liberty, equality, and fraternity, and it influenced political and social movements across the world. The French Revolution also had a profound impact on arts, culture, and literature. Many iconic works, such as Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables” and Eugene Delacroix’s painting “Liberty Leading the People,” were inspired by this period of intense change and upheaval.

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2. French Cuisine

French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its sophistication and artistry. The Metropolitan French community has played a significant role in shaping this culinary tradition. French cooking techniques, such as sautéing, braising, and poaching, are widely practiced and revered. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is a hallmark of French cuisine. Classic dishes like coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and crème brûlée have become synonymous with French gastronomy. The art of pastry-making is also highly esteemed in Metropolitan French heritage, with delicate pastries like croissants, eclairs, and tarte Tatin captivating taste buds around the globe.

3. French Art and Literature

The Metropolitan French community has produced some of the world’s most celebrated artists and writers. The country’s rich artistic heritage spans various styles and periods, from the Impressionist movement of Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir to the Surrealist works of Salvador Dali and René Magritte. French literature has also made a significant impact, with authors like Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Honoré de Balzac shaping the literary landscape. The influence of French artists and writers can be seen in galleries, museums, and libraries worldwide, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Metropolitan French heritage.

  • The French Revolution, a period of intense political and social change
  • The refined and sophisticated French cuisine, known for its cooking techniques and culinary traditions
  • The rich artistic heritage of French art and literature, encompassing various styles and periods
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In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Lokal French, Basque minorities and Indochinese roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Factsheet About Metropolitan French People

Ethnic Group Percentage of Metropolitan French Population
White 85%
North African 8%
Black 3%
Asian 2%
Other 2%
The demography of France is monitored by the Institut national d'études démographiques (INED) and the Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE). As of 1 January 2021, 65,250,000 people lived in Metropolitan France, while 2,785,000 lived in overseas France, for a total of 68,035,000 inhabitants in the French Republic.In March 2017, the population of France officially reached the 67,000,000 mark. It had reached 66,000,000 in early 2014. Between the years 2010–17, the population of France grew from 64,613,000 to 66,991,000 (i.e. about 2.4 million people in a span of 7 years), making France one of the fastest-growing countries in Europe. The population of France is growing by 1,000,000 people every three years- an average annual increase of 340,000 people, or +0.6%.France was historically Europe's most populous country. During the Middle Ages, more than one-quarter of Europe's total population was French; by the seventeenth century, this had decreased slightly to one-fifth. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, other European countries, such as Germany and Russia, had caught up with France and overtaken it in number of people. However, the country's population sharply increased with the baby boom following World War II. According to INSEE, since 2004, 200,000 immigrants entered the country annually. One out of two was born in Europe and one in three in Africa. Between 2009 and 2012, the number of Europeans entering France increased sharply (plus 12% per year on average), but would steadily decline by 2022, as more Africans began entering France.The national birth rate, after dropping for a time, began to rebound in the 1990s and currently the country's fertility rate is close to the replacement level. According to a 2006 INSEE study, "the natural increase is close to 300,000 people, a level that has not been reached in more than thirty years." With a total fertility rate of 1.83 in 2020, France however remains the most fertile country in the European Union.Among the 802,000 babies born in metropolitan France in 2010, 80.1% had two French parents, 13.3% had one French parent, and 6.6% had two non-French parents.Between 2006 and 2008, about 22% of newborns in France had at least one foreign-born grandparent (9% born in another European country, 8% born in the Maghreb and 2% born in another region of the world). Censuses on race and ethnic origin were banned by the French government in 1978.In 2021, the Total Fertility Rate of France was 1.82, and 7.7% was the percent of births to women that were their 4th+ child.

The Ancient Heritage of Metropolitan French Ethnic Groups

References to the Metropolitan French Ethnic Group

The Metropolitan French ethnic group refers to individuals who trace their ancestry and cultural heritage to Metropolitan France, also known as the “Hexagon.” This term distinguishes them from other French ethnic groups such as French Caribbean, French African, and French Canadian. To dig deeper into the Metropolitan French ethnic group, consider exploring the following references and resources:

  • French History Books: Dive into French history to understand the formation and evolution of the Metropolitan French ethnic group. Books like “The Discovery of France” by Graham Robb and “A History of Modern France” by Jonathan Fenby offer insights into the cultural, social, and political aspects of France’s development.
  • Anthropological Studies: Anthropological studies can shed light on the origins and dynamics of the Metropolitan French ethnic group. “French Roots in the Illinois Country” by Carl J. Ekberg explores the French cultural influence in the Illinois Country of North America during the colonial period.
  • Migration and Immigration Studies: Understanding migration patterns and immigration history can provide valuable insights into the diversity within the Metropolitan French ethnic group. Research articles and studies on migration to France, such as those published by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), can shed light on demographic changes.
  • Language and Linguistics: Exploring the French language and linguistics can be useful in understanding the language and communication practices among the Metropolitan French. You can refer to books like “French: A Linguistic Introduction” by Zsuzsanna Fagyal, Douglas Kibbee, and Frederick Jenkins for a comprehensive overview.
  • French Cultural Institutions: Institutions like the Musée du Louvre, Centre Pompidou, and Musée d’Orsay showcase French art, history, and culture. Exploring their collections, exhibitions, and publications can offer a deeper understanding of the Metropolitan French cultural heritage.
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These resources and references provide various avenues to explore the Metropolitan French ethnic group in terms of history, anthropology, migration, language, and culture. They can deepen your understanding of the origins, traditions, and contributions of the Metropolitan French within the broader French society.

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Syarif Muhamad

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