5 Inspiring Quotes from French Women to Live By

At The French NP, we embrace the French philosophy of “Je ne sais quoi” - that indefinable quality that makes beauty both natural and striking. There’s something eternally captivating about French women and their values, beauty, and well-being. Their approach to life is rooted in a beautiful philosophy that puts an emphasis on self-care, finding just the right balance, and “joie de vivre” - revealing the joy in life’s simple pleasures.

From Coco Chanel to Inès de la Fressange, there are numerous iconic French women that have left us with a lasting legacy; inspiring generations with their wit, effortless elegance, and timeless wisdom. Here are five classic quotes from “les femmes françaises inoubliables” (unforgettable French women) that captures the essence of French living and can inspire your own journey to wellness and beauty.

1. "Une femme devrait être deux choses: qui elle veut et ce qu’elle veut." - Coco Chanel

"A girl should be two things: who and what she wants." 

Like sweet perfume trailing in an empty room, Coco Chanel's words of wisdom extends beyond fashion and lingers with us to all aspects of life. Self-definition is key to living your most authentic “toi” (you). Take time to reflect on who you are and what you want. Let your true self bloom, as gracefully as roses in a Provence Garden. 

In our wellness journey, this means honoring the practices that we find to be truly healing and beneficial to us. Let your daily routine and diet be a reflection of self-love; focus on habits that nourish your soul and illuminate your inner glow. Sometimes, the smallest gestures of self-care can provide the biggest boost to our confidence. It’s about finding those personal rituals that make us feel ready to face the world. Find joy in embracing your individuality and speaking your truth. 

2. “Le secret de la fontaine de jouvence est d’avoir des pensées jeunes.” - Josephine Baker 

“The secret to the fountain of youth is to think youthful thoughts.”

The legendary performer and French-American resistance hero Josephine Baker was a revolutionary who redefined beauty standards in Paris during the 1920s and beyond. She understood that beauty and vitality start from within. Her insight about “youthful thoughts” inspires us to nurture not just our external beauty, but our inner strength and conviction.

Baker’s philosophy reminds us that maintaining a positive mindset and youthful spirit is just as important as any beauty treatment. At The French NP, we embrace the same holistic approach that Baker advocated; we believe that true radiance comes from nurturing both the body and spirit. There is a connection between mental outlook and physical well-being; our thoughts and attitudes can affect everything from our stress levels to our skin’s appearance. 

3. “Age panic, c’est très Americain.” - Caroline De Maigret

“Age panic is very American.”

Model and author Caroline De Maigret reminds us to embrace aging gracefully rather than fighting against it. There’s an undeniable charm that comes with maturity. The French approach to beauty isn’t about trying to look younger, but about looking and feeling your best at every age through proper care and maintenance. True beauty comes from carrying ourselves with grace and confidence. It’s not about following trends or striving for perfection, but about cultivating an internal sense of poise that radiates from within. 

We honor this wisdom by offering treatments that work with your skin’s natural processes, not against them. There is a sophisticated elegance that comes from embracing each stage of life. Instead of “panic” about aging, we encourage a proactive, peaceful approach to wellness & skincare designed to help you age with grace, confidence, and that indefinable French allure. 

4. "La vie est belle, il faut la vivre avec passion." - Carine Roitfeld

"Life is beautiful, it must be lived with passion."

Carine Roitfeld is a French fashion editor, writer and former model, best known for her work as the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris from 2001 to 2011. This quote captures her philosophy on living life with passion, style, and joie de vivre! True happiness comes from within. Concentrate on creating bliss, practicing gratitude, and self-love, rather than external validation or material possessions. A life well-lived isn’t measured by years but by moments. This philosophy encourages us to be present in our daily rituals, whether it’s applying our skincare products mindfully or taking time to savor a quiet moment of self-care. 

5.  "Le secret du style est de se sentir bien dans ce que vous portez." - Inès de la Fressange

“The secret of great style is to feel good in what you wear.”

French model and actress Inès de la Fressange's quote inspires us to redefine our relationship with fashion; true beauty stems from feeling comfortable in your own skin. De La Fressange advocates for authenticity over artificial standards of beauty. The age we have should never limit how we express ourselves. We can truly captivate others with our style when we dress in not only what feels good, but also what brings us joy. Focus on living life to the fullest, pursuing your passions, and savoring moments of wonder and curiosity.

These inspiring quotes remind us that beauty and wellness are about more than external appearances - they’re about cultivating a balanced, joyful approach to life while standing firm in our values. By embracing our individuality, practicing self-love, and prioritizing kindness and compassion, we can create a more authentic, meaningful, and beautiful life. A life with intention, passion, and purpose.

At The French NP, we embrace these timeless French principles by offering treatments that enhance your natural beauty at every stage of life. From our signature facial treatments, to cutting-edge wellness therapies, we aim to help you feel confident and radiant, regardless of the number of candles on your birthday cake. It’s about maintaining and celebrating your unique beauty rather than fighting against time. As you reflect on these quotes and discover your own path to “bien-être” (well-being), take a moment to breathe, relax, and indulge in some much-needed self-care. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.