Some call France the most romantic place on Earth, and after seeing the women who call the country home, one can’t blame the Frenchmen for being so obsessed with female beauty. Truly, some of the most stunning women to ever grace the face of the planet hail from the Hexagon.

While French woman are incredibly popular the world over, this popularity is not a fad that’s only started recently. Rather, many of these women have been enjoying longing glances from men across the world for years on end. The five following women embody the exquisite beauty that is so representative of the women of France.

1. Jeanne Moreau

While Moreau is no longer part of the elite A-list crowd, this gorgeous actress was once of the most popular leading ladies on screen. Her success first began on the live theatre stage in Paris, and her stellar performances quickly propelled her to new heights as a film actress. While her heyday took place in the 1960s, Moreau is still a fixture on the French cinematic scene, having appeared in films as recently as 2009.

2. Brigitte Bardot

Arguably one of the most recognized stars of France, Brigitte Bardot first hit the scene in 1952, and would later become one of the international sex symbols of the 1960s. After enjoying several years as one of the most popular women in French cinema, Bardot officially retired from show business in 1973. Since that time she has remained a constant fixture in France, and regularly shares her political views with the public. She is also a muse for many artists and fellow models and actresses, all of whom attempt to evoke her unique presence in their own work.

3. Sarah Bernhardt

One of the first true stars of the French movie world, Sarah Bernhardt was a theatre actress who became extremely well-known for her roles in the first silent films in France. Perhaps her best known role was that of Queen Elizabeth in Elisabeth, Reine d’Angleterre, which was released in 1912, and quickly became a huge success both in France and abroad. Her legacy still plays an influential role in French culture today.

4. Miou-Miou

Notorious for her independent spirit and unique look, Miou-Miou, who was nicknamed for the sound of a cat, captured French audiences with her performances on screen, and continues to do so today. Since first becoming popular in the 1970s, she has embodied several different roles on the big screen. In addition to French cinema, she has worked with several international directors.

5. Jane Birkin

British by birth, Jane Birkin is perhaps one of the best known icons of the French art world. Perhaps best known for her association with French singer Sarge Gainsbourg, Birkin has starred in countless films and stage productions, while also releasing recorded material. The celebrated Hermès Birkin bag, which has enjoyed immense popularity across the globe, was designed for her by the company’s executive, Jean-Louis Dumas in 1981.

This Guest post was written by Frederic movie and fashion critic, website builder and freelance writer. Stay tuned for a follow up to this article, featuring the most beautiful British women!