10 French Quotes to Inspire You in 2025

Although you hopefully had a few bright spots over the past twelve months, 2024 hasn’t been the easiest year, to put it mildly.  And of course, as we get to the end of any year, it can feel exhausting and overwhelming to make bonnes résolutions (New Year’s resolutions).

So, with that in mind, here are ten French quotes to inspire you in 2025. As you’ll see, some might just motivate you to start or keep on going with your goals, while others will hopefully remind you how strong and beautiful you are!

10 inspiring French quotes

Les grands ne sont grands que parce que nous sommes à genoux : levons-nous !

Pierre Victurnien Vernigaud

Translation: Big men are only big because we’re on our knees : rise up!

Cet homme ira loin car il croit tout ce qu'il dit.

Le comte de Mirabeau

Translation: This man will go far because he believes in everything that he says.

The last two quotes date to the French Revolution. There are many famous quotations from this time that might stir you into just the right amount of action (though hopefully not Terreur-level action!) .

So if those aren’t enough, check out the link in this paragraph, or do an online search for “French Revolution quotes”.

Le courage, c'est d'aller à l'idéal et de comprendre le réel.

Jean Jaurès

Translation : Courage means at once reaching for the ideal and understanding reality.

Il y a des jours, des mois, des années interminables où il ne se passe presque rien. Il y a des minutes et des secondes qui contiennent tout un monde.

Jean d'Ormesson

Translation : There are interminable days, months, years, where almost nothing happens. There are minutes and seconds that contain an entire world.

So, don’t let boring or hard times get you down; one of those amazing moments could be coming sooner than you think!

Au milieu de l'hiver, j'ai découvert en moi un invincible été.

Albert Camus

Translation: In the middle of winter, I discovered within me an invincible summer.

Pour réaliser de grandes choses, il faut d'abord rêver.

Coco Chanel

Translation: To achieve great things, we must first dream.

Le beau est toujours bizarre.

Charles Baudelaire

Translation: The beautiful is always bizarre.

This is one of my favorite quotes of all time. It makes us think about how even ideals may contain imperfections, and how “imperfections” can make someone or something unique and beautiful. It’s a great way to look at the world – and also to boost your morale on days when you don’t feel like you look your best!

Le cœur n’a pas de rides.

Madame de Sévigné

Translation: The heart has no wrinkles.

Fort heureusement, chaque réussite est l'échec d'autre chose.

Jacques Prévert

Translation: It’s a very good thing that each success means failing at something else.

Il est grand temps de rallumer les étoiles.

Guillaume Apollinaire

Translation: It’s high time to relight the stars.

I hope you enjoyed these beautiful French quotes. If there are others you love, please share them in the comments below!