The expansive anime universe offers many tales with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver outstanding and memorable experiences. Those types of anime typically contain well-written storylines, characters, and events that will excite people more.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best anime set in France. From thought-provoking thrillers to entertaining dramas, you’ll be surprised by the number of incredible shows set in this locale.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them when we can!
Sakura Taisen: Ecole de Paris
Sakura Taisen: Ecole de Paris is a great series that beautifully captures the essence of French culture, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the charming atmosphere and picturesque scenery of the City of Light. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to bustling streets, the anime staff did their best to depict the French capital in a great light.
Our story follows Ichiro as he joins the Paris Floral Brigade, a group of supernaturally-powered women who fight unspeakable threats. These characters have relatable struggles and receive great development throughout the series. As the Paris Floral Brigade battles against evil forces, viewers embark on an exhilarating adventure with heartwarming moments.
On top of having stunning animation that captures France’s magnificence, Sakura Taisen: Ecole de Paris is a must-watch for fans of romance, action, and French culture.
Ikoku Meiro no Croisée The Animation
This anime offers a delightful look at 19th-century Paris. It encapsulates the essence of French culture, showcasing the intricate beauty of the city’s architecture, fashion, and social dynamics. The staff put in a lot of time to create this area’s historical setting, immersing people in Paris’s idealized atmosphere and giving them an authentic experience on top of it all.
The story revolves around Yune, a young Japanese girl who finds herself working at a traditional French metalworking shop. Through her eyes, viewers witness the clash and eventual harmony of Japanese and French cultures. The characters from both nations are beautifully developed, with their distinct personalities and struggles to add to the story’s depth.
Many viewers will find this anime’s story engaging and heartwarming. It examines the cultural differences between Japan and France, explores aspects of friendship and romance, and maintains a lighthearted tone throughout its run.
If you’re looking for an anime set in France that’s riveting and heartfelt, check out Ikoku Meiro no Croisée The Animation.
Maria the Virgin Witch
Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette
Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette is an anime set in 19th-century France and is based on a beloved novel by Victor Hugo. Our tale follows Cosette, an orphaned girl who is taken in by the kind-hearted Jean Valjean.
This anime captures the heart of France during this specific period, depicting the social unrest, political turmoil, and lives of impoverished citizens. From Paris’s lovely architecture to its dramatic countryside, the series captures this period’s version of France and transports viewers to an era lost to time.
Nippon Animation did a splendid job of capturing the period’s clothing, lifestyle, and societal norms. It helps give the series authenticity and gives viewers a glimpse of what life was like in France at the time.
On top of having wonderful characters and gorgeous visuals, Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette offers a moving and immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Le Chevalier D’Eon
Le Chevalier D’Eon delivers a riveting narrative with historical events, supernatural aspects, and complex characters. It’s set in 18th-century France and follows a skilled diplomat and spy named Charles. He spends his time investigating strange occurrences surrounding people who are politically overpowered.
As he delves deeper into the problems these figures involve themselves in, Charles becomes embroiled in a conspiracy. He discovers secrets that intertwine with his own personal experiences, leading to some shocking twists ahead. As such, fans can expect the story to unravel pieces of Charles’s past and purpose over time. This makes his development feel genuine and less contrived.
This anime’s depiction of France is visually stunning. It captures aspects of the period’s royal court, fashion, and historical landmarks. Like Maria the Virgin Witch, Le Chevalier D’Eon shows how dedicated the staff at Production I.G. are to creating authentic and visually immersive settings.
This is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and supernatural mysteries.
Noir
Noir is a remarkable anime series that embraces France. It uses it as a backdrop for an exhilarating narrative that’ll interest audiences. This tale follows two assassins named Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura, as they unravel the mysteries of their shared pasts. France adds a sense of elegance, sophistication, and historical richness to Noir’s narrative.
From its stunning details to its fluid animation, Studio Bee Train brought France’s landscapes to life. Further, the series pays homage to French culture and history. It includes aspects of France’s literature, art, and music. From its cast’s names to the references it makes to famous works like “Les Miserables,” it creates an enriching experience for audience members.
On top of having a nice blend of action and thrills, Noir promises viewers will walk away from it pleased.
Nodame Cantabile: Paris-hen
Nodame Cantabile: Paris-hen is a remarkable anime series that not only showcases France’s beauty, but it captures its culture and music’s soul well. Our story examines the lives of Shinichi and Megumi. They’re talented individuals who aspire to become renowned musicians. Like others listed here, this anime uses France as a backdrop, but it becomes one of the story’s integral focuses later.
J.C. Staff incorporated excellent details that will please many French viewers. From the anime’s picturesque Paris streets to its incorporation of iconic landmarks like the Eifel Tower, the series captures this city’s attractiveness and personality.
In the anime, the characters visit many French establishments and eat meals you’d find in France. These small scenarios add to the story’s depth and assist in immersing viewers in the world. Give this a watch if you love music-themed anime set in France.
The Rose of Versailles
The Rose of Versailles is a deep, compelling work. It takes place during the turbulent period of the French Revolution and delivers a captivating journey through French history and culture. It’s set in the Grand Palace of Versailles and follows Oscar. She’s chosen to serve as Marie’s Royal Guard and develops many internal issues fans will empathize with.
One of its greatest strengths lies in its historical accuracy and details. The anime captures the grandiose aspects of Versailles, complete with its extravagant architecture, elegant costumes, and intricate interior designs. You’ll feel as if you’ve teleported back in the past after gazing at the lovely details Studio Tokyo Movie Shinsha put into this manga’s adaptation.
In addition to it recreating the era’s complex power dynamics and societal issues, The Rose of Versailles is a well-crafted drama many should watch.
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Count of Monte Cristo is an enchanting anime that transports viewers to 19th-century France. With its richly detailed interpretation of French society and its intricate plot, this adaptation has all it needs to hold your attention.
This revenge-themed narrative recreates France’s atmosphere and aesthetic through its sprawling cities and prosperous estates. Further, the characters wear costumes that fit with the period and visit buildings with architecture reminiscent of those found at the time. The French setting plays an important role in developing our cast and their motives. The clash between society’s rugged lifestyles and the aristocracy’s lavish ones is the driving force behind our protagonist’s justice-seeking endeavors in this tale.
This is a must-watch for those who like watching anime with an introspective approach.
Gosick
Gosick is a fantastic anime that transports audiences to the enchanting setting of 1920s France. It has an intricate plot, a memorable cast, and a nice mix of mystery and romance elements. Studio Bones did a fabulous job capturing the atmosphere of 1920s France. From the setting’s incredible fashion sense to its cultural references, every aspect of France is depicted well here.
The French setting not only adds visual appeal but it shapes Gosick’s plot and development. Characters endure harsh challenges due to the anime taking place during France’s interwar period. This results in a world with enough tension and turmoil to pull viewers into it.
If you’re craving a spectacular mystery series set in France, check out Gosick.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime in France through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!