[4] Ridden trotting races in France were first held at the Champ de Mars of Paris in 1806.

[4] Initial breeding of what would become the French Trotter was based on the local Carrossier Normand, a forerunner of the Norman Cob; outside influences were from British Hackney, Norfolk Trotter, Yorkshire Coach Horse, Cleveland Bay, Thoroughbred, and half-bred hunter stallions, and later from the American Standardbred.

[2]: 467 [4][5]: 157 A stud-book for the French Trotter was started in 1906; eligibility for registration was determined by performance.

[6] Despite the influence of the American Standardbred, which is predominantly a lateral pacing breed, the French Trotter performs an ordinary diagonal trot.

[3]: 132  It has greater stamina and endurance than the Standardbred; it reaches maturity more slowly, but may have a longer life as a racer.