French literature

Literature written in the French language by citizens of other nations such as Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, etc.

One of the first known examples of French literature is the Song of Roland, the first major work in a series of poems known as, "chansons de geste".

In the 18th century, French became the literary lingua franca and diplomatic language of western Europe (and, to a certain degree, in America), and French letters have had a profound impact on all European and American literary traditions while at the same time being heavily influenced by these other national traditions.

Today, French schools emphasize the study of novels, theater and poetry (often learnt by heart).

As of 2022, fifteen French authors have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature which is more than novelists, poets and essayists of any other country.