[1] The initial presence of Hindus in France dates to the early 1700s and primarily consisted of sailors and servants, who eventually converted to Christianity.

The Hindu population remained small until the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which reduced the travel time between India and Europe.

Thereafter, as Indian dancers, musicians, and yogis began to migrate to France, the Hindu population slowly grew.

Businessmen, students, and intellectuals began to migrate and settle in Paris.

For the same reason, Gujaratis, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis, many of whom practiced Hinduism, settled in France.

[4][5] French people who were influenced by Hinduism include : Alexandra David-Néel, René Guénon, Mirra Richard, Romain Rolland, Satprem, François Gautier, Voltaire.