Paris, France, will host the 2024 Summer Olympics from July 26th to August 11th. That gives us cultured otaku just a month to prepare. Our game plan is simple: We watch great anime shows set in France. Let’s specifically take in beautiful French architecture. The French skyline was a highlight for Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed: Unity and the anime cutscenes from Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus. Carmelita Fox looked so fine by the Eiffel Tower. Things also look great in that Ladybug & Cat Noir anime preview video, but that went nowhere. The Parisian buildings — old and new — tell their own stories in these anime series. Now, let’s make a French connection!
1. The Case Study of Vanitas
The Case Study of Vanitas takes place in 19th-century Paris. Despite the vampire and steampunk aesthetics, the native French architecture stands true. Viewers can see the darkened Parisian streets in one moment and winter forests the next. Seeing vampires in churches will always be fun. Vanitas and Noé travel around this fantastical Paris, trying to cure sick vampires while evading the traditional vampires who despise their methods.
Jun Mochizuki began releasing the original The Case Study of Vanitas manga series on December 22nd, 2015. Square Enix has since published eleven volumes in Monthly Gangan Joker. Studio Bones’ anime adaptation premiered on July 3rd, 2021.
2. Maria the Virgin Witch
Maria the Virgin Witch happens during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453). The anime gives its heated battles between France and England a magical and fantastical element. Viewers can see ancient France in anime. The villages made of wood and stone, the magnificent churches, and the French knights waging pitched battles against the British are eye candy for history buffs. Maria and her succubus Artemis travel this war-torn France using their skills to bring some measure of peace to the French people.
Joe has written extensive reviews of Maria the Virgin Witch.
Masayuki Ishikawa released the original Maria the Virgin Witch manga series from November 7th, 2008, to July 5th, 2013. Kodansha published all three volumes in Good! Afternoon. Production I.G’s anime adaptation premiered on January 11th, 2015.
3. Noir
Noir is set in modern-day France, but its legends are quite ancient. Mireille Bouquet is a Corsican woman joined by the cute amnesiac Japanese girl in Paris. They team up to uncover a conspiracy involving the Les Soldats organization. Some of their fights occur in Paris, but the show takes viewers to a medieval setting for major revelations regarding the organization.
Koichi Mashimo, Ryoe Tsukimura, and Shigeru Kitayama created the Noir anime series for Bee Train. The series premiered on April 6th, 2001.
4. The Rose of Versailles
The Rose of Versailles happened before and during the French Revolution (1789–1799). Oscar François de Jarjayes is the Royal Guard at the Palace of Versailles, so viewers can see plenty of that famous place. Marie Antoinette is the main character, so we should expect palaces and other places of wealth. Besides famous French architecture, the show explores Parisian culture and the events leading to the French Revolution. Oscar leaves her post out of sympathy for her people when the French coffers empty out because of Marie’s frivolous spending.
Riyoko Ikeda released her original The Rose of Versailles manga series between May 21st, 1972, and December 23rd, 1973. The series continued from April 20th, 2013, to February 5th, 2018. Shueisha published all fourteen volumes in Margaret. TMS Entertainment’s anime adaptation premiered on October 10th, 1979.
5. Sakura Taisen: École de Paris
Sakura Taisen: École de Paris takes place in 1926 Paris. Demonic forces are stalking the streets of Paris, and five girls unite to protect the city. They form the Paris Combat Revue and use the Le Chattes Noires nightclub as a cover. Viewers interested in waterways should know that one of their hit songs mentions the Seine River. Beyond that, the 1920s Paris shown here is a sight. The antiquated devices and structures will satisfy history buffs who don’t look too far into the past.
Ayako Kiryu and Hitoyuki Matsui worked on this OVA as an adaptation of Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning?. Radix Ace Entertainment and Overworks released the first episode on March 19th, 2003.
6. Croisée in a Foreign Labyrinth
There had to be one slice-of-life anime set in France. Croisée in a Foreign Labyrinth takes place during the late 1800s in Paris. Oscar Claudel visited Japan just as Japanese culture took off in the West. He returned with Yune in tow to help him at the Enseignes du Roy, his metalwork shop. Viewers can see 1800s Paris through the eyes of a foreigner as Claude takes her around the city. She’ll get to see grand places such as Notre Dame.
Hinata Takeda released the original Croisée in a Foreign Labyrinth manga series between June 29th, 2006, and sometime in 2011. The series ended due to the mangaka’s death in January 2017. Fujimi Shobo published both volumes in Dragon Age Pure and Monthly Dragon Age. Satelight’s anime adaptation premiered on July 4th, 2011.
7. Le Chevalier D’Eon
Le Chevalier D’Eon starts in Paris in 1742. Lia de Beaumont’s murder sets in motion a tale of tragedy. Her brother D’Eon de Beaumont is a knight under Louis XV. He leads a band to discover the circumstances of her death and the meaning behind the word “psalms” on her casket as it drifted in the Seine. Le Chevalier D’Eon presents a darker and grittier Paris because, according to the writer, people live in a state of “contradiction.” Beauty and darkness make up each tall and proud building.
Kazuhiro Furuhashi and Katsuji Morishita worked with Tow Ubukata to create the Le Chevalier D’Eon anime series. Production I.G aired the first episode on August 19th, 2006.
What do you think of these anime series set in France? Would you recommend other anime series for a similar list? Are you looking forward to the Paris Olympics? Let us know in the comments below.
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You can’t talk about France without mentioning the French maids. The Belfast 1/7 Figure from Azur Lane is available for purchase right now.
