Louis Français was born in the Vosges and worked as a stained glass artist in Choisy-le-Roy at the age of 15. He then joined the workshop of the painter and engraver Jean Gigoux, where he learned various printing techniques. Together with his teacher and other artists, Français produced numerous book illustrations and lithographs. In 1834, Français went to Barbizon, where he became a pupil of Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot. With him, Gustave Courbet and other artists, Français travelled regularly, including to Italy, Switzerland and within France. From 1875, he lived in Paris. He painted mainly landscapes, but also some portraits and frescoes for public buildings. He also designed tapestries and decorations for ceramics. In 1855, Français was admitted to the Académie des Beaux-Arts. In 1878, he won a gold medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris.