This article is focused on the conduct of French cultural diplomacy and its reliance on smooth functioning of governmental institutions. It is aimed to indicate rather clearly in what ways cultural diplomacy, often perceived as an intriguing phenomenon, might become of vital importance in spreading cultural values and gaining more political influence globally as well as locally. Willing to set proper limitations to the scope of the analysis, this article will be devoted to the practical appraisal of basic principles that have laid a sound foundation for the cultural diplomacy of France. In this context, special attention will also be paid to governmental institutions currently involved in the process of making strategic decisions and eager to ensure the effective implementation of French cultural diplomacy abroad.