French astronomy has a rich history, beginning in the Middle Ages and flourishing during the Renaissance. Notable figures include Nicolas Copernicus, who proposed a heliocentric model, and Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who supported scientific endeavors. The establishment of the Paris Observatory in 1667 marked a significant advancement, becoming a center for astronomical research. In the 19th century, French astronomers like Pierre-Simon Laplace and Henri Poincaré made important contributions to celestial mechanics and dynamical systems. The 20th century saw the development of modern astrophysics, with institutions like the Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris leading research in cosmology and stellar evolution.