A salonnière is a woman who hosts and organizes social gatherings known as salons, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. These salons were spaces for intellectual discussion, artistic expression, and cultural exchange, often attended by writers, philosophers, and artists. The salon provided a platform for the sharing of ideas and the promotion of literature and the arts. The role of a salonnière was significant in shaping social and cultural life during this period. Notable salonnières, such as Germaine de Staël and Madame de Pompadour, played crucial roles in fostering connections among influential figures, thereby impacting the development of Enlightenment thought and the arts.