Indeed, I grew up watching their films, especially Traffaut and Malle. And I love Cocteau.
And Buñuel should really be in there too, because even though he was Spanish, his work really didn't come into its freest expression until he moved to Paris, where he had not only better access to film equipment and financing, but to willing and appreciative audiences.
And without the surrealist movement that gained its foothold in France, many directors worldwide would likely be making far different films. David Lynch immediately leaps to mind.