The announcement that South Africa's anti-apartheid hero and first black president Nelson Mandela died on Thursday, aged 95, after undergoing intense medical treatment for a lung infection has prompted tributes from across the globe and of course from France.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Thursday paid his respects to Mandela, describing him as "a charismatic giant"

"With Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa has died, the driving force for freedom and for reconciliation," Fabius said in a statement.

In this gallery of iconic images The Local takes a look back at Madiba's long connection with France and how he touched the lives of the French people.

From anti-apartheid activists demanding his release from prison, to adoring crowds gathering to greet him in Paris, and meetings with presidents and sporting heroes, here are some images to commemorate the impact Mandela had in France and among French people.

IN PICTURES: Nelson Mandela and France

VIDEO: See how Mandela and his wife Winnie were greeted on their first trip to France.

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