Born in Constantine in Algeria, she is the daughter of an actress, Jeannine Hneryamé, and of a general, Général Arnoul, also a playwright under the name of Jacques Mirouse.

Studied classical dance in Morocco.

Her mother, born Janine Gradwhol, was an actress before her marriage under the pseudonym of Janine Henry. She made sure Françoise had all the artistic education needed to become an actress.

After studying drama in Paris, she was noticed by director Willy Rozier, who offered her a major role in the film L'Épave (1949).

She published her autobiography entitled Animal doué de bonheur in 1995.