Mère Françoise, known as Grandmother Françoise, is an elderly woman with deep ties to the Paindavoine family, having served as Edmond Paindavoine's childhood nanny. She lives in or near Maraucourt and maintains contact with Edmond's father, Vulfran Paindavoine.

After Perrine arrives in Maraucourt using the alias "Aurelie," Françoise meets her and instantly recognizes Perrine's strong physical resemblance to Edmond, noting shared features like red hair and pale skin. Françoise keeps this observation to herself initially. Later, visiting Vulfran and noticing his growing affection for Aurelie, Françoise explicitly points out the girl's resemblance to Edmond. This remark directly prompts Vulfran to consider Aurelie might be his granddaughter, catalyzing his investigation into her true identity.

Françoise further contextualizes Perrine's devoted care for Vulfran during his grief-induced illness, describing her compassion as angelic and divinely sent. This reinforces Vulfran's resolve to confirm Perrine's lineage and reconcile with her.

Her role is entirely within the main series narrative, with no expanded background or appearances in other adaptations. She functions as a crucial link between Perrine's hidden identity and Vulfran's acceptance, leveraging her historical knowledge of the family.