All the great men of the times were in love with Madame Récamier, who cleverly transformed their amorous intentions into lasting friendships. These men were of all origins, ranks of society and political opinions. The only one who seems to have reacted badly to her gentle refusal was Napoleon Bonaparte, who forced her into exile.

Below is a list of suitors and friends:
Adrien de Montmorency, Matthieu de Montmorency, Lucien Bonaparte, Monsieur de la Harpe, Camille Jordan, Benjamin Constant, Pierre-Simon Ballanche, Paul de Noailles, Auguste de Staël, the Duke of Wellington, Antonio Canova, Prosper de Barantes, Paul François Jean Nicolas viscount of Barras, Eugène de Beauharnais, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, Joachim Murat.