The 70-year-old singer received the highest public distinction that made him an officer of the Legion of Honour, reported Ace Showbiz.
Upon shaking hands with Hollande and posing for the cameras, McCartney gave a thumb up. Hollande was also joking with McCartney about his favor of The Rolling Stones instead of The Beatles.
McCartney's family attended the event held inside the Elysee Palace in support of him.
Legion of Honour has been given to other celebrities such as actors Clint Eastwood and Robert De Niro, and singers Liza Minnelli and Lenny Kravitz.
McCartney himself has received another high-rank recognition when he was knighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth in March 1997.
