As they approach France, Martin recalls his voyages there, stating that half the French are lunatics or “simple-minded” (58), while the others are “too cunning by half” (58), only cultivating their wit. He proclaims that the French have three intentions: making love, spreading scandal, and talking nonsense. His visit to Paris resulted in being robbed by a pickpocket, then being taken for a thief and imprisoned, followed by a job as a printer’s proofreader to earn his return to Holland. In publishing he met “all sorts of rabble” (58). Candide has no interest in France, and just wants to return to Madame Cunégonde, and he invites Martin to join him on his travels to Venice. They discuss the origins and purpose of the universe, and the nature of man. Martin contends that men have always been “liars, cheats, traitors,” (59) and more, believing vice is as inherent to man as the wild nature of a hawk. But Candide counters with the idea of “free will” (59) as they arrive in Bordeaux. 

In Bordeaux, Candide sells some gems to equip the next leg of his journey. He leaves his sheep with the Academy of Science of Bordeaux, which holds a contest to determine “Why is the wool of this sheep red?” (59).