Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed a "new start" in relations with France as he met President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, after an acrimonious row between the countries over a submarine contract last year.

"My presence here represents a new start for our countries' relationship," Mr Albanese said after arriving at the Élysée Palace.

"Australia's relationship with France matters. Trust, respect and honesty matter. This is how I will approach my relations."

The Prime Minister had already been speaking to Mr Macron on the sidelines of the NATO summit, but Friday's working lunch was the first one-on-one between the leaders.

Mr Macron said Mr Albanese's recent election and the first conversations between the pair "mark a willingness to rebuild a relationship of trust between our two countries, a relationship based on mutual respect".

After acknowledging "difficult times", Mr Macron emphasised the two countries' strategic partnership, their shared war history in Europe and their joint interests in stability in the Pacific region.

The statements, which followed a warm greeting between the two men and their partners in the courtyard of the presidential palace, mark a sea change in ties since the departure of former prime minister Scott Morrison.

Ties between Paris and Canberra plummeted after Mr Morrison tore up the submarine deal with France's Naval Group last year.

He opted for US or British nuclear-powered alternatives as part of a landmark security agreement — the trilateral AUKUS alliance — with Washington and London.

The switch caused fury in Paris, with Mr Macron accusing Mr Morrison of lying about the future of the contract worth $90 billion.

France also recalled its ambassador to the US — its historic ally — in an unprecedented move.

In March, defence officials revealed the federal government could pay more than $5 billion to France to end the deal.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.

Watch

Duration: 2 minutes 41 seconds2m 41s

Away from Friday's meeting, Mr Albanese and his team had also focused on the matter of free trade agreements with their European counterparts, which were also derailed by the Morrison government's stance on climate change.

"Every leader who I've met over recent days has indicated a welcoming of Australia's changed position," Mr Albanese said.

The Albanese government has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent on 2005 levels, an increase on the 26 to 28 per cent reduction promised by the Morrison government.

AFP/Reuters/ABC