Away from acting, French media reported that Baye publicly supported action to tackle climate change and reform French assisted dying legislation.
Paying tribute on Saturday, Macron wrote on X: “We loved Nathalie Baye so much. With her voice, her smile and her grace, she has been a constant presence in French cinema over the past few decades, from François Truffaut to Tonie Marshall.
“She was an actress with whom we loved, dreamed and grew up. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”
Culture Minister Catherine Pégard told AFP that Baye had “lit up a long chapter in the history of French cinema with her talent and radiant personality”.
Her family said she had died following a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, a neurodegenerative disease, AFP reported.