This chapter explores the writings of two French travellers to Egypt: Claude Ethienne Savary and Constantin Volney. It examines their backgrounds and their portrayals of Egypt, analyzing the image of the country that emerged from their works. The chapter argues that the writings of Volney and Savary became, whether intentionally or not, ideologically charged guides to action. In Volney’s case, this was not the original aim, yet his work was later read through that lens. At the same time, these texts helped reproduce and reinforce stereotypes about the Orient among a broad European readership. The chapter also discusses Charles Sonnini’s account, published during Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt, which reflected the contradiction between revolutionary ideals and the violent methods of French colonial conquest.