A native of France, Professor Sarde received the doctorate in modern literature at the University of Paris, Sorbonne. A Professor of French, she teaches courses in Women's Studies, Twentieth Century French literature, and French culture. She has also written or edited several books on Colette, Marguerite Yourcenar, and other distinguished female French writers. She also writes and lectures on contemporary French culture. In 1989, Professor Sarde was co-director of the conference on communication and the media in contemporary French culture, which was held during the Georgetown University Bicentennial.

A novelist as well, Professor Sarde was nominated in 1991 for the Prix Goncourt for her novel Histoire d'Eurydice pendant la remontée. Other honors and award include the Prix de l'Academie Francaise and the Prix de l'Academie des Science Morales et Politique.