Intrepid Women.

http://www.cantinieres.com/

I recommend Thomas Cardoza's book on the subject.  If you are a war gamer or miniature collector, you may want to include a vivandiere with your French forces. Mr. Cardoza's book documents the presence of these women with the French army from the Royal Army to the Armies of 2nd Empire. A number of the accounts of real women involved in combat because of the close proximity to their units would make great dioramas if not a movie!