Beaux-esprits

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Bel-esprit \Bel"-es*prit"\, n.; pl. {Beaux-esprits}. [F., fine
   wit.]
   A fine genius, or man of wit. "A man of letters and a bel
   esprit." --W. Irving.
   [1913 Webster]