The present article highlights the problem of translation as creativity in the writings of French translators of the 17th century. The analysis of the traductologic texts of the classicism era allowed to establish two directions in conceptualization of the creative aspect of the translator’s work. Translators who grouped around the newly formed French Academy, in particular Perrot d’Ablancourt and supporters of translations of the genre les belles infidèles, equate the work of the translator with the work of the author and see his task in giving a new real creation of the receiving literature. However, due to the uncertainty of the limits of creative freedom of the translator, their translation practice rather compromised the very idea of creativity in translation. The second and more moderate direction, represented by translators from Port-Royal, is also oriented to the receiving language and culture. The translator is also considered a full-fledged author and must create a real work, but his freedom is limited by the text of the original, differences in language and culture, the rules of translation. The problems of translation creativity, which was discussed in the traduсtological texts of classicism, includes: role of translator and author, their rivalry, choice between literal and free translation, restriction of translator’s freedom, etc.