A sightseer who bravely tried to fend off a knifeman as he hacked at toddlers during a rampage in a French park has been a hailed a hero.

Known only by his first name, Henri, he was filmed bravely chasing the attacker and waving his rucksack at him in a bid to keep him away from the children.

The 24-year-old was travelling around France visiting various towns and historic sites like cathedrals when the attack happened.

He told French news outlet Cnews: ‘What I know is that I was not there by chance. On my Chemins des Cathedrales (cathedral tour) I crossed paths with this man. I reacted instinctively. I did not think.

‘To me, it was unthinkable not to do anything. I reacted how every French person should. Which means, I followed my instinct and did everything I could to protect the weak.’

Photos show how Henri got to meet President Emmanuel Macron after his heroic actions in the Alps.

Henri was travelling around France at the time of the attack (Picture: Reuters)

Henri met President Macron after he was hailed as a hero for intervening in the attack (Picture: Reuters)

Henri can be seen chasing the knifeman during the attack in Annecy, France (Picture: Twitter)

In videos Henri is shown to be wearing a rucksack on his back and carrying another bag.

The attacker tries to slash him with a knife as he chases after him, and Henri waves the bag he is carrying at the knifeman.

In another video Henri, wearing dark grey trousers and a dark-coloured t-shirt is seen chasing the attacker across some grass in the park.

Translated to English, the student posted to his Instagram story on Thursday evening: ‘Thank you for all your messages of support!

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‘My thoughts are with the victims and their parents.

‘I hope that they will get through this.

‘The adventure does not stop.

‘We will meet again soon.’

Hundreds of people flooded his Instagram and Facebook comments to thank him for his efforts and call him a hero.

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The knifeman tried to slash the man with a blade as he chased him.