The 73-year-old 'Yellow Submarine' hitmaker was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) in a ceremony held in Monaco, reported Daily Express.
The drummer was handed the award by France's ambassador to Monaco, Hugues Moret.
"I am a drummer, but I can do other things. Like painting, living, breathing," Starr said.
Past recipient of the medal includes names like Sean Connery, Bono and David Bowie.