French civic exam 2026: official questions, answers and PDF (naturalisation)

Answer: Sur le fronton des mairies et des écoles publiquesOn the front of town halls and state schools

The motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” is engraved on many public buildings, such as town halls and schools.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l’Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: La solidarité et l’entraide entre les personnesSolidarity and mutual help between people

Fraternity means solidarity between people. The Constitutional Council made it a principle: one may help others for humanitarian purposes.

Source: Conseil constitutionnel, décision n° 2018-717/718 QPC du 6 juillet 2018Question page →

Answer: Liberté, Égalité, FraternitéLiberty, Equality, Fraternity

The motto of the Republic, written in the Constitution, is “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 2Question page →

Answer: La séparation de l’État et des religionsThe separation of the State and religions

Secularism separates the State and religions. The State is neutral and everyone is free to believe or not to believe.

Source: Loi du 9 décembre 1905, articles 1er et 2Question page →

Answer: Le jour de gloire est arrivé !Le jour de gloire est arrivé ! (The day of glory has arrived!)

The first verse of La Marseillaise begins: “Arise, children of the Fatherland, the day of glory has arrived!”

Source: La Marseillaise (Rouget de Lisle, 1792) – Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 2Question page →

Answer: Non, c’est puni par la loiNo, it is punishable by law

Burning or damaging the tricolour flag in public to insult it is punished by a fine. It is more serious during an official ceremony.

Source: Code pénal, articles 433-5-1 et R645-15Question page →

Answer: Le droit de créer une association ou d’y adhérer librementThe right to set up or join an association freely

Everyone may freely create, join or leave an association. No prior authorisation is needed.

Source: Loi du 1er juillet 1901 relative au contrat d’association, article 2Question page →

Answer: Sur les timbres-poste françaisOn French postage stamps

Marianne appears on French stamps, on some euro coins and on the logo of State administrations.

Source: elysee.fr – Les symboles de la RépubliqueQuestion page →

Answer: Tous les citoyens ont les mêmes droits et les mêmes devoirsAll citizens have the same rights and the same duties

Equality means that the law is the same for everyone, without distinction of origin, religion or sex.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 1erQuestion page →

Answer: 19051905

The law separating the Churches and the State dates from 9 December 1905. It is the foundation of secularism.

Source: Loi du 9 décembre 1905 concernant la séparation des Églises et de l’ÉtatQuestion page →

Answer: L’État ne favorise aucune religionThe State favours no religion

The Republic does not recognise, pay or subsidise any religion. It treats all beliefs in the same way.

Source: Loi du 9 décembre 1905, article 2Question page →

Answer: Être reçu et traité comme tous les autres usagersBe received and treated like all other users

Public servants must treat all users equally. A user cannot choose an official based on their sex or religion.

Source: Code général de la fonction publique, article L121-2Question page →

Answer: La liberté de conscience et la neutralité de l’ÉtatFreedom of conscience and the neutrality of the State

Secularism guarantees everyone the freedom to believe or not to believe. The State remains neutral towards all religions.

Source: Loi du 9 décembre 1905, articles 1er et 2Question page →

Answer: La France est une République indivisible, laïque, démocratique et socialeFrance is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic

Article 1 also says that the Republic ensures equality of all before the law and respects all beliefs.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 1erQuestion page →

Answer: Des questions sur ses compétences et son expérience professionnelleQuestions about their skills and professional experience

Questions must be directly linked to the job. Asking about religion, opinions or family plans is discriminatory.

Source: Code du travail, article L1221-6Question page →

Answer: Une obligation chaque annéeAn obligation every year

Every year, people whose tax residence is in France must declare their income, even if it is low.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Déclaration de revenusQuestion page →

Answer: Ils financent des services publics comme l'école, la police et la justiceThey fund public services such as schools, the police and the justice system

Taxes are a common contribution. They pay for public services that benefit everyone: schools, police, justice, roads.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 13Question page →

Answer: Une liberté fondamentale encadrée par la loi du 1er juillet 1901A fundamental freedom governed by the law of 1 July 1901

Under the 1901 law, anyone, French or foreign, can today freely create or join an association, without authorisation.

Source: Loi du 1er juillet 1901 relative au contrat d'associationQuestion page →

Answer: Garantie, mais limitée par la loi (injures, appels à la haine)Guaranteed, but limited by law (insults, incitement to hatred)

People can express themselves freely online, but the law punishes insults, defamation and incitement to hatred, as it does elsewhere.

Source: Loi du 29 juillet 1881 sur la liberté de la presseQuestion page →

Answer: MarianneMarianne

Marianne is a female figure who represents the French Republic. Her bust is displayed in town halls.

Source: elysee.fr – Les symboles de la RépubliqueQuestion page →

Answer: Le drapeau bleu, blanc, rougeThe blue, white and red flag

The Constitution makes the blue, white and red tricolour flag the national emblem. The lily, crown and eagle come from the monarchy or the Empire.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 2Question page →

Answer: Le drapeau tricolore, La Marseillaise et la devise de la RépubliqueThe tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto of the Republic

Article 2 of the Constitution names the tricolour flag, the anthem La Marseillaise and the motto "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity".

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 2Question page →

Answer: En 1945In 1945

Social security was created by the ordinances of October 1945, just after the Second World War.

Source: Ordonnance du 4 octobre 1945 portant organisation de la sécurité socialeQuestion page →

Answer: La prise de la Bastille (1789) et la fête de la Fédération (1790)The storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790)

14 July recalls the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Festival of the Federation in 1790, a symbol of national unity.

Source: Loi du 6 juillet 1880 ; elysee.fr – Le 14 juilletQuestion page →

Answer: Un bonnet phrygienA Phrygian cap

Marianne wears the Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty worn by the revolutionaries of 1789.

Source: elysee.fr – Les symboles de la République (Marianne)Question page →

Answer: Le coq gauloisThe Gallic rooster

The rooster is a symbol of France, widely used by sports teams. It appears on the French national team's jersey.

Source: elysee.fr – Les symboles de la République (le coq)Question page →

Answer: Le droit de faire tout ce qui ne nuit pas aux autresThe right to do anything that does not harm others

According to Article 4 of the 1789 Declaration, liberty means being able to do anything that does not harm others. Its limits are set by law.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 4Question page →

Answer: Oui, la liberté de religion inclut le droit d'en changerYes, freedom of religion includes the right to change it

Freedom of conscience allows people to believe, not to believe or to change religion. It is a free, personal choice.

Source: Convention européenne des droits de l'homme, article 9Question page →

Answer: Des services d'aumônerie dans les prisons et les hôpitauxChaplaincy services in prisons and hospitals

The 1905 law forbids subsidising religions, but allows paying for chaplaincies so that worship is possible in prisons or hospitals.

Source: Loi du 9 décembre 1905 concernant la séparation des Églises et de l'État, article 2Question page →

Answer: Elle sépare les Églises et l'ÉtatIt separates the Churches and the State

The 1905 law guarantees freedom of conscience and separates the Churches and the State: the Republic does not recognise, pay or subsidise any religion.

Source: Loi du 9 décembre 1905 concernant la séparation des Églises et de l'État, articles 1 et 2Question page →

Answer: Le 9 décembre9 December

Secularism is celebrated on 9 December, the anniversary of the law of 9 December 1905 separating the Churches and the State.

Source: education.gouv.fr – Journée de la laïcité (9 décembre)Question page →

Answer: Un petit pendentif religieux discretA small, discreet religious pendant

Since 2004, pupils in public schools may not wear conspicuous religious symbols. Discreet symbols are still allowed.

Source: Code de l'éducation, article L141-5-1 (loi du 15 mars 2004)Question page →

Answer: L'antisémitismeAntisemitism

Antisemitism means hatred of or prejudice against Jews. Antisemitic remarks and acts are punished by law.

Source: DILCRAH (Délégation interministérielle à la lutte contre le racisme, l'antisémitisme et la haine anti-LGBT)Question page →

Answer: La loi du 9 décembre 1905The law of 9 December 1905

The law of 9 December 1905 is the founding text of secularism. It ended the Concordat of 1801.

Source: Loi du 9 décembre 1905 concernant la séparation des Églises et de l'ÉtatQuestion page →

Answer: L'école publiqueThe state school

The Republic is secular: the State and public services, such as state schools, must remain neutral towards all religions.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 1erQuestion page →

Answer: Expliquer aux élèves le sens et les règles de la laïcitéExplain the meaning and rules of secularism to pupils

Displayed in public schools since 2013, the charter explains secularism, its rules and the freedoms it guarantees to pupils.

Source: Charte de la laïcité à l'École (ministère de l'Éducation nationale, 2013)Question page →

Answer: Les agents du service public dans leur travailPublic service staff in their work

Public servants must be neutral: they do not show their religious opinions at work and treat all users in the same way.

Source: Code général de la fonction publique, article L121-2Question page →

Answer: Elle est athéeThey are an atheist

An atheist does not believe in any god. In France, freedom of conscience also protects the right not to believe.

Source: Dictionnaire de l'Académie française – athéeQuestion page →

Answer: Indivisible, laïque, démocratique et socialeIndivisible, secular, democratic and social

Article 1 of the Constitution says: “France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic.”

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 1erQuestion page →

Answer: Non, la loi s’impose à tousNo, the law applies to everyone

The law is the same for everyone and everyone must respect it. One may criticise it or seek to change it, but not disobey it.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l’homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 6Question page →

Answer: Les députésMembers of the National Assembly (députés)

Legislative elections are used to elect the members of the National Assembly, by direct universal suffrage.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 24Question page →

Answer: Les conseillers municipaux, qui élisent ensuite le maireMunicipal councillors, who then elect the mayor

In municipal elections, voters elect the municipal councillors. The council then elects the mayor from among its members.

Source: Code général des collectivités territoriales, article L2122-4Question page →

Answer: Le pouvoir législatif, le pouvoir exécutif et le pouvoir judiciaireLegislative power, executive power and judicial power

The three powers are: legislative (making laws), executive (applying them) and judicial (judging).

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 16Question page →

Answer: La justice (un tribunal)The justice system (a court)

It is not up to the victim to punish: theft is punished by the justice system. Generally, a court tries the offender and decides the penalty. For a theft of €300 or less, a fixed fine can also be imposed without a trial.

Source: Code pénal, article 311-3Question page →

Answer: Le ParlementParliament

Parliament, that is the National Assembly and the Senate, votes on laws.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 24Question page →

Answer: 101101

France has 101 departments: 96 in mainland France and 5 overseas.

Source: INSEE – Code officiel géographiqueQuestion page →

Answer: Le préfetThe prefect (préfet)

The prefect represents the State and the Government in the department. He or she is appointed by the President of the Republic.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 72Question page →

Answer: 2727

On 1 January 2025, the European Union had 27 member states, since the United Kingdom left in 2020.

Source: europa.eu – Pays de l'Union européenneQuestion page →

Answer: Les citoyens européens, au suffrage universel directEuropean citizens, by direct universal suffrage

Since 1979, Members of the European Parliament have been elected directly by the citizens of the European Union.

Source: Traité sur l'Union européenne, article 14Question page →

Answer: Un État où tous, y compris les dirigeants, doivent respecter la loiA State where everyone, including those in power, must respect the law

In a State governed by the rule of law, everyone respects the law, even the State and its leaders. Independent judges ensure this.

Source: vie-publique.fr – Qu'est-ce que l'État de droit ?Question page →

Answer: Le Premier ministreThe Prime Minister

According to the Constitution, the Prime Minister directs the Government's action.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 21Question page →

Answer: Veiller au respect de la Constitution et garantir l'indépendance nationaleEnsuring that the Constitution is respected and guaranteeing national independence

The President ensures that the Constitution is respected. He ensures the proper functioning of institutions and guarantees national independence.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 5Question page →

Answer: Diriger l'action du GouvernementDirecting the Government’s action

The Prime Minister directs the Government's action. He coordinates the ministers' work and ensures laws are carried out.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 21Question page →

Answer: Défendre les droits des personnes face aux administrations et aux discriminationsDefending people’s rights in dealings with public services and against discrimination

The Defender of Rights is an independent authority. It helps people free of charge with problems involving a public service or discrimination.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 71-1Question page →

Answer: Le traité de MaastrichtThe Maastricht Treaty

The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, created the European Union. The other treaties have nothing to do with building it.

Source: Traité sur l'Union européenne (traité de Maastricht, 1992)Question page →

Answer: Le Royaume-UniThe United Kingdom

The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020. This is "Brexit".

Source: Traité sur l'Union européenne, article 50Question page →

Answer: « Unie dans la diversité »“United in diversity”

The EU motto is "United in diversity". "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" is the motto of France.

Source: europa.eu – Les symboles de l'UEQuestion page →

Answer: L'Ode à la joie de BeethovenBeethoven’s Ode to Joy

The European anthem is the Ode to Joy, from Beethoven's 9th Symphony. La Marseillaise is the anthem of France.

Source: europa.eu – Les symboles de l'UEQuestion page →

Answer: Un cercle de 12 étoiles dorées sur fond bleuA circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background

The European flag shows a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background. The number 12 symbolises unity, not the number of countries.

Source: europa.eu – Les symboles de l'UEQuestion page →

Answer: 19921992

The Maastricht Treaty was signed on 7 February 1992. It entered into force on 1 November 1993.

Source: Traité sur l'Union européenne (traité de Maastricht, 1992)Question page →

Answer: À StrasbourgIn Strasbourg

The official seat of the European Parliament is in Strasbourg, France. Some meetings also take place in Brussels.

Source: Traités de l'Union européenne, protocole n° 6 sur la fixation des sièges des institutionsQuestion page →

Answer: À BruxellesIn Brussels

The European Commission has its seat in Brussels, Belgium.

Source: Traités de l'Union européenne, protocole n° 6 sur la fixation des sièges des institutionsQuestion page →

Answer: Il est nommé par le Président de la RépubliqueThey are appointed by the President of the Republic

Under Article 8 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President of the Republic. He or she is not elected.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 8Question page →

Answer: Un Français d'au moins 18 ans ayant 500 parrainages d'élusA French citizen aged at least 18 with 500 sponsorships from elected officials

To be a candidate, one must be French, at least 18 years old, eligible, and gather at least 500 sponsorships from elected officials.

Source: Loi n° 62-1292 du 6 novembre 1962 relative à l'élection du Président de la RépubliqueQuestion page →

Answer: Au peupleThe people

National sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their elected representatives and by referendum.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 3Question page →

Answer: Obligatoire pour les citoyensCompulsory for citizens

The Electoral Code states that registration on the electoral rolls is compulsory. Young people who completed the census are registered automatically at 18.

Source: Code électoral, article L9Question page →

Answer: Avoir la nationalité françaiseHaving French nationality

To vote in the presidential election, one must be French, be 18, have one's civic rights and be registered on the electoral rolls.

Source: Code électoral, article L2Question page →

Answer: Avoir au moins 18 ansBeing at least 18 years old

To be elected as a municipal councillor, one must be 18 and have a link with the municipality (be a voter there or pay local taxes there).

Source: Code électoral, article L228Question page →

Answer: Le maireThe mayor

The mayor is elected by the municipal council, which is itself elected by the residents. The prefect, the rector and the police superintendent are appointed.

Source: Code général des collectivités territoriales, article L2122-4Question page →

Answer: Diriger la commune et célébrer les mariagesRunning the municipality and performing weddings

The mayor runs the municipality and carries out the decisions of the municipal council. The mayor is also a registrar and performs weddings.

Source: Code général des collectivités territoriales (attributions du maire)Question page →

Answer: À la mairie de sa communeAt the town hall of their municipality

Without internet, one can register at the town hall, in person or by post, with an ID document and proof of address.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Inscription sur les listes électoralesQuestion page →

Answer: À 18 ansAt 18

In France, one becomes a voter at 18, the age of majority, if one is French and has one's civic rights.

Source: Code électoral, article L2Question page →

Answer: Non, voter est un droit, pas une obligationNo, voting is a right, not an obligation

In France, voting is not compulsory: it is a right, and not voting is not punished. The voter card says voting is "also a civic duty", in a moral sense. The only exception: the electors who choose senators must vote, or pay a €100 fine.

Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr – Les conditions pour voter en France ; Code électoral, article L318Question page →

Answer: Ils sont élus au suffrage universel directThey are elected by direct universal suffrage

Members of the National Assembly are elected directly by citizens in the legislative elections, in constituencies.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 24Question page →

Answer: 6 ans pour le conseil municipal et pour le maire6 years for the municipal council and for the mayor

Municipal councillors are elected for 6 years. The mayor, elected by them, has a term of the same length.

Source: Code électoral, article L227Question page →

Answer: 5 ans5 years

Since the 2000 referendum, the President is elected for 5 years. Before that, the term lasted 7 years.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 6Question page →

Answer: 5 ans5 years

Members of the National Assembly are elected for 5 years, unless the Assembly is dissolved before the end of its term.

Source: Code électoral, article LO121Question page →

Answer: 6 ans6 years

Senators are elected for 6 years. Half of the Senate is renewed every 3 years.

Source: Code électoral, article LO275Question page →

Answer: Oui, les partis se forment et agissent librementYes, parties are formed and act freely

Article 4 of the Constitution says that political parties are formed and carry out their activities freely. Anyone can join one.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 4Question page →

Answer: Le départementThe department

The department is responsible for lower secondary schools: it builds, maintains and equips them. The State recruits and pays the teachers.

Source: Code de l'éducation, article L213-2Question page →

Answer: La communeThe municipality

The municipality is responsible for public nursery and primary schools: it builds, maintains and equips them.

Source: Code de l'éducation, article L212-4Question page →

Answer: Ils sont élus par le conseil municipalThey are elected by the municipal council

Residents elect the municipal council, then the council elects the mayor from among its members by secret ballot.

Source: Code général des collectivités territoriales, article L2122-4Question page →

Answer: La régionThe region

The region organises regional transport, such as TER trains and coaches linking towns.

Source: Loi n° 2015-991 du 7 août 2015 portant nouvelle organisation territoriale de la République (loi NOTRe)Question page →

Answer: Un vote du Parlement réuni en Congrès, à la majorité des 3/5A vote of Parliament meeting as Congress, by a 3/5 majority

After a vote by both houses, a revision is adopted by referendum or by Congress with a three-fifths majority.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 89Question page →

Answer: Le président du SénatThe President of the Senate

If the President dies, the President of the Senate temporarily carries out the duties until a new President is elected.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 7Question page →

Answer: Vérifier que les lois respectent la ConstitutionChecking that laws comply with the Constitution

The Constitutional Council checks that laws comply with the Constitution. It also oversees the proper conduct of national elections.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 61Question page →

Answer: Recueillir au moins 500 parrainages d'élusGathering at least 500 sponsorships from elected officials

Each candidate must present at least 500 signatures from elected officials (sponsorships) from at least 30 departments or overseas authorities.

Source: Loi n° 62-1292 du 6 novembre 1962 relative à l'élection du Président de la RépubliqueQuestion page →

Answer: En communes, départements et régionsInto municipalities, departments and regions

France is organised into municipalities, departments and regions, as well as authorities with special status and overseas authorities.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 72Question page →

Answer: En 1992In 1992

European citizenship was created by the Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992. Every citizen of an EU country has it.

Source: Traité sur l'Union européenne (traité de Maastricht), signé le 7 février 1992Question page →

Answer: Ludwig van BeethovenLudwig van Beethoven

The European anthem is the "Ode to Joy", taken from the Ninth Symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Source: european-union.europa.eu – Les symboles de l'UE (hymne européen)Question page →

Answer: Le 9 mai9 May

9 May recalls Robert Schuman's declaration of 9 May 1950, the starting point of European integration.

Source: european-union.europa.eu – Les symboles de l'UE (journée de l'Europe)Question page →

Answer: À FrancfortIn Frankfurt

The European Central Bank, which manages the single currency, the euro, has its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

Source: ecb.europa.eu – Banque centrale européenneQuestion page →

Answer: Des députés européens élus par les citoyens de l'UEMembers of the European Parliament elected by EU citizens

The European Parliament is made up of members elected every 5 years by direct universal suffrage in EU countries.

Source: europarl.europa.eu – Parlement européenQuestion page →

Answer: La CroatieCroatia

Croatia joined the European Union on 1 July 2013. It is the last country to have joined. Poland joined in 2004, Bulgaria and Romania in 2007.

Source: Traité d’adhésion de la Croatie à l’Union européenne, entré en vigueur le 1er juillet 2013Question page →

Answer: Oui, aux élections municipales et européennes du pays où ils viventYes, in the municipal and European elections of the country where they live

An EU citizen living in another EU state can vote there in municipal and European elections, on the same terms as nationals. In France, they do not vote in the presidential or parliamentary elections.

Source: Traité sur le fonctionnement de l’Union européenne, article 22Question page →

Answer: Le droit de dire ses opinions, dans le respect de la loiThe right to state your opinions, within the law

Everyone can freely express their ideas. But the law punishes abuses, such as defamation, insults or incitement to hatred.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 11Question page →

Answer: Le crimeA crime (crime)

Offences are ranked by seriousness: minor offence, misdemeanour, then crime. A crime is the most serious, such as murder or rape.

Source: Code pénal, article 111-1Question page →

Answer: De l'ordre publicPublic order

The State can limit certain rights to protect public order: public safety, peace and health.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 10Question page →

Answer: « Les hommes naissent et demeurent libres et égaux en droits »“Men are born and remain free and equal in rights”

Article 1 of the 1789 Declaration states: "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights."

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 1erQuestion page →

Answer: Le droit de publier et d'informer librement, sans censure préalableThe right to publish and inform freely, without prior censorship

Freedom of the press allows newspapers to publish freely, without authorisation. But the law punishes defamation and incitement to hatred.

Source: Loi du 29 juillet 1881 sur la liberté de la presseQuestion page →

Answer: Pour empêcher les insultes, la diffamation ou les appels à la haineTo prevent insults, defamation or calls to hatred

Freedom of expression is guaranteed, but people must answer for its abuses defined by law: insults, defamation, incitement to hatred or violence.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 11Question page →

Answer: À défendre ses intérêts professionnels en arrêtant le travailTo defend your professional interests by stopping work

A strike is a collective work stoppage to support professional demands, such as pay. It is exercised within the framework of the law.

Source: Préambule de la Constitution du 27 octobre 1946, alinéa 7Question page →

Answer: Que la liberté de chacun s'arrête là où elle nuit aux autresThat each person’s freedom stops where it harms others

One is free to act as long as one does not harm others. The limits of liberty are set by law.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 4Question page →

Answer: De se déplacer et de s'installer librement sur le territoireMoving around and settling freely within the country

Freedom of movement allows people to come and go and to choose where to live. In the EU, European citizens also move freely.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, articles 2 et 4 (liberté d'aller et venir)Question page →

Answer: Avoir sa nationalité, avec des droits et des devoirsHaving its nationality, with rights and duties

Being a citizen means having the nationality of a State. It gives rights, such as voting, and duties, such as obeying the law.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Des droits essentiels garantis à toute personneEssential rights guaranteed to every person

Fundamental rights, such as liberty, equality and dignity, are guaranteed to everyone by the Constitution and treaties.

Source: Préambule de la Constitution du 4 octobre 1958 ; Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789Question page →

Answer: Le droit à la sûretéThe right to security (droit à la sûreté)

The right to security protects against arbitrary arrest: no one may be arrested or detained except in cases provided for by law.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, articles 2 et 7 ; Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 66Question page →

Answer: La Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789

The 1789 Declaration proclaims the rights of man and aims to remind all citizens of "their rights and their duties".

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen du 26 août 1789, préambuleQuestion page →

Answer: La Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789

Article 1 of the 1789 Declaration states: "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights."

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 1erQuestion page →

Answer: Faire travailler une personne sans salaire dans des conditions indignesMaking a person work without pay in degrading conditions

Forcing a vulnerable person into unpaid work or degrading conditions violates their dignity. It is punished by the Criminal Code.

Source: Code pénal, articles 225-13 et 225-14Question page →

Answer: Demander l'assistance d'un avocatAsk for the assistance of a lawyer

In police custody, a person has rights: to be assisted by a lawyer, to see a doctor, to have a relative informed and to remain silent.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Garde à vueQuestion page →

Answer: Non, chacun est libre de croire ou de ne pas croireNo, everyone is free to believe or not to believe

The Republic guarantees freedom of conscience. One may have a religion or not, and the State does not ask people their religion.

Source: Loi du 9 décembre 1905 concernant la séparation des Églises et de l'État, article 1erQuestion page →

Answer: 15 ans15

The law of 7 July 2023 sets the digital age of majority at 15: it provides that below that age, a parent's consent is needed to sign up to a social network. This rule is not yet applied.

Source: Loi n° 2023-566 du 7 juillet 2023 visant à instaurer une majorité numériqueQuestion page →

Answer: Chez soi, à son domicileIn your own home

Smoking is banned in enclosed places open to the public, on public transport and, since 2025, in parks and on beaches. At home, it is allowed.

Source: Code de la santé publique ; décret n° 2025-582 du 27 juin 2025Question page →

Answer: Un délit puni de prison et d'amendeAn offence punishable by prison and a fine

Riding a motorbike without the corresponding licence is an offence: up to 1 year in prison and a €15,000 fine.

Source: Code de la route, article L221-2Question page →

Answer: À contribuer aux charges communes et à aider ceux qui sont en difficultéContributing to shared costs and helping those in difficulty

Solidarity means contributing to shared costs (taxes, social contributions) and helping people in difficulty or in danger.

Source: Préambule de la Constitution du 27 octobre 1946 ; Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 13Question page →

Answer: Non, la polygamie est interdite et punieNo, polygamy is forbidden and punished

One cannot remarry before the first marriage has ended. Bigamy is an offence punishable by one year in prison and a €45,000 fine.

Source: Code civil, article 147 ; Code pénal, article 433-20Question page →

Answer: Oui, même si l'on ne paie pas d'impôtYes, even if you do not pay any tax

Every year, adults living in France who are no longer part of their parents' tax household must declare their income, even if they owe no tax.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Déclaration de revenusQuestion page →

Answer: Oui, si on peut agir sans danger pour soi ou pour les autresYes, if you can act without danger to yourself or others

Failing to help a person in danger when one can do so without risk is an offence. One can at least call emergency services (15, 17, 18, 112).

Source: Code pénal, article 223-6Question page →

Answer: Une obligation civique pour les citoyens tirés au sortA civic obligation for citizens drawn by lot

Jurors are drawn by lot from the electoral rolls. Refusing without a serious reason can be punished by a €3,750 fine.

Source: Code de procédure pénale, article 288 ; service-public.gouv.fr – Juré d'assisesQuestion page →

Answer: 18 ans18

It is forbidden to sell or offer alcohol to minors, that is, to people under 18.

Source: Code de la santé publique, article L3342-1Question page →

Answer: Une infraction qui peut être punie d’une amende ou d’un retrait de pointsAn offence that can be punished by a fine or the loss of licence points

The Highway Code is a law that everyone must obey. Breaking it is an offence: a fine, loss of licence points, and sometimes prison.

Source: Code de la route ; service-public.gouv.fr – Infractions au Code de la routeQuestion page →

Answer: La fraude électoraleElectoral fraud

A judge can remove civic rights (voting, standing for election) for a serious crime or offence, such as electoral fraud. A minor traffic fine does not allow this.

Source: Code pénal, article 131-26 ; Code électoral, article L117Question page →

Answer: Être de nationalité françaiseBe of French nationality

The national identity card is only for French nationals. A French minor can also have one.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Carte d’identitéQuestion page →

Answer: Il doit siéger, sauf s’il a un motif grave accepté par la justiceThey must serve, unless they have a serious reason accepted by the court

Serving as a juror is a civic duty. A juror who is absent without a legitimate reason can be fined €3,750.

Source: Code de procédure pénale, article 288Question page →

Answer: 18 ans18

In France, the age of majority is 18. At this age, you can vote and carry out legal acts on your own.

Source: Code civil, article 414Question page →

Answer: Respecter les lois de la RépubliqueRespecting the laws of the Republic

Every citizen must obey the law. They must also pay their taxes and help defend the country if necessary.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l’Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Utiliser Internet de façon responsable, en respectant la loi et les autresUsing the internet responsibly, respecting the law and other people

Digital citizenship means acting as a responsible citizen online. The law also applies on the internet: insults, harassment and calls to hatred are punished there, and you should check information before sharing it.

Source: Éduscol (ministère de l’Éducation nationale) – Éducation aux médias et à l’informationQuestion page →

Answer: Se souvenir des drames du passé pour qu’ils ne se reproduisent pasRemembering the tragedies of the past so that they do not happen again

The duty of remembrance means remembering the victims and tragedies of history, such as the Holocaust or wars, to prevent them from happening again.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l’Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: elle ne peut ni voter ni se présenter à une électionthey can neither vote nor stand for election

Losing civic rights means in particular losing the right to vote and the right to be elected. For an offence (délit), it can last up to 5 years.

Source: Code pénal, article 131-26Question page →

Answer: Un citoyen français d’au moins 23 ans, tiré au sort sur les listes électoralesA French citizen aged at least 23, drawn by lot from the electoral rolls

Assize court jurors are citizens drawn by lot from the electoral rolls. You must be French, at least 23 years old, and able to read and write French.

Source: Code de procédure pénale, articles 255 et 261Question page →

Answer: En 1789In 1789

The French Revolution began in 1789. On 14 July 1789, the people of Paris stormed the Bastille.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Le génocide des Juifs d'Europe par les nazisThe genocide of the Jews of Europe by the Nazis

The Shoah is the extermination of about six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its accomplices during the Second World War.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Jules FerryJules Ferry

Jules Ferry, Minister of Public Education, had the laws of 1881 and 1882 passed: public primary school became free, secular and compulsory.

Source: Loi du 16 juin 1881 et loi du 28 mars 1882Question page →

Answer: De 1939 à 1945From 1939 to 1945

The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945. In Europe, it ended on 8 May 1945.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: De 1914 à 1918From 1914 to 1918

The First World War lasted from 1914 to 1918. It ended with the armistice of 11 November 1918.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: À l'armistice de la Première Guerre mondiale, en 1918The armistice of the First World War, in 1918

On 11 November 1918, the armistice ended the fighting of the First World War. This day honours all those who died for France.

Source: Loi du 24 octobre 1922Question page →

Answer: Depuis 1881Since 1881

The law of 16 June 1881, proposed by Jules Ferry, made public primary school free.

Source: Loi du 16 juin 1881Question page →

Answer: C'est la naissance de la Ve RépubliqueIt saw the birth of the Fifth Republic

The Constitution of the Fifth Republic was adopted by referendum and then promulgated on 4 October 1958. It is still in force.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958Question page →

Answer: La GuadeloupeGuadeloupe

Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean, is an overseas department and region. Madagascar is an independent country, Sicily is Italian and Majorca is Spanish.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 73Question page →

Answer: 1313

Since 2016, metropolitan France has had 13 regions, including Corsica. With the 5 overseas regions, France has 18 regions in total.

Source: Loi du 16 janvier 2015 relative à la délimitation des régionsQuestion page →

Answer: Les AlpesThe Alps

The Alps separate France from Italy. Mont Blanc is located there. The Pyrenees are on the border with Spain.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Un auteur de théâtre et comédien du XVIIe siècleA 17th-century playwright and actor

Molière was a famous 17th-century author of comedies, such as The Imaginary Invalid. French is called 'the language of Molière'.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Un poète français du XIXe siècleA 19th-century French poet

Charles Baudelaire was a great 19th-century French poet. His best-known work is The Flowers of Evil.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Une romancière française du XIXe siècleA 19th-century French novelist

George Sand is the pen name of Aurore Dupin, a 19th-century French novelist. She wrote The Devil's Pool.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Une philosophe et écrivaine française féministeA French feminist philosopher and writer

Simone de Beauvoir was a 20th-century French philosopher and writer. Her book The Second Sex (1949) shaped the fight for women's rights.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Un écrivain français, prix Nobel de littératureA French writer and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature

Albert Camus was a French writer and philosopher born in Algeria. The author of The Stranger, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Un peintre françaisA French painter

Paul Cézanne was a 19th-century French painter, born in Aix-en-Provence. He often painted Mont Sainte-Victoire.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: En 1804In 1804

Napoleon Bonaparte was proclaimed emperor in May 1804 and crowned on 2 December 1804 at Notre-Dame de Paris.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: MarianneMarianne

Marianne is the symbol of the French Republic. Her bust is found in town halls. Louis XIV, Charlemagne and Clovis were kings.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Du 18 juin 194018 June 1940

On 18 June 1940, from London, General de Gaulle called on the French by radio to continue the fight against Nazi Germany.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Depuis 1962Since 1962

Since the reform approved by referendum in 1962, the president has been elected by direct universal suffrage. The first such election took place in 1965.

Source: Loi constitutionnelle du 6 novembre 1962Question page →

Answer: La création de la Communauté européenne du charbon et de l'acier (CECA)The creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

In 1951, six countries, including France, created the ECSC to pool coal and steel. It was the first step in building Europe.

Source: Traité de Paris du 18 avril 1951Question page →

Answer: Jean MoulinJean Moulin

Jean Moulin unified the Resistance movements at General de Gaulle's request. Arrested in 1943, he died under torture.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Elles ont obtenu le droit de voteThey gained the right to vote

The ordinance of 21 April 1944 gave women the right to vote and to stand for election. They voted for the first time in 1945.

Source: Ordonnance du 21 avril 1944Question page →

Answer: La mer MéditerranéeThe Mediterranean Sea

Metropolitan France is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea in the south-east, as well as by the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel and the North Sea.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: La MancheThe English Channel (la Manche)

The English Channel separates north-western France from southern England. The Channel Tunnel links the two countries.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Les territoires de la République situés loin de l’Europe, dans les océansThe territories of the Republic located far from Europe, in the oceans

Overseas France includes the French territories located outside Europe, such as Guadeloupe, Réunion or New Caledonia. They are part of the Republic.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 72-3Question page →

Answer: Les PyrénéesThe Pyrenees

The Pyrenees form a natural border between France and Spain in the south-west. The Alps and the Jura are in the east, the Vosges in the north-east.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Environ 69 millions d’habitantsAbout 69 million inhabitants

According to INSEE, France has about 69 million inhabitants in 2025, including metropolitan France and the overseas departments.

Source: Insee – Bilan démographique 2025Question page →

Answer: La SeineThe Seine

The Seine flows through Paris from east to west. The Loire passes through Orléans and Nantes, the Rhône through Lyon and the Garonne through Bordeaux.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: BordeauxBordeaux

Bordeaux is one of the largest metropolitan areas in France, along with Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Lille. The other towns are much smaller.

Source: Insee – Aires d'attraction des villesQuestion page →

Answer: Une écrivaine, première femme élue à l’Académie françaiseA writer, the first woman elected to the Académie française

Marguerite Yourcenar was a writer, author of “Memoirs of Hadrian”. In 1980, she became the first woman elected to the Académie française.

Source: Académie française – Marguerite YourcenarQuestion page →

Answer: Claude MonetClaude Monet

Claude Monet is a French painter, one of the founders of Impressionism. Rembrandt was Dutch, Goya Spanish and Botticelli Italian.

Source: Musée d'Orsay – CollectionsQuestion page →

Answer: Le musée du LouvreThe Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is in Paris; it displays the Mona Lisa, among other works. The Prado is in Madrid, the Uffizi in Florence and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Source: Musée du LouvreQuestion page →

Answer: Un sculpteur français, auteur du « Penseur »A French sculptor, creator of “The Thinker”

Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) was a great French sculptor. His best-known works are “The Thinker” and “The Kiss”.

Source: Musée RodinQuestion page →

Answer: Un peintre impressionniste françaisA French Impressionist painter

Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was a French Impressionist painter. His painting “Bal du moulin de la Galette” is in the Musée d’Orsay.

Source: Musée d'Orsay – CollectionsQuestion page →

Answer: Le Code civilThe Civil Code

The Civil Code was enacted in 1804 under Napoleon Bonaparte. It still governs civil life today: family, marriage and property.

Source: Code civil (promulgué le 21 mars 1804)Question page →

Answer: Georges PompidouGeorges Pompidou

Georges Pompidou was President of the Fifth Republic from 1969 to 1974, after Charles de Gaulle. The others held office under earlier Republics.

Source: Élysée – Les présidents de la Ve RépubliqueQuestion page →

Answer: C’est la fête nationale, en souvenir de la prise de la BastilleIt is the national holiday, in memory of the storming of the Bastille

14 July has been the national holiday since 1880. It recalls the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Fête de la Fédération in 1790.

Source: Loi du 6 juillet 1880 instituant le 14 juillet comme fête nationaleQuestion page →

Answer: L’ItalieItaly

The six founding countries are France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Spain and Sweden joined later.

Source: Traité de Rome du 25 mars 1957Question page →

Answer: La NormandieNormandy

On 6 June 1944, the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy. This landing launched the liberation of France.

Source: Ministère des Armées – Débarquement du 6 juin 1944Question page →

Answer: ReimsReims

Most kings of France were crowned in Reims Cathedral, where Clovis was baptised.

Source: Centre des monuments nationaux – Palais du Tau, ReimsQuestion page →

Answer: Louis XVILouis XVI

Louis XVI was tried by the Convention and guillotined in Paris on 21 January 1793.

Source: Assemblée nationale – Le procès de Louis XVIQuestion page →

Answer: Le SénégalSenegal

Senegal was part of the French colonial empire, in French West Africa. It has been independent since 1960.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l’Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: 19921992

The European Union was created by the Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992. It took over from the European Economic Community created in 1957.

Source: Traité sur l’Union européenne (traité de Maastricht), signé le 7 février 1992Question page →

Answer: François MitterrandFrançois Mitterrand

The death penalty was abolished in 1981, under President François Mitterrand, through the law championed by Robert Badinter.

Source: Loi n° 81-908 du 9 octobre 1981 portant abolition de la peine de mortQuestion page →

Answer: La victoire des Alliés en 1945 et la fin de la guerre en EuropeThe Allied victory in 1945 and the end of the war in Europe

On 8 May 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered. This public holiday celebrates the Allied victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Source: Code du travail, article L3133-1Question page →

Answer: Depuis 1848Since 1848

Slavery was definitively abolished in France by the decree of 27 April 1848, on the initiative of Victor Schœlcher.

Source: Décret du 27 avril 1848 relatif à l’abolition de l’esclavageQuestion page →

Answer: Victor SchœlcherVictor Schœlcher

Victor Schœlcher, Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, prepared the 1848 decree that definitively abolished slavery.

Source: Décret du 27 avril 1848 relatif à l’abolition de l’esclavageQuestion page →

Answer: L’Organisation des Nations unies (ONU)The United Nations (UN)

The UN was created in 1945 to maintain world peace. France is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council.

Source: Charte des Nations unies, signée à San Francisco le 26 juin 1945Question page →

Answer: En 2002In 2002

Euro coins and banknotes arrived in France on 1 January 2002. They replaced the franc.

Source: Banque de France – Le passage à l’euroQuestion page →

Answer: Le 25 août 194425 August 1944

Paris was liberated on 25 August 1944 by the Resistance, General Leclerc’s 2nd Armoured Division and the Allies.

Source: Ministère des Armées – Libération de Paris, 25 août 1944Question page →

Answer: NantesNantes

In the 18th century, Nantes was France’s leading slave-trading port. Today the city is home to the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery.

Source: Château des ducs de Bretagne – Musée d’histoire de Nantes ; Mémorial de l’abolition de l’esclavage (Nantes)Question page →

Answer: MontesquieuMontesquieu

In ‘The Spirit of the Laws’ (1748), Montesquieu criticises slavery with irony. Voltaire and Condorcet also denounced it.

Source: Montesquieu, De l’esprit des lois (1748), livre XVQuestion page →

Answer: Le bœuf bourguignonBeef bourguignon (bœuf bourguignon)

Beef bourguignon is a traditional French dish from Burgundy. Paella is Spanish, moussaka is Greek and goulash is Hungarian.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l’Intérieur)Question page →

Answer: Une scientifique, deux fois prix Nobel, qui a étudié la radioactivitéA scientist, twice a Nobel Prize winner, who studied radioactivity

Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist. She received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and in Chemistry in 1911. She rests in the Panthéon.

Source: Panthéon (Centre des monuments nationaux) – Marie CurieQuestion page →

Answer: Eugène DelacroixEugène Delacroix

Eugène Delacroix painted ‘Liberty Leading the People’ in 1830, after the July Revolution. The painting is in the Louvre.

Source: Musée du Louvre – La Liberté guidant le peuple (1830)Question page →

Answer: Le musée du LouvreThe Louvre Museum

The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. It is one of the most famous paintings in the world.

Source: Musée du Louvre – La JocondeQuestion page →

Answer: Le château de VersaillesThe Palace of Versailles

Louis XIV enlarged the Palace of Versailles and moved the royal court there in 1682. It became the symbol of absolute monarchy.

Source: Château de Versailles – Louis XIVQuestion page →

Answer: Dans la grotte de Lascaux, en DordogneIn the Lascaux cave, in the Dordogne

The Lascaux cave in the Dordogne contains paintings of animals made about 20,000 years ago. Today visitors see faithful replicas.

Source: Ministère de la Culture – Grotte de LascauxQuestion page →

Answer: Claude MonetClaude Monet

Claude Monet, an Impressionist painter, painted the Water Lilies of his garden in Giverny. They can be seen at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris.

Source: Musée de l’Orangerie – Les Nymphéas de Claude MonetQuestion page →

Answer: Pendant les Journées européennes du patrimoineDuring the European Heritage Days (Journées européennes du patrimoine)

Every year in September, the European Heritage Days open many monuments and cultural sites to the public, often free of charge.

Source: Ministère de la Culture – Journées européennes du patrimoineQuestion page →

Answer: La fête du Travail et les droits des travailleursLabour Day and workers’ rights

1 May is Labour Day. It is a public holiday off work, often marked by trade union marches.

Source: Code du travail, article L3133-4Question page →

Answer: L’auteur de La Marseillaise, l’hymne nationalThe author of La Marseillaise, the national anthem

Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, an army officer, wrote and composed La Marseillaise in 1792 in Strasbourg. It became the national anthem.

Source: Élysée – La MarseillaiseQuestion page →

Answer: Pour l’Exposition universelle de 1889For the 1889 World’s Fair (Exposition universelle)

The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair, which also celebrated the centenary of the French Revolution.

Source: Société d’exploitation de la tour Eiffel – Histoire de la tourQuestion page →

Answer: Claude DebussyClaude Debussy

Claude Debussy (1862–1918) is a great French composer. Mozart was Austrian, Beethoven German and Verdi Italian.

Source: Philharmonie de Paris – Claude DebussyQuestion page →

Answer: Le Mont-Saint-MichelMont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky island in Normandy with an abbey. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Source: Centre des monuments nationaux – Abbaye du Mont-Saint-MichelQuestion page →

Answer: La MartiniqueMartinique

Martinique and Guadeloupe are part of the French Antilles, in the Caribbean Sea, along with Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy. Réunion is in the Indian Ocean and Tahiti in the Pacific.

Source: Ministère des Outre-mer – MartiniqueQuestion page →

Answer: La CorseCorsica

Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. Sardinia is Italian, Majorca Spanish and Crete Greek.

Source: Collectivité de CorseQuestion page →

Answer: Le mont BlancMont Blanc

Mont Blanc, in the Alps, is over 4,800 metres high. It is the highest peak in France and Western Europe.

Source: IGN – Le mont BlancQuestion page →

Answer: La RéunionRéunion

Réunion is a French island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Mayotte is also in this ocean.

Source: Ministère des Outre-mer – La RéunionQuestion page →

Answer: La GuyaneFrench Guiana (la Guyane)

French Guiana is in South America. It borders Brazil to the east and south, and Suriname to the west.

Source: Ministère des Outre-mer – GuyaneQuestion page →

Answer: KourouKourou

The Ariane rocket lifts off from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. Its location near the equator makes launches easier.

Source: CNES – Centre spatial guyanais (Kourou)Question page →

Answer: MarseilleMarseille

Marseille-Fos is one of France’s very top ports for freight, along with Le Havre. It is the largest French port on the Mediterranean.

Source: Grand port maritime de Marseille-FosQuestion page →

Answer: La RéunionRéunion

Réunion is in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, so south-east of the African continent.

Source: Ministère des Outre-mer – La RéunionQuestion page →

Answer: LyonLyon

Lyon is the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The regional council sits there.

Source: Conseil régional Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesQuestion page →

Answer: RennesRennes

Rennes is the capital of the Brittany region. Nantes is the capital of the Pays de la Loire region.

Source: Région BretagneQuestion page →

Answer: MarseilleMarseille

Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is also France’s second-largest city by population.

Source: Région Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’AzurQuestion page →

Answer: MayotteMayotte

Mayotte, in the Indian Ocean, became the 101st French department on 31 March 2011.

Source: Loi organique n° 2010-1486 du 7 décembre 2010 relative au Département de MayotteQuestion page →

Answer: Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes

With the Northern Alps, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has a great many ski resorts, such as Chamonix or Courchevel.

Source: Région Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesQuestion page →

Answer: Rendre l’école primaire gratuite, laïque et obligatoireTo make primary school free, secular and compulsory

The Jules Ferry laws of 1881 and 1882 made public primary school free, secular and compulsory for girls and boys.

Source: Lois du 16 juin 1881 et du 28 mars 1882 (lois Jules Ferry)Question page →

Answer: Fait voter la loi de 1975 qui autorise l’interruption volontaire de grossesse (IVG)Had the 1975 law allowing voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) passed

As Minister of Health, Simone Veil had the 1975 abortion law passed. An Auschwitz survivor, she was also the first president of the elected European Parliament, in 1979. She has rested in the Panthéon since 2018.

Source: Loi n° 75-17 du 17 janvier 1975 relative à l’interruption volontaire de la grossesseQuestion page →

Answer: Les MisérablesLes Misérables

Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables, published in 1862. The Red and the Black is by Stendhal, Madame Bovary by Flaubert and Germinal by Zola.

Source: Victor Hugo, Les Misérables (1862)Question page →

Answer: Le 1515

15 is the number to call the SAMU for a medical emergency. 17 is the police, 18 the fire brigade and 119 is for children in danger.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Numéros d'urgenceQuestion page →

Answer: Le salaire minimum légal pour un salariéThe legal minimum wage for an employee

The SMIC is the national minimum wage. It is the lowest hourly wage an employer can pay an adult employee.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Salaire minimum (Smic)Question page →

Answer: S’inscrire à France TravailRegister with France Travail

To look for a job, you must first register with France Travail. You can then receive support and, if you are entitled, benefits.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Inscription à France TravailQuestion page →

Answer: 35 heures35 hours

The legal full-time working week is 35 hours. Beyond that, overtime hours are paid at a higher rate or compensated.

Source: Code du travail, article L3121-27Question page →

Answer: oui, en respectant les règles liées à son titre de séjouryes, while following the rules attached to their residence permit

A foreign national who is legally resident can set up a business in France. They must hold a residence permit that allows this activity.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Création d'entreprise par un étrangerQuestion page →

Answer: Oui, exactement comme un hommeYes, exactly like a man

Women and men have the same rights. A woman can freely set up her own business, without permission from her husband or her family.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 1erQuestion page →

Answer: L’Assurance maladie (CPAM)National health insurance (Assurance maladie, CPAM)

The local health insurance fund (CPAM) reimburses part of health costs. The Carte Vitale often allows automatic reimbursement.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Remboursement des soinsQuestion page →

Answer: À prouver ses droits à l’Assurance maladie et à être remboursé plus viteTo prove your entitlement to national health insurance and be reimbursed faster

The Carte Vitale proves that you are registered with the national health insurance. At the doctor’s or pharmacy, it allows faster reimbursement.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Carte VitaleQuestion page →

Answer: À rembourser les frais de santé non pris en charge par l’Assurance maladieTo reimburse health costs not covered by national health insurance

The national health insurance does not reimburse everything. A mutuelle, or top-up health insurance, pays all or part of the remaining costs.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Complémentaire santé (mutuelle)Question page →

Answer: 16 ans16

Education is compulsory from 3 to 16. After that, until 18, young people must continue training (studies, apprenticeship, employment…).

Source: Code de l'éducation, article L131-1Question page →

Answer: Les deux parents, sauf décision contraire du jugeBoth parents, unless a judge decides otherwise

Divorce does not change parental authority: in principle, the father and mother continue to exercise it together. Only a judge can decide otherwise.

Source: Code civil, article 373-2Question page →

Answer: L’aide juridictionnelleLegal aid (aide juridictionnelle)

Legal aid (aide juridictionnelle) allows people with low incomes to have a lawyer free of charge or at a reduced cost, depending on their resources.

Source: Loi du 10 juillet 1991 relative à l'aide juridiqueQuestion page →

Answer: À la mairie du lieu de naissanceAt the town hall of the place of birth

A birth is declared to the civil registrar at the town hall of the place of birth, within 5 days of the delivery.

Source: Code civil, article 55Question page →

Answer: Le 1717

17 is the number to call the police or gendarmerie, for example in case of assault or theft. 15 is the SAMU and 18 the fire brigade.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Numéros d'urgenceQuestion page →

Answer: Le médecin doit garder secrètes les informations sur la santé du patientThe doctor must keep information about the patient’s health secret

Medical confidentiality protects the patient’s privacy. Health professionals cannot share health information without the patient’s consent, except where the law allows.

Source: Code de la santé publique, article L1110-4Question page →

Answer: obligatoire pour les personnes qui travaillent ou vivent en France de façon stablecompulsory for people who work or live in France on a stable basis

Anyone who works or lives in France on a stable and regular basis is registered with the national health insurance and can be reimbursed for health costs.

Source: Code de la sécurité sociale, article L160-1Question page →

Answer: Le père ou la mère salarié, sous condition d’anciennetéThe father or mother who is an employee, subject to length of service

Parental leave is open to both fathers and mothers, if they are employees with at least one year’s service in the company.

Source: Code du travail, article L1225-47Question page →

Answer: Les litiges entre un employeur et un salarié liés au travailWork-related disputes between an employer and an employee

The employment tribunal (conseil de prud’hommes) judges disputes about the employment contract between an employee and an employer, such as a dismissal or unpaid wages.

Source: Code du travail, article L1411-1Question page →

Answer: interdit et puni par la loiforbidden and punishable by law

Undeclared work is illegal. The employer faces heavy criminal penalties. The worker has no social protection (health, pension, unemployment) and can be penalised for fraudulently claiming benefits.

Source: Code du travail, articles L8221-1 et L8224-1Question page →

Answer: 3 ans3

Since 2019, education has been compulsory from the age of 3 until 16. Before, it started at 6.

Source: Code de l'éducation, article L131-1Question page →

Answer: La maladie de l’enfantThe child being ill

The child’s illness is a legitimate reason for absence. Parents must inform the school and give the reason for the absence.

Source: Code de l'éducation, article L131-8Question page →

Answer: 6 mois de prison et 7 500 € d’amende6 months in prison and a €7,500 fine

Parents who do not send their child to school despite a formal notice face up to 6 months in prison and a €7,500 fine.

Source: Code pénal, article 227-17-1Question page →

Answer: Repeindre les murs ou poser du papier peintRepaint the walls or put up wallpaper

A tenant can make small changes, such as repainting or changing the wallpaper. To alter the home, the owner’s written consent is needed.

Source: Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989, article 7 ; service-public.gouv.fr – Travaux du locataireQuestion page →

Answer: Le mariage civil, célébré à la mairieA civil marriage, performed at the town hall

In France, only a civil marriage, performed by the registrar at the town hall, is legally valid. A religious marriage must come afterwards.

Source: Code civil, article 165Question page →

Answer: Est interdit sans carte de stationnement pour personnes handicapéesIs forbidden without a disabled parking card

Without a disability parking card (CMI or European card), parking in a disabled space is forbidden. The fine is €135.

Source: Code de la route, article R417-11Question page →

Answer: Faire jouer la garantie auprès du vendeur pour la réparer ou la remplacerUse the seller’s guarantee to have it repaired or replaced

A new appliance is covered by the legal guarantee of conformity for 2 years. The seller must then repair or replace it.

Source: Code de la consommation ; service-public.gouv.fr – Garantie légale de conformitéQuestion page →

Answer: Pour toutes les naissances, sans exceptionFor every birth, without exception

Every birth in France must be registered with the civil registry of the town hall where the birth took place, whatever the parents’ situation.

Source: Code civil, article 55Question page →

Answer: Dans les 5 jours qui suivent la naissanceWithin 5 days of the birth

The birth must be registered within 5 days of delivery, at the town hall of the place of birth.

Source: Code civil, article 55Question page →

Answer: À la mairieAt the town hall (mairie)

For a state school, parents first register their child at their town hall. Then the head teacher admits the child.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Inscription à l’école maternelle et élémentaireQuestion page →

Answer: L’un des époux ou les deux ensembleOne of the spouses, or both together

Divorce can be requested by one spouse alone or by both by mutual agreement. Men and women have the same rights.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – DivorceQuestion page →

Answer: est un droit, et chacun choisit librement d’y recouriris a right, and everyone freely chooses whether to use it

Everyone can freely choose their contraception, even as a minor and without parental consent. Some methods are free for under-26s.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – ContraceptionQuestion page →

Answer: Ne pas avancer l’argent : l’Assurance maladie paie directement le soignantNot paying upfront: national health insurance pays the health professional directly

With third-party payment, the patient does not pay upfront. The health insurance, and sometimes the top-up insurer, pays the health professional directly.

Source: ameli.fr (Assurance maladie) – Le tiers payantQuestion page →

Answer: Oui, jusqu’à la fin de la 14e semaine de grossesseYes, until the end of the 14th week of pregnancy

Abortion (IVG) is allowed until the end of the 14th week of pregnancy. Since 2024, this freedom has been written into the Constitution.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 34 ; Code de la santé publique, article L2212-1Question page →

Answer: Le Code du travail et les conventions collectivesThe Labour Code and collective agreements

Workplace rules are set by the Labour Code. Each sector’s collective agreements and the employment contract add to them.

Source: Code du travail ; service-public.gouv.fr – Convention collectiveQuestion page →

Answer: Tous les salariés, quelle que soit leur nationalitéAll employees, whatever their nationality

Every employee can freely join the union of their choice. This right is guaranteed by the Preamble to the 1946 Constitution.

Source: Préambule de la Constitution du 27 octobre 1946, alinéa 6 ; Code du travail, article L2141-1Question page →

Answer: Non, c’est interdit par la loiNo, it is forbidden by law

Dismissing a woman because of her pregnancy is prohibited discrimination. During maternity leave, she is also protected against dismissal.

Source: Code du travail, articles L1225-4 et L1132-1Question page →

Answer: 3 à 16 ans3 to 16

Since 2019, education has been compulsory for all children aged 3 to 16, whether French or foreign.

Source: Code de l’éducation, article L131-1Question page →

Answer: L’ensemble des droits et des devoirs des parents dans l’intérêt de l’enfantAll of the parents’ rights and duties, in the child’s interest

Parental authority is a set of rights and duties aimed at the child’s interest: protecting them, educating them and looking after their health.

Source: Code civil, article 371-1Question page →

Answer: Le collègeCollège (lower secondary school)

After primary school (CP to CM2), pupils go to collège (lower secondary), from 6e to 3e. Then they can go to lycée.

Source: Ministère de l’Éducation nationale – L’organisation de l’écoleQuestion page →

Answer: Voter aux élections des représentants des parents d’élèvesVote in the elections for parents’ representatives

Every parent can vote and stand in parent-representative elections. Those elected take part in the school council or board.

Source: Code de l’éducation ; service-public.gouv.fr – Élections des représentants de parents d’élèvesQuestion page →

Answer: Un enseignement adapté pour apprendre le français, en plus de la classeSuitable teaching to learn French, in addition to their class

Pupils who do not speak French go to school like the others. They also get support to learn French, for example in UPE2A units.

Source: Circulaire n° 2012-141 du 2 octobre 2012 (scolarisation des élèves allophones nouvellement arrivés)Question page →

Answer: Tout enfant en situation de handicap a le droit d’être inscrit à l’écoleEvery child with a disability has the right to be enrolled at school

Every disabled child must be enrolled in the school nearest their home. They can receive support, for example from a support assistant (AESH).

Source: Code de l’éducation, article L112-1Question page →

Answer: 28 jours28 days

Since 1 July 2021, the father or second parent has been entitled to 28 days: 25 days of paternity leave and 3 days of birth leave.

Source: Code du travail, article L1225-35 ; service-public.gouv.fr – Congé de paternité et d’accueil de l’enfantQuestion page →

Answer: Non, la loi interdit les violences physiques envers les enfantsNo, the law forbids physical violence against children

Since 2019, the law states that parental authority is exercised without physical or psychological violence. Parents must not hit their children.

Source: Code civil, article 371-1 (loi n° 2019-721 du 10 juillet 2019)Question page →