The motto and symbols of the Republic
The motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” explained word by word, then the symbols: the tricolour flag, La Marseillaise, Marianne, 14 July and the French language.
Official document from the French Ministry of the InteriorMay 2026 edition
The whole Livret du citoyen, chapter by chapter.
The handbook is the official reference to help you prepare for the civic exam and the naturalisation interview. Browse it like a real book, or pick a chapter: we'll tell you what's inside before you open it. The handbook itself is in French: it's the official document, just as published by the ministry.
- 83pages
- 5parts
- 13chapters
13 chapters in 5 parts, plus 3 annexes (founding texts and resources).
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Part 1 · p. 5
Principles and values of the Republic
The principles of the Republic
The indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic (article 1 of the Constitution): what each principle means, with a focus on secularism in public services, at school and at work.
Part 2 · p. 15
Institutional and political system
Democracy and the rule of law
The main institutions of the State (President of the Republic, government, Parliament, courts) and the right to vote.
Territorial organisation of the Republic
Municipalities, departments and regions: who does what and who runs them. Overseas territories and the administrative map of France.
The European Union and its institutions
The member states of the European Union with their date of entry (or exit) and the key steps of European integration.
Part 3 · p. 24
Rights and duties of citizens
Fundamental rights
The rights guaranteed to everyone: rights linked to personal liberty, dignity, security and justice, political rights and environmental rights.
Obligations and duties of citizens
Respecting the laws, institutions and values of the Republic, taking part in democratic life, contributing to public expenses, defending the country, protecting the environment, passing on values and showing solidarity.
Part 4 · p. 37
History, geography and culture
Main periods and figures
A timeline of French history from the Middle Ages to the Fifth Republic, with the key dates (1789, 1804, 1848, 1944, 1958…) and the figures of the national memory.
Territory and geography
France in figures (68.6 million inhabitants in 2025, 675,000 km² including overseas), its borders, major cities, place in the world and economy.
Culture and heritage
Museums, famous French artists, architectural heritage, the French language, national holidays, major sporting events and gastronomy.
Part 5 · p. 61
Living in French society
Everyday life
Housing, getting around, insurance (civil liability), living together in public spaces, protecting the environment, health and emergency numbers.
Working in France
Labour rules, the employment contract, getting into work, starting a business and access to public-sector jobs.
Family life
Marriage, the rights of parents and children, parental obligations, education and children's use of digital technology.
Annexes · p. 77
Appendices
The 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
The text of the Declaration.
The Charter of rights and duties of the French citizen
The text signed by naturalization applicants.
Resources
Official websites and documents to go further.
The Citoyen app
The handbook, then the questions: everything is in the app.
- All the official questions, with answers and explanations
- 225 study cards, organised by topic
- In French, English and Arabic
Official document © French Ministry of the Interior — Directorate General for Foreigners in France (May 2026 edition). Citoyen is an independent app, not affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior.