Legal Ages in France

The age you become an adult in France, and the legal ages for voting, driving, drinking alcohol and marriage, with the exceptions that matter.

Age of majority 18 Voting age 18 Driving age 17 Drinking age 18 Marriage age 18

Age of majority in France

You are an adult at 18.

Voting age in France

French citizens can vote at 18 and are registered automatically when they turn 18.

Driving age in France

You can take the car test (permis B) and drive alone at 17 since 2024. Accompanied driving lessons (conduite accompagnée) start at 15.

Drinking age in France

You must be 18 to buy alcohol, in shops or in bars.

Marriage age in France

The minimum age is 18. A public prosecutor can give a dispensation for serious reasons, which is rare.

Checked 22 October 2026 against national laws and government sites. Laws change and this is a summary, not legal advice; check with the authority that applies to you.

Age calculator

Your exact age today, and the date you turn 16, 18 or 21.

Emergency numbers in France

Police, ambulance and fire numbers, plus helplines.

French public holidays 2026

Every holiday with its date and long weekends.