France: physical activity policy snapshot

This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national physical activity policy actions in France. Compare France with other European countries in our MOVING policy index.

> Read the MOVING snapshot for France in English or French

France implements policy actions in all 6 areas of the MOVING framework, with the highest rated policy area – physical activity opportunities in the workplace and training (O) – receiving an excellent assessment for policies offering physical activity training for non-health professionals and physical activity opportunity in the workplace. This was followed by a moderate assessment for initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, community and recreation (M), and increasing physical activity through public communication which builds behaviour change skills (N).

Weaknesses were seen in policy areas targeting active environments, specifically design guidelines (V), transport infrastructure (I), active design guidelines outside of buildings, and walking and cycling infrastructure (V). No national government policy actions were identified on design guidelines for buildings or active design guidelines for open and green spaces, for example (V).

Much more needs to be done to improve healthcare and outpatient settings on physical activity (G), which received a poor assessment. National government action should be prioritised to implement policy actions in all areas of physical activity structures and surroundings which promote physical activity (V) and transport infrastructure to promote active societies (I), thus improving overall environments that enable physical activity.

Download a full analysis and breakdown of France’s results

This country snapshot presents detailed results of the MOVING policy index for France. Full index results are outlined in the MOVING policy brief, which compares France with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.

The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the MOVING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from France, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our MOVING database.

Overview of physical activity policy status in France

France MOVING overview

NOURISHING country snapshots

We also have snapshots of nutrition policies in 30 European countries. Visit the France page or see all the country snapshots.

Get in touch

The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.

Fill in our feedback form or email the team policy@wcrf.org