Home › Explained sheets › Principles and values of the Republic
Secularism (laïcité) in public space
The sheet explains secularism (laïcité) in public space. In France, everyone has the right to show their religion in public space.
Key points of the sheet
- Public space means places open to everyone: streets, markets, shops, transport. There, people can wear religious signs, take part in celebrations and express their beliefs, while respecting the laws.
- People who work in public services cannot express their religion at work. Users can express it if they respect the rules of the service, for example no proselytism.
- If there is a disturbance of public order, a religious event can be banned or limited, for example street prayers. This is not in the name of secularism, but for public safety and peace.
- Since 11 October 2010, it is forbidden to hide your face in public space. This law is not "against religion".
- This law aims, in particular, to protect living together and republican values. It is based on the principle of fraternity and serves, in particular, to guarantee equality between women and men.
- This law does not apply in places of worship open to the public, such as churches, mosques or synagogues.
Words to know
- public space (espace public)
- These are places open to everyone, such as streets, markets or transport.
- religious signs (signes religieux)
- For example the veil, the kippah, the cross or the turban; people can wear them in public space.
- proselytism (prosélytisme)
- Users of a public service must not do it; it is a rule of the service.
- disturbance of public order (trouble de l’ordre public)
- In this case, a religious event can be banned or limited.
- hiding one's face (dissimuler son visage)
- It has been forbidden in public space since 11 October 2010, for example with a balaclava or a full-face veil.
- places of worship (lieux de culte)
- These are for example churches, mosques and synagogues; the ban on hiding the face does not apply in those open to the public.
Test yourself: 3 questions
Since which year has it been forbidden to hide your face in public space?
In French, the language of the exam: Depuis quelle année est-il interdit de dissimuler son visage dans l'espace public ?
Since 11 October 2010, it is forbidden to hide your face in public space.
Where does the ban on hiding your face not apply?
In French, the language of the exam: Où l'interdiction de cacher son visage ne s'applique-t-elle pas ?
The law does not apply in places of worship open to the public, such as mosques.
Why can street prayers be banned?
In French, the language of the exam: Pourquoi des prières de rue peuvent-elles être interdites ?
A religious event can be banned or limited for public safety and peace. It is not in the name of secularism.
You have read the sheet. See where you stand with 40 questions like the real exam.
Take the free mock exam (40 questions)Free mock exam · Exam Pass €19 incl. VAT, paid once, no subscription
More in this topic (Secularism (laïcité))
- Secularism (laïcité) in public services
- Proselytism (prosélytisme)
- The definition of secularism (laïcité) (2/2)
Source
Sheet “La laïcité dans l'espace public” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.