World Wide Diplomatic Archives Index: France

Legislation

Researchers may consult most public documents in the archives of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs after a period of 25 years under the provisions of the archives law of July 15, 2008 (law no. 2008-696). However, certain categories of documents remain closed for a longer period, and others cannot be consulted at all. Under certain conditions, a researcher may request and receive authorization to consult documents that still remain closed.

Location

The diplomatic archives may be consulted at two sites: the Centre des archives diplomatiques de La Courneuve (3, rue Suzanne-Masson, 93120 La Courneuve) and the Centre des archives diplomatiques de Nantes (17 rue de Casterneau, 44000 Nantes).

Procedures

A researcher who wishes to conduct research in the Diplomatic Archives may apply for a reader’s card after presenting official proof of identity. For further details, see the archives website.

Published Documents

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently publishing four series of diplomatic documents covering the following periods: 1914 to 1919, 1920 to 1932, 1939 to 1944, and 1954 on. The ministry’s website contains a list of published volumes in these and earlier series.