Abstract
In this contribution the author aims his attention to selected key points of French Church history from the end of 18th century to the end of 20th century. A look is pointed at first into the period of the ?long? 19th century, when the complicated relations among the French state, Church and society were formed.
In comparison with the dramatic 19th century, following one constitutes a time of conciliation and search for a new balance between ecclesiastical and secular world; in spite of all problems this conciliation seems to be astonishingly fruitful. Even though the author emphasises problematical moments in the French conception of laical, secular state, it is just on this very background where becomes clearly apparent the surprising creativity and strength of the French Church, that played a key role of inspirator and pioneer in all spheres of life of the Catholic Church.