This book offers an in-depth analysis of political life in France and Europe at the beginning of the 21st century at a time of change and crisis. Encompassing questions about values, political actors and electoral choices, it is dedicated particularly to scholars and students enrolled in comparative politics programs. Readers will find scientific answers to the highly debated question both in Europe and elsewhere: in what way are the French different from other Europeans? Using comparative surveys, the authors carry out an empirical examination on the very specific nature of French politics as well as on convergent trends in Europe. Each chapter is based on a double scientific approach: the first assesses what distinguishes France from other major European countries. The second measures political homogeneity in Europe. Each chapter makes systematic use of the results of the first two waves of the European Social Survey, whose scope is unprecedented and whose methodological rigour ensured that it was awarded one of the most prestigious academic prizes in Europe - the Descartes prize - in 2005. In total, France is thus compared to Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.