Requesting public documents in France: CADA
France's right of access to administrative documents is set out in the Code of Relations between the Public and the Administration (Book III). Anyone can ask a public body for a document it holds. If the body refuses, or does not reply within a month, the requester must refer the case to CADA, an independent authority, before going to the administrative court.
What it publishes
- Opinions (avis) and advice on requests, searchable on its site.
- Guidance for the public and for administrations on what can be released.
- An annual activity report with numbers of referrals and opinions.
Key datasets
- CADA: search opinions and refer a case
Search past opinions and file a referral online.
- Service-Public.fr: access to administrative documents
Step-by-step official guide to making a request and appealing.
When it publishes
CADA gives opinions on referrals on a rolling basis and publishes an annual report.
How to use it to check a claim
- A body must reply within one month; silence after one month counts as refusal, which opens the referral to CADA.
- Medical records follow shorter or longer deadlines (eight days, or two months for records five years or older).
- CADA opinions are advice: the body decides, and the administrative court can be asked to rule after the CADA step.
- Check whether the document exists and is complete; bodies are not required to create new documents.
Common mistakes
- Going straight to court: referral to CADA is mandatory first.
- Expecting documents still being prepared, or covered by secrets such as defence or privacy, to be released.
Who can make a request?
Anyone, without giving a reason, for documents held by the state, local authorities, public bodies and private bodies running a public service.
Does it cost anything?
Consultation on site is free; copies may be charged at cost.
Questions answered using this source
Links checked 14 October 2026. This page describes what the source publishes and gives no verdict on any claim.