A record number of prisoners in France on July 1

• The number of detainees in French prisons was 84,951 on July 1, 2025, said the Ministry of the Interior in its latest report.
• This is an unprecedented level.

French prisons are filled a little more every day. The prison population has reached its highest total, with 84,951 detainees on July 1, 2025, reports the Ministry of the Interior on Friday August 1. In one year, 6,442 additional prisoners (8.21%) were added, in an already under pressure system.

In comparison, French prisons had only 62,509 operational places on July 1, a global prison density of 135.9%. It even exceeded 200% in 29 penitentiary establishments or districts, and 150% in 68 others. In addition, the prison density reached 167% in remand homes, where the prisoners awaiting judgment, therefore presumed innocent, and those sentenced to short sentences are imprisoned. This category of detainees represents more than a quarter of the workforce, since 22,822 individuals are defendants.

Note that, in total, 103,499 people were placed under the nut at the beginning of the month, a number which also continues to increase. Among them, there are 18,548 people who are not locked up (17.92%), being placed under an electronic bracelet or a placement outside.

France is one of the bad students in Europe in terms of prison overcrowding, in third position behind Slovenia and Cyprus, according to a study published in July 2025 by the Council of Europe. In addition to the lack of places, French prisons suffer from the dilapidation of their buildings, especially during periods of hot weather.