Pré-publication, Document de travail: The evolution of inequality in France is specific compared with most OECD countries. Inequality only started to rise at the end of the 1990s after a period of decline during the 1970s and the 1980s. This late increase partly explains the limited effects of inequality on social, political, and cultural outcomes. However, social gradients like income or education play a considerable role for fields such as health, housing, political participation, or trust in institutions. France is also particular with regard to the role of taxation. This chapter provides evidence about the absence of progressivity in the tax system. It concludes that the reforms implemented during the past decade have contributed to the increase in income inequality.