How does the culture pass work? A complete guide for users

The cultural pass is an innovative initiative launched by the French government to facilitate access to culture for young people. This program aims to democratize culture and diversify cultural practices.

Since March 2025, the initiative has undergone significant changes, including an increase in the credit allocated to beneficiaries. Users can now enjoy various cultural activities through the dedicated mobile application.

This detailed guide will help you understand the ins and outs of the cultural pass, from how it works to its main objectives, including the various possibilities it offers.

What is the Cultural Pass?

The Cultural Pass is an innovative initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture to encourage young people to explore the world of culture. Created at the initiative of the French government, this free digital tool aims to facilitate access to cultural outings and goods for young people aged 17 and 18.

Objectives and creation of the initiative

The Cultural Pass was designed with several main objectives: to strengthen access to culture, diversify the cultural practices of young people, and support the French cultural sector. From its experimental phase to its generalization across the French territory, the initiative has been designed to make young people active participants in their cultural choices.

The objectives of the Cultural Pass are multiple:

• Encourage young people to discover new forms of art and culture
• Facilitate access to cultural events and goods
• Support cultural professionals

Evolution of the Cultural Pass since its launch

Since its launch, the Cultural Pass has gone through several phases of deployment and adjustments. The initiative has evolved to better meet the needs of young people and cultural professionals. A major change occurred on March 1, 2025, with adjustments regarding the amounts allocated and eligibility conditions.

Who can benefit from the Cultural Pass?

The Cultural Pass is accessible under certain conditions. To benefit from it, young people must meet specific criteria related to their age, residence, and nationality, while showing an interest in culture and leisure.

Eligibility conditions

The eligibility conditions for the Cultural Pass vary according to the age of the beneficiaries. Young people aged 15 to 17 can benefit from a Cultural Pass tailored to their age group, while those who are 18 must meet certain specific conditions.

Residence criteria are also important: one must be domiciled in mainland France or in overseas departments and territories, such as Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon, and Wallis-and-Futuna.

Regarding nationality, beneficiaries must be French nationals, citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. Individuals living in France for more than a year, regardless of their nationality, are also eligible.

Required documents for foreign residents

For foreign residents living in France, certain documents are required to prove their eligibility. This may include a school certificate, a school report, a proof of residence, or a certificate of residence in a housing facility.

These documents are essential to verify the identity and residence of beneficiaries during registration for the initiative. Verifying this information is a crucial step to ensure that the Cultural Pass is granted to eligible individuals.

Amounts of the Cultural Pass in 2025

Starting from March 1, 2025, young people will benefit from new amounts through the Cultural Pass, marking a new step in access to culture. The initiative continues to evolve to meet the needs of young people and provide them with a rewarding experience.

For 18-year-olds

At 18, young people receive a credit of 150 euros through the Cultural Pass, a sum that has been reduced from the previous 300 euros. This amount can be used for various cultural activities and goods, allowing young people to discover new passions and apply tips to maximize their experience.

For 17-year-olds

17-year-olds benefit from a credit of 50 euros, an increase from the 30 euros of the previous year. This amount is intended to encourage cultural discovery and leisure activities.

For 15 and 16-year-olds

For 15 and 16-year-olds, there is no longer an individual credit allocated through the Cultural Pass. However, they can still enjoy free offers and the collective share of the Cultural Pass in their schools.

It is important to note that certain categories of young people may benefit from an additional credit of 50 euros, particularly beneficiaries of AAH, AAEH, or those whose legal guardian has a family quotient below a certain threshold. Additionally, the validity period of the credits has been extended from 2 to 4 years, thus providing greater flexibility in the use of allocated amounts.

• Credit of 150 euros for 18-year-olds.
• Credit of 50 euros for 17-year-olds.
• Removal of the individual share for 15 and 16-year-olds.
• Additional credit for certain categories of young people.
• Validity period of credits extended to 4 years.

How the cultural pass works: registration and activation

Registering for the Cultural Pass is a simple and quick process that allows you to enjoy numerous cultural benefits. To get started, it is essential to download the dedicated application on your mobile.

Downloading the application

To download the Cultural Pass application, follow these steps:

On iOS, go to the App Store, search for “Cultural Pass” and click on “Download.”

On Android, go to Google Play, search for “Cultural Pass” and click on “Install.”

Creating a user account

Once the application is installed, create your account by clicking on the “Sign Up” button. You will need to provide some information: your email address, a password, your date of birth, and your postal code.

For young people aged 15 to 17, registration is done using ÉduConnect credentials.

Make sure to fill in this information correctly to avoid any issues during the validation of your account.

Identity validation and receiving credits

After creating your account, you will need to validate your identity by providing a supporting document such as an identity card, passport, or residence permit.

Once your identity is validated, your credits will be credited to your account. You can then start exploring the offers available on the application.

It is advisable to regularly check your emails, including spam, to receive confirmations and updates regarding your account.

What can you buy with the Cultural Pass?

Learn more

The Cultural Pass offers a multitude of options to discover and explore the culture around you. Thanks to the mobile application, users can access a wide range of activities and cultural goods.

Eligible cultural outings

Cultural outings offered through the Cultural Pass are diverse and varied. They include live performances such as theater plays, concerts, operas, as well as museum visits and cinema screenings. Users can also discover festivals and exhibitions.

Cultural goods available

The Cultural Pass also allows the purchase of physical cultural goods. Users can acquire books, comics, mangas, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, as well as musical instruments and works of art.

Artistic courses and practices

Users of the Cultural Pass can enroll in artistic practice courses. These courses include music, dance, theater, photography, as well as creative workshops and introductory courses in art professions.

Digital subscriptions

The Cultural Pass also offers digital subscriptions to music streaming services, video-on-demand platforms, as well as subscriptions to online press. These offers are accessible subject to certain age-related restrictions.

In summary, the Cultural Pass offers a comprehensive range of options to explore and appreciate culture. Whether for outings, cultural goods, artistic courses, or digital subscriptions, users have access to a multitude of enriching experiences.

Spending limits by category

The Cultural Pass imposes specific spending limits according to categories to encourage a diversity of cultural experiences. These limits vary depending on the type of activity or cultural product chosen.

Limit for digital offers

For digital offers such as subscriptions to Deezer, video games, and ebooks, the limit is set at 100 euros. This allows young people to discover new platforms and dematerialized content.

Limit for physical goods

The limit for physical goods, including books, musical instruments, and CDs, is 150 euros. This corresponds to the total credit for 18-year-old users, allowing them to acquire valuable physical cultural goods.

Limit for cultural events

For cultural events such as concerts, museum visits, and dance classes, the limit is also 150 euros. This encourages young people to participate in various in-person cultural activities.

By establishing these limits, the Cultural Pass aims to promote a diverse cultural experience among young people, encouraging them to explore different categories of activities and cultural products.

The collective share of the Cultural Pass for schools

The Cultural Pass offers a collective dimension for schools, allowing teachers to fund educational and cultural activities for their students. This component is essential to enrich the school experience and encourage the discovery of various cultural horizons.

Operation for middle schools

For middle schools, the collective share of the Cultural Pass allocates 25 euros per student from 6th to 9th grade. This allocation allows funding for artistic and cultural education activities, such as museum visits, performances, or artistic practice workshops. Teachers can thus diversify the experiences offered to students, fostering a more comprehensive approach to education.

Operation for high schools

In high schools, the operation is slightly different. Students in 10th grade and CAP receive an allocation of 30 euros, while those in 11th and 12th grades receive 20 euros. These amounts are intended to fund activities similar to those offered in middle schools, with an emphasis on exam preparation and specialization of courses.

Role of cultural referents

In each institution, a cultural referent is designated to play a privileged interlocutor role. This professional facilitates the organization of cultural activities by helping teachers choose the most relevant projects and ensuring the proper implementation of the initiative. The cultural referent is essential to maximize the impact of the collective share of the Cultural Pass.

In summary, the collective share of the Cultural Pass is a valuable tool for schools, allowing them to finance enriching activities for students. Thanks to this initiative, middle and high schools can offer diverse cultural experiences, thus contributing to a more comprehensive and balanced education. The conditions of the cultural pass play a crucial role in the implementation of these projects.

How to use the Cultural Pass application daily

Once your account is activated, you can start exploring the available offers on the Cultural Pass application. The application is designed to help you discover new cultural experiences near you.

Searching and filtering offers

To find the offers that interest you, click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of your screen. You can then:

• Select a category of offers (“books,” “music,” “theater,”…)
• Activate geolocation to see offers nearby
• Sort results by price to stay within your budget
• Choose a specific date and time for outings
• Check the “Only duo offers” option to reserve two places

Reservation and payment

Once you find an offer that interests you, you can reserve it directly in the application. The payment is secure and uses your available credit on the Cultural Pass. You will receive a confirmation of your reservation by email.

Tips to optimize your experience

To make the most of the Cultural Pass application, enable notifications to discover new offers. Use the “duo offers” option to share cultural outings with your friends. Additionally, keep an eye on periods conducive to promotions and special events to take advantage of the best offers.

By following these tips, you can fully enjoy your Cultural Pass and enrich your cultural experience.

User testimonials of the Cultural Pass

Users of the Cultural Pass testify to its impact on their cultural life. Thanks to this initiative, many young people have discovered new passions and broadened their cultural horizons.

In the musical field

Lucas, a young music enthusiast, used his Cultural Pass to acquire a folk guitar. He was able to complete his musical equipment without taking formal lessons, enjoying the freedom to learn and play at his own pace.

Pierre, another user, bought an Epiphone SG400 Pro electric guitar thanks to the Cultural Pass. He discovered the initiative through word of mouth and appreciated the simplicity and speed of the procedures on the application, thus facilitating the purchase of his instrument.

In other cultural fields

The Cultural Pass is not limited to music; it also opens doors to other cultural fields. Some young people have explored literature by purchasing books or participating in writing workshops.

Others have discovered the world of cinema by attending screenings or participating in discussions. Visual arts, theater, and dance are also areas that have benefited from young people's enthusiasm for the Cultural Pass.

These varied experiences show the diversity of uses of the Cultural Pass and its positive impact on the cultural habits of young people.

Conclusion: fully enjoy your Cultural Pass

In summary, the Cultural Pass is a valuable tool for young people, allowing them to immerse themselves in the cultural universe. This innovative initiative promotes access to culture for all, regardless of their social background or place of residence.

To fully enjoy the Cultural Pass, it is essential to understand how it works: eligibility, amounts, registration, and usage. Young people are encouraged to explore various forms of art and culture and to share their experiences to create a community of active users.

By optimizing the use of their credit throughout the year, young people can discover new cultural activities. The Cultural Pass has a positive impact on the personal development and cultural openness of young users.