The cultural pass is an innovative government initiative that allows young people to access culture more easily through a credit offered by the State.
This measure is part of a broader system aimed at encouraging the discovery and exploration of various cultural products.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to fully enjoy your cultural pass and discover the benefits of the cultural pass in different types of stores.
You will learn how to easily purchase books, musical instruments, tickets for shows, and other cultural goods.
What is the cultural pass and who can benefit from it?
The cultural pass is a state system that offers young people a range of cultural options. It is designed to encourage cultural participation among young people by giving them access to various cultural products and experiences.

How the system works
The cultural pass is accessible to young people from the age of 15 residing in France. The system is cumulative, requiring two main conditions: being at least 15 years old and residing in metropolitan France or in the overseas departments.
Eligibility and available amounts
The eligibility conditions are as follows:
- Be at least 15 years old at the time of account activation.
- Reside in metropolitan France or in the overseas departments.
The available amounts vary according to age:
| Age | Available Amount |
|---|---|
| 15-16 years | Access to free offers |
| 17 years | Credit of €50 |
| 18 years | Additional credit of €150 |
Some beneficiaries aged 18 with disabilities may receive a bonus of €50. The credit is usable until the day before the beneficiary turns 21.
How to create and activate your cultural pass account
Creating and activating your cultural pass account is a simple and quick process. To start, you need to download the dedicated application on your smartphone.
Download the application and register
To download the cultural pass application, simply go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “cultural pass.” Once the application is downloaded and installed, you can proceed with registration.
Registration requires providing some personal information, including your first name, last name, email address, and phone number. You will also need to create a password to secure your account.
Identity verification and credit activation
After creating your account, you will need to verify your identity to activate your cultural pass credit. This involves providing a copy of your identity document (identity card or passport) and a recent proof of residence.
- After creating your account, you will need to verify your identity to activate your cultural pass credit.
- You will need to provide a copy of your identity document (identity card or passport) and a recent proof of residence to prove your eligibility.
- These documents are necessary to confirm your age and residence in France, the two essential conditions to benefit from the system.
- Once your documents are verified and validated by the cultural pass services, you will receive a confirmation email.
- Your credit will then be automatically credited to your account according to your age, without any additional steps required on your part.
Once your identity is verified, your account will be activated, and you can start using your cultural pass application to discover new cultural products.
What cultural products can be purchased with the cultural pass?
With the cultural pass, beneficiaries can access a variety of cultural products and services. The system is designed to encourage the discovery of new cultural horizons.
Eligible cultural goods
The beneficiaries of the cultural pass can enjoy a wide range of cultural goods, such as books, CDs, DVDs, and tickets for concerts or theater. The eligible cultural products are varied and allow young people to discover new forms of art and culture.
It is important to note that some products and services are not eligible for the cultural pass. For example, school and extracurricular books are not covered by the system, as they are considered educational tools rather than cultural ones.
Offers and services not covered by the pass
Some offers and services are not covered by the cultural pass. Major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are not part of the offers available in the cultural pass catalog. Similarly, high-tech equipment (computers, tablets, smartphones) is not considered a cultural good and therefore cannot be purchased with the pass.
Sports activities, escape games, and transportation costs to cultural events are also excluded from the system. It is essential to be aware of these limitations to avoid disappointment.

How to use the cultural pass in stores

Using the cultural pass in stores is a breeze with the dedicated application. This application allows you to reserve cultural products and easily pick them up in-store.
Steps to reserve a product on the application
To reserve a product, start by downloading the Pass Culture application. Then, search for the product you are interested in and select it. You will receive a reservation code that you will need to present in-store.
The steps are simple:
- Download the Pass Culture application.
- Search for the product you are interested in.
- Select the product and receive a reservation code.
In-store pickup procedure
Once your reservation is made, go to the partner store. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID, as it will be requested to verify that you are indeed the holder of the cultural pass.
At the reception or checkout, present the QR code or the reservation code available in the “My Reservations” section of your application. The seller will scan your code and verify your identity before handing you your item.
It is important to note that you cannot use someone else's cultural pass, even with their permission, as identity verification is mandatory during pickup.
Using the cultural pass in bookstores
The Cultural Pass is an innovative system that allows young people to discover new cultural experiences, particularly in bookstores. It offers a unique opportunity to access a wide range of books.
Partner bookstores
To use the Cultural Pass in a bookstore, it is essential to check if it is a partner of the system. If so, you can reserve books directly through the Cultural Pass application. Reservation is simple and quick.
Purchase and pickup procedure
Once the reservation is made, you must go to the bookstore to pick up your books. Present a code and a proof of identity to validate your purchase. This step is crucial to secure your transaction. Here are the key steps:
- Reserve your books via the Cultural Pass application.
- Go to the partner bookstore.
- Present the reservation code and a proof of identity.
The Cultural Pass is particularly advantageous for book lovers, as there is no limit to the number of books you can buy, within the limit of your available credit.
Buying cultural products at Fnac with the cultural pass

Fnac, a leading cultural distribution brand, is one of the preferred destinations for using your cultural pass. The cultural pass can be used at Fnac to purchase a wide range of cultural products.
Offers available at Fnac
Fnac offers a variety of deals that you can purchase using your cultural pass. You can find these offers directly in the cultural pass application, where a section is dedicated to this brand. Eligible cultural products include books, CDs, and other authorized items.
Specific procedure for purchases at Fnac
To use your cultural pass at Fnac, start by checking the available offers in the application. Once in-store, you can reserve a product or finalize a reservation already made via the application. Go to the checkout with your selection, indicate that you want to pay with the cultural pass, and show the QR code generated by the application along with your ID.
For event tickets sold by Fnac, such as concerts or shows, follow the link provided in the cultural pass application to access Fnac's online ticketing.
Booking tickets for shows and movies
Book your movie or theater tickets in just a few clicks with the Cultural Pass. This feature allows you to enjoy various cultural events with ease.

Selection and reservation via the application
To book a movie ticket, first select a partner cinema in the Pass Culture application. Then, choose the film, time, and price that suit you. Click on “Reserve” to confirm your choice; the amount will be directly deducted from your Pass Culture credit. Make sure to receive an electronic ticket or QR code after your reservation.
Presenting the QR code and accessing events
On the day of the event, go to the cinema or performance venue with your smartphone containing the Pass Culture application. Access the “My Reservations” section to find your QR code or electronic ticket. Present it at the entrance, along with your ID if necessary. For some large events, you may need to exchange your reservation for a physical ticket.
Thanks to the Cultural Pass, you can discover many cultural events that you might not have considered attending otherwise. It’s a great opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons and enjoy the available cultural offerings.
Practical tips to optimize the use of your cultural pass
Maximize your experience with the cultural pass by following our practical tips. To optimize the use of your credit, plan your purchases based on your interests and the validity period of your credit until you turn 21.
Regularly explore the application to discover new offers added daily by cultural partners. Musical instruments represent an excellent investment for young musicians.
Don’t forget to check the specific conditions of each offer and present your original ID when using your cultural pass. Take advantage of this system to discover new forms of art and culture.
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