Activating your cultural pass: the steps in 2026

The Culture Pass is a government initiative aimed at encouraging young people to participate in various cultural activities. This mobile application, funded by the state, offers each young person a certain credit to spend on shows, books, museums, and concerts.

In 2026, the system continues to evolve to offer even more opportunities to young people. In this article, we will explore in detail the steps necessary to activate your Culture Pass and fully benefit from this initiative.

You will discover the changes made to the amount allocated and the eligibility conditions. This guide will accompany you from registration on the application to using your credit for various cultural offers.

What is the Culture Pass in 2026?

The Culture Pass is an innovative system launched by the French government to encourage young people to explore various forms of culture. Since its launch in 2019, it has evolved to become an essential tool in promoting culture among young people.

Origin and evolution of the system

The Culture Pass was born out of a desire by the government to facilitate access to diverse forms of culture for young people. Initially launched in five departments in February 2019 for a test phase among 18-year-old students, the system has gradually expanded to the entire French territory. Since January 2022, all students aged 15 to 17 can benefit from it.

In 2026, the Culture Pass presents itself as a digital platform accessible via a mobile application that allows young people to discover and book a variety of cultural activities. This digital evolution reflects the system's adaptation to the needs and habits of young people.

The objectives of the Culture Pass

The main objectives of the Culture Pass are to democratize access to culture, diversify the cultural practices of young people, and support cultural actors in France. This system also aims to encourage the autonomy of young people in their cultural choices while guiding them in discovering new forms of artistic expression.

The Culture Pass creates a bridge between cultural institutions and a new generation of audiences, thus fostering more active participation in national cultural life. In 2026, it continues to play a crucial role in promoting culture among young people.

Major changes to the Culture Pass in 2026

The reforms of the Culture Pass in 2026 aim to improve access to culture for young people. Since March 1, 2025, significant modifications have been made to the eligibility criteria and the amounts granted.

New allocation modalities

The new allocation modalities for the Culture Pass have redefined the conditions for accessing cultural credits. Young people aged 15 and 16 no longer benefit from an individual credit, but they can still access free offers and discounted cultural events through the application.

For 17-year-olds, a credit of 50 euros is now granted, cumulative with the amount received at 18 years and usable until the day before their 21st birthday. This measure allows for better planning of cultural purchases over an extended period.

Amounts allocated by age

The amounts allocated vary according to the age of the beneficiaries. At 18 years, the amount has decreased from 300 euros to 150 euros, usable over three years. A bonus of 50 euros is possible for young people with disabilities or under specific income conditions.

These changes aim to better distribute resources while maintaining the primary objective of access to culture for all young people. The cumulative credit system between ages 17 and 18 represents a new opportunity for young people to plan larger cultural purchases.

Who can benefit from the Culture Pass in 2026?

The Culture Pass system in 2026 is primarily intended for young people aged 17 and 18 residing in France. This initiative aims to encourage the discovery of culture in all its forms, including through the allocation of 500 € for cultural activities.

Age and residency criteria

To be eligible for the Culture Pass, young people must meet certain conditions related to age and residency. Young people aged 17 and 18 are the main beneficiaries of this system. Additionally, it is necessary to reside in France or to be of French nationality, or to come from a country in the European Economic Area or Switzerland.

• Young people aged 15 and 16 can access free offers.
• Individual credits are reserved for young people aged 17 and 18.
• Acceptance of the general terms of use of the application is essential.

Special eligibility conditions

Some young people may benefit from special eligibility conditions, allowing them to receive a bonus of 50 euros. This particularly concerns young people with disabilities or those meeting specific social criteria. The system also provides transitional measures for young people already registered before the changes in March 2025.

In summary, the Culture Pass in 2026 offers a unique opportunity for young people to discover and explore culture in a varied and enriching way.

How to activate your Culture Pass: step-by-step guide

Activating your Culture Pass in 2026 is a breeze thanks to our step-by-step guide. In this section, we will guide you through the necessary steps to activate your Culture Pass and enjoy its benefits.

Download the Culture Pass application

The first step to activate your Culture Pass is to download the official Culture Pass application, available for free on iOS and Android platforms or accessible via the website on a computer.

Create an account and register

Once the application is installed, you must create an account by providing your complete personal information: name, first name, date of birth, email address, and setting a secure password. This step is essential to access your Culture Pass.

During registration, you will also need to scan your identity document (national identity card, passport, or residence permit) as well as proof of residence or a housing certificate to prove your residency in France.

Identity verification and credit activation

After submitting your documents, you will receive a confirmation email that you must validate to finalize the creation of your account and allow the system to verify your eligibility.

The application automatically checks if you meet the age and residency criteria to benefit from the Culture Pass; if so, your credit will be activated instantly according to your age group.

For 17-year-olds, the 50 euro credit will be immediately available, while 18-year-olds will see their account credited with 150 euros (or 200 euros with the bonus if eligible).

The two components of the Culture Pass

The Culture Pass in 2026 is a system that includes two main components. This innovative program aims to encourage the discovery and access to culture for young people of different age groups.

The individual component: operation and amounts

The individual component of the Culture Pass allows young people aged 17 and 18 to benefit from a personal credit. This credit can be used through the Culture Pass application for cultural activities of their choice. For 17-year-olds, the allocated amount is 50 euros, while 18-year-olds receive 150 euros, which can reach 200 euros with the bonus. This credit is valid for three years from the age of 18.

Young people can use this credit for books, concerts, museum visits, or artistic courses. This freedom of choice promotes the cultural autonomy of young people.

The collective component: system in schools

The collective component concerns schools and allows teachers to organize outings and cultural activities for all students. The amounts allocated vary according to the school level.

• From sixth to ninth grade: 25 euros per student
• In tenth grade and CAP: 30 euros per student
• In eleventh and twelfth grade: 20 euros per student

This system aims to ensure equitable access to culture for all young people and to enrich the educational journey through collective cultural experiences.

Using your Culture Pass credit effectively

To make the most of your Culture Pass credit in 2026, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms of the application and explore the many offers available that match your interests.

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Discover the available offers

The Culture Pass application allows you to discover a multitude of cultural offers thanks to its geolocation function, which displays activities and cultural goods available near your location.

You can filter offers by category (books, music, shows, cinema, artistic courses), by price, or by distance to easily find what interests you among thousands of proposals, including online cultural leisure activities.

Book an activity or purchase a cultural good

To book an activity or purchase a cultural good, simply select the offer that interests you in the application, then click on “Book” and follow the instructions to finalize your order.

After validating your reservation, the amount is automatically deducted from your Culture Pass credit, and you receive a QR code or an electronic ticket to present upon your arrival or to pick up your purchase.

Validity period of credits

It is important to note that the credit received at 17 years is valid until the day before your 21st birthday, just like the one received at 18 years, giving you great flexibility to plan your cultural activities.

You can use your credit all at once for a significant purchase or split it to enjoy several different cultural experiences, depending on your preferences and current desires. The free cultural events are also an option to consider to enrich your experience.

What can you buy with the Culture Pass in 2026?

The Culture Pass allows you to discover new artistic and cultural experiences. In 2026, this system continues to evolve to offer young people a wide range of options to explore the world of culture.

Accessible cultural offers

The Culture Pass in 2026 allows access to a wide variety of cultural offers, covering both outings and activities as well as the acquisition of physical and digital goods related to culture. Among the most popular offers are books (novels, comics, mangas, audiobooks), which represent a significant portion of the purchases made with the Culture Pass.

Live performances are also very popular, with the possibility of booking tickets for concerts, plays, operas, dance performances, or cultural festivals throughout France. Additionally, the Culture Pass grants access to entries in museums, exhibitions, and historical monuments, as well as guided tours.

For music enthusiasts, it is possible to purchase instruments, sheet music, vinyl records, CDs, or even subscribe to music streaming platforms. Artistic courses and workshops are also accessible, allowing individuals to initiate or improve their skills in various disciplines such as dance, theater, photography, or visual arts.

Restrictions and limitations of the system

Although the Culture Pass offers a wide variety of options, certain restrictions exist. For example, it is impossible to acquire school and extracurricular books using the pass. Additionally, a spending cap is set for digital goods, such as ebooks, SVoD subscriptions (Amazon, Disney+, Netflix…) or music (Spotify, Deezer…) and video games.

Some goods and services are explicitly excluded from the system, such as computer equipment, electronic accessories, most video games (except for specific cultural exceptions), or services with no direct cultural link. These restrictions aim to encourage diversity in cultural practices and ensure that the Culture Pass remains a tool for discovery and cultural enrichment.

Conclusion: maximizing the Culture Pass experience

In 2026, the Culture Pass continues to be a valuable tool for young French people, offering them expanded access to culture. To maximize your experience with this system, it is essential to explore all the possibilities it offers. Don’t wait to activate your Culture Pass as soon as you are eligible at 17 or 18 years, as the steps are simple and will allow you to quickly access your credit through the dedicated application.

You can diversify your cultural choices by using your credit for different types of activities: buying books, attending shows, visiting museums, or taking artistic courses. The amounts allocated based on your age can be used strategically until you turn 21. Stay informed about special offers and exclusive events offered to Culture Pass holders to maximize your cultural opportunities.

Finally, remember that the Culture Pass is an invitation to develop your curiosity and openness to the world through varied cultural experiences. By combining this system with other local cultural offers, you can significantly enrich your cultural journey.