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Associations in France have long been seen as a vector of politicisation, following the work of historian Maurice Agulhon in the 1960s. However, it appears necessary to move beyond a strictly political approach, one that has shown its limitations and led to the quasi-extinction of historical research on the subject. An overarching perspective of the world of associations in France in all its diversity and over the long term (since the 19th century) can provide a vision of their transformations and heritage while also reflecting the dynamic nature of these associations. It can thus highlight their contributions to cultural, social and political evolutions in France and in Europe, alongside the revolutions that have occurred in transportation or access to schooling.