Pesticides have been used in agriculture for decades and comprise a large number of active ingredients (>1,000) distributed across numerous commercial formulations (>10,000). The availability of these products has varied considerably over time: the discovery of new molecules, the banning of certain ones, changes in usage and regulations, etc. While the acute health effects of these substances are relatively well understood, their chronic effects remain the subject of extensive research. These multifactorial diseases manifest with a time lag, and establishing links between pesticides and diseases requires the most accurate and detailed assessment of exposure possible. This remains one of the major challenges faced in epidemiological studies today. However, there is no systematic and comprehensive record in France of the retrospective use of pesticides by crop type, historical period, and region. To address this gap, and as part of a collaborative program with the Joint Research Unit for Epidemiology and Surveillance of Transport, Work, and the Environment (Umrestte)/Lyon 1, Santé publique France has developed a method for creating crop-exposure matrices (CEMs) for plant protection products: the Matphyto project. This report details the principles and methodology used to create the Matphyto CEMs. The CEMs describe, based on agricultural crops, retrospective exposure to major groups of PPPs (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.), broken down by chemical families and active ingredients. The CEMs are regionalized, thereby reflecting variations in PPP use across geographic areas. Three indicators are proposed to characterize exposures: probability, frequency, and intensity of exposure. Comprehensive and retrospective data enabling the creation of these CEMs are scarce. A literature review, particularly of gray literature, is conducted by an experienced project team composed of agronomists, epidemiologists, and statisticians. Professional consultations with industry stakeholders are also organized. These consultations help address data gaps or interpretation challenges. They involve cross-checking the results compiled from the literature with individuals who have in-depth knowledge of agricultural practices. The MCE addresses a strong general need for data on exposure to PPPs, whether from health agencies, ministries, occupational medicine, research (Inserm, etc.), associations, or the general public. Matphyto is currently specifically designed to improve understanding of past pesticide exposures among agricultural workers. It covers the entire French mainland and certain overseas departments.