This article summarizes seasonal influenza activity in metropolitan France for the 2005–2006 season. Methodology - The article is based on community data provided by the Sentinelles network and the GROG network, virological data from the National Influenza Virus Reference Centers (Northern and Southern regions), partner laboratories of the GROG network, and the Renal network (National Network of Hospital Laboratories), visits to emergency departments and hospitalizations related to clinical influenza (Oscour network), mortality data related to clinical influenza (network of 22 DDASS), as well as reports of clusters of acute respiratory infections in elderly care facilities. Results - The moderate-intensity influenza epidemic began in late January and ended in late March 2006. The epidemic peak was recorded in weeks 06–07/2006. Influenza A and B viruses co-circulated throughout the season, and the circulating strains were predominantly related to the B/Victoria lineage and the A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) strain. Surveillance of hospitalizations for clinical influenza, deaths related to clinical influenza, and clustered cases occurring in nursing homes suggests a moderate and mild epidemic. While H5N1 influenza has continued to spread among animals since 2003 and the number of human cases is increasing, no human cases have been diagnosed in France. (R.A.)