In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on rural areas, particularly with the adoption of the “France Ruralités” plan in 2023. Yet perceptions of rural life remain mixed, ranging from views of its appeal to negative stereotypes. The health determinants specific to rural areas are rooted in living and working conditions, which are often characterized by physically demanding work, isolation, and limited access to healthcare. This issue of La Santé en action focuses on prevention and health promotion initiatives, their specific characteristics, and the challenges they face in these areas, including in the overseas territories. Addressing this topic is a challenge given the diversity of rurality across its multiple dimensions—geographic, demographic, cultural, sociological, and economic. Furthermore, available data and evaluations remain limited. This issue offers an overview of existing stakeholders and initiatives, combining the dual perspectives of the social and environmental determinants of health and the different stages of life. While the interventions presented demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing health promotion, not all of them fully align with established frameworks.