Objectives - The objectives of this study were to describe the mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures and the prevalence of hypertension in the adult population residing in France, to assess knowledge, treatment, and control of HTN, and to examine the relationships between HTN and educational attainment. Methods - The National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS) is a cross-sectional study conducted in metropolitan France in 2006–2007. Blood pressure was measured in a national sample of the adult population aged 18 to 74 living in ordinary households. HTN was defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mm Hg or higher, a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mm Hg or higher, or the use of antihypertensive medication. The analyses were weighted and adjusted. Results - The mean SBP was 123.6 mm Hg [95% CI: 122.6–124.6] and the mean DBP was 77.8 mm Hg [95% CI: 77.0–78.5]. The prevalence of hypertension was 31.0%. It increased with age and was higher among men (34.1%) than among women (27.8%). Half of adults with hypertension (52.2%) were aware of their condition. Among those with known hypertension, 82.0% were treated with antihypertensive medications, and among those receiving treatment, half were well-controlled (50.9%). In bivariate analysis, the prevalence of hypertension was inversely associated with the highest level of education attained. After adjusting for age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use, no association was found between hypertension and educational level among men. In contrast, this association persisted among women. Limitations - Three blood pressure measurements were taken during a single visit. Conclusion - Despite an increase in prescriptions for antihypertensive medications, hypertension remains underdiagnosed, undertreated, and uncontrolled in France. (R.A.)