Objectives - The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and management of hypertension in France based on the Mona Lisa study conducted in the Lille Urban Community and the departments of Bas-Rhin and Haute-Garonne between 2005 and 2007. Methodology - Participants aged 35 to 74 from these three regions were randomly selected from voter registration lists after stratification (by sex, age in 10-year intervals, and municipality size). Blood pressure (BP) was measured in a standardized manner while subjects were seated and had been at rest for ten minutes. The average of two measurements was used in the analyses. Hypertension is defined as systolic BP >= 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP >= 90 mm Hg and/or a diet or antihypertensive treatment. A treated hypertensive subject is considered controlled with a BP < 140/90 mm Hg. Results - 4,825 subjects were included (mean age: 55.5 years). The prevalence of hypertension is higher among men (47%) than among women (35%). It increases with age, rising from 23.9% and 8.6% in the 35–44 age group to 79.8% and 71.3% among those aged 65–74, in men and women respectively (p<0.04). A north-south gradient is observed, with a higher prevalence in Lille and Strasbourg than in Toulouse (p<0.04 in both sexes). Antihypertensive treatment is found in 80% of hypertensive patients, most often involving combination therapy (53%), particularly among the elderly (59%). Only 24% of men and 39% of women are well-controlled, and this control diminishes with age. Conclusion - The prevalence of hypertension remains high in France, particularly among those aged 55–74, men, and in the North and East. Although improving, the control of hypertension still requires further progress. (R.A.)