What does it mean to be French?

Answer 1

Being born in France to at least one French parent is what it means "to be French" in the phrase's strictest sense. The status therefore may be interpreted to have bio-geographical, cultural, genealogical, and linguistic ramifications in its most puristic, theoretical form. The factor which is most amenable to variation in such a tightly defined situation will be place of birth since the latter also may include nativity in French overseas possessions or temporary residences abroad because of parental diplomatic or professional assignments.