France competed at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. 201 competitors, 190 men and 11 women, took part in 100 events in 18 sports. It was notable for an incident during the opening ceremonies. During the March of the Nations (when each national team with its flag parades on the field), the entire French team gave a straight-arm salute as it passed the box of Adolf Hitler (head of state of the host country for that Olympics, Germany). The French flag was also dipped in such a way as to drag it in the dirt in front of Hitlers box. There was a storm of protest in France after the incident was reported there, and accusations were made that the French Olympic committee was pro-Nazi. The committee stated that the salute (resembling the salute of Germany's ruling Nazi party) was an 'Olympic salute' (similar to Roman salute), and that dipping the colors was a tradition. The incident is recorded in Leni Riefenstahl's 1938 film Olympia.

Medalists

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Athletics

Basketball

Boxing

Canoeing

Cycling

Eight cyclists, all men, represented France in 1936.

Diving

Equestrian

Fencing

19 fencers, 16 men and 3 women, represented France in 1936.

Field hockey

Men's team competition

Gymnastics

Modern pentathlon

Three male pentathletes represented France in 1936.

Rowing

France had 19 rowers participate in five out of seven rowing events in 1936.

Sailing

Shooting

Eight shooters represented France in 1936. Charles des Jammonières won a bronze medal in the 50 m pistol event.

Swimming

Water polo

Weightlifting

Wrestling