OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is an under diagnosed disorder of unknown etiology. The prevalence rate is thought to be about 2% in the general population, 5.8% of women ages 40–60 and as high as 8% in women ages 55–64. Recent European estimates are needed. This aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of FM in the general adult population, in France and describe the socio-demographic characteristics of patients, METHODS: The French validated version of the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology Study Screening Questionnaire (4 items relating to widespread pain and 2 items on fatigue) was administered to a representative community sample of 1014 subjects aged over 15 years, selected by the quota method. The questionnaire was submitted to a sample of rheumatology outpatients (n = 178), who were then examined by a trained rheumatologist to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of FM according to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria. The prevalence of FM in the general population was estimated by applying the predictive positive value to eligible community subjects (i.e., positive screens), RESULTS: In the community sample, 9.8% and 5.0% screened positive for widespread pain without and with fatigue, respectively. Among rheumatology outpatients, 47.1% and 34.8% were screened positive respectively, whereas 10.6% were confirmed FM cases. Based on widespread criteria, the prevalence of FM was estimated at 2.2 % (95% CI: 1.3% – 3.1%) in the French general population. The corresponding figure was 1.4 % (95% CI, 0.7% – 2.1%) if pain is added. FM sufferers are females with an average age of 47.3 years old (SD: 12.4, 21.5-68.0). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are in agreement with those of earlier national survey reports. A point prevalence of 1.4% would translate in approximately 680,000 patients with FM in France.