Article L511-20 of the French Commercial code

If the drawee, who has endorsed the bill of exchange with his acceptance, has crossed it out before the bill is returned, the acceptance is deemed to have been refused. In the absence of proof to the contrary, the striking out shall be deemed to have been made before the return of the bill.

However, if the drawee has made his acceptance known in writing to the bearer or to any signatory, he shall be bound to them in the terms of his acceptance.

Original in French

Article L511-20

Si le tiré, qui a revêtu la lettre de change de son acceptation, a biffé celle-ci avant la restitution de la lettre, l’acceptation est censée refusée. Sauf preuve contraire, la radiation est réputée avoir été faite avant la restitution du titre.

Toutefois, si le tiré a fait connaître son acceptation par écrit au porteur ou à un signataire quelconque, il est tenu envers ceux-ci dans les termes de son acceptation.