Article L2411-1 of the French Public procurement code
Project owners are principally responsible for the project. They may not delegate this function of general interest, defined in Title II, subject to the provisions of this book relating to the mandate and transfer of project ownership, the provisions of Book II relating to partnership contracts, article L. 121-5 of the Highway Code and articles L. 115-2 and L. 115-3 of the same code. The following purchasers are contracting authorities:…