French Civil Code

The contract is interpreted according to the common intention of the parties rather than by stopping at the literal meaning of its terms. Where this intention cannot be detected, the contract is interpreted according to the meaning that a reasonable person placed in the same situation would give to it.

All the clauses of a contract are to be interpreted in relation to each other, giving to each the meaning which respects the coherence of the whole act. When, with the common intention of the parties, several contracts contribute to the same transaction, they are interpreted in relation to it.

When in doubt, a contract by mutual agreement is construed against the creditor and in favour of the debtor, and a contract of adhesion against the person who proposed it.

When a clause has two possible meanings, the one that gives it effect prevails over the one that does not.

Clear and precise clauses cannot be interpreted without distortion.