In this article, we start by considering the relevant parts of the French educational system and the data relating to science at the end of secondary school and the early years of university. We show an increase, till 1995, and then a decline in the study of mathematics at baccalaureate and university level. However, our main conclusions relate to a decline in the study of all sciences, rather than just mathematics. The reason that we have to consider all sciences is because of the difficulty in getting accurate figures for mathematical enrolments at the university level. We do, however, have accurate figures for high school level mathematics enrolments. We consider the reasons for this downturn in enrolments, which appear to be largely political and social. It is also noted that there have been declines in the numbers of students in areas other than science. Finally, we show that for French tertiary students, well-paid secure jobs are at least as important as subject choice. This is dramatically illustrated by the numbers of applicants applying for competitive positions as secondary teachers. (Contains 8 figures and 9 notes.)