This paper examines the role and status of the French language in the Maghreb today, beginning with a brief historical overview to explain the background to this complex issue of language contact. It seems clear that despite an Arabization policy aiming to promote Arabic and reduce the role of French, or even eliminate it completely from the region, the French language continues to play a key role in the three countries of the Maghreb. Any conclusions, however, can only be provisional, as language contact situations are constantly evolving.