This paper attempts to take stock of Shakespeare translations and research in France. The aim is to consider some issues that have been neglected so far, particularly in function of an authentically international study of Shakespeare translations. The author focuses on principles rather than an accumulation of dates, proper names and other ‘factual’ elements. The paper investigates translation and literature, the inconveniences of the normative approach, France and European traditions, some conflicts, paradoxes and paradigms and other issues.