France National 3

The Championnat National 3, commonly referred to as simply National 3 and formerly known as Championnat de France Amateur 2, is a football league competition. The league serves as the fifth division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1, Ligue 2, Championnat National, and the Championnat National 2. Usually contested by 112 clubs, the Championnat National 3 operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Championnat National 2 and the regional leagues of the Division d'Honneur, the sixth division of French football. Seasons run from August to May, with teams in eight groups playing 26 games each totalling 1,456 games in the season. Most games are played on Saturdays and Sundays, with a few games played during weekday evenings. Play is regularly suspended the last weekend before Christmas for two weeks before returning in the second week of January.

The competition was founded in 1993 as National 3 and lasted for five years before being converted to Championnat de France Amateur 2 in 1998. In 2017, the FFF reorganised amateur football and the restructured 5th level again became Championnat National 3. Some clubs that participate in the league are semi-professional. The matches in the league attract on average between 200 and 400 spectators per match.

The France National 3, also known as Championnat de France National 3, is the fifth tier of the French football league system. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for amateur and semi-professional clubs aspiring to ascend to higher levels of French football. The tournament features regional groups, each comprising teams from specific geographic areas across France, fostering local rivalries and community engagement. Matches are played throughout the season, typically from August to May, with teams competing for promotion to National 2 and striving to avoid relegation to regional leagues. The France National 3 is renowned for its competitive spirit, nurturing young talent, and maintaining the rich football culture across the country.