The background, the status and the system on the distance learning and lifelong learning in European countries are not yet well known in Korea. Then, this article studies the system and the operation of the French National Centre for Distance Learning CNED (Centre National d'Enseignement a Distance)" as a part of studies, hopefully, to be vigorously continued on their systems and operations in the future. The reason why the CNED is selected as the object of research in this article is that it is the leading operator in Europe and in the French-speaking world as well. This study consists of 4 main parts. First, there will be a brief introduction on the status of distance learning in France and a short glance of its 67 year-long history. In the second place, this article deals with the whole educational levels and the programmes provided by the CNED. Third part will be the research on the educational materials and methodologies which are currently being used at the CNED. In the fourth place, the study will focus on the function and the role of the Eifad (l'ecole d'ingenierie de la formation a distance) which is one of the main attached institutions to the CNED. Lastly, the article suggests several implications and propositions through the study on the CNED.

distance learning institution, lifelong learning, status of the French distance learning, French education system