Ligue 1 is France's professional football league, the country's top division of their football league system. It has two divisions, the Ligue de Football Professionnel and Ligue 2. Its season consists of 38 games per team during the months between August and May. Ligue 1 is ranked fifth in Europe and is officially known as Ligue 1 Orange since its sponsor is a French telecommunications company named Orange.

Founded in 1932, Ligue 1 well run with rules that are enforced consistently and competent procedures to deal with disputes. Although it has faced three major scandals during its lifetime it has maintained its reputation by punishing the offending parties swiftly, appropriately and fairly.

There have been 74 clubs in Ligue 1 since its formation. Ligue 1 is often criticized for its emphasis on defense, which tends to make matches less exciting for the spectators as well as the players. Some say that this is the reason that only one French football club, Marseille, has won the European Cup.

Ligue 1 has broadcasting agreements that pays it €668 million through the 2012-2013 season. Rights were split into 12 packages between Canal and Orange with the majority having been bought by Canal.

Ligue 1 awards a trophy to the champion team each year and also gives out a Player of the Month award. There are others such as Manager of the Year, Player of the Year and Young Player of the year.