The article is devoted to the emergence and development of the French Council of the Muslim Faith — a special structure for France, designed to be a mediator between French Muslims and the state. The author shows the conditions for the FCMF establishment in 2003 and the ups and downs of its evolution under the four French presidents — from Chirac to Macron. The article analyzes FCMF strengths and weaknesses, highlights its main hardships, hindering the growth of its influence in society. The author concludes that FCMF mission is far from being accomplished but the government's solution of key problems — creating a system for training French imams and achieving transparent funding - will strengthen the role of the FCMF in the state's dialogue with Muslims in France.