INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological data on French ambulatory anaesthesias are restricted. The aim of this study was to perform an epidemiological analysis of this activity for the year 2010. METHODS: Using the national database program for medical information systems (the PMSI), we have listed all institutions in France and her overseas territories performing ambulatory anaesthesia. We have assessed the number and nature of anaesthetic procedures, in terms of type of institution, age and surgeries. These results were correlated with French general demographics. RESULTS: Ambulatory anaesthetic procedures represented 44.4% of all anaesthesias, excluding childbirth, (n=4644,791 ambulatory acts), among which 88% were performed on adults and 12% on minors. The "65-74 years" age group had the highest annual relative rate of ambulatory anaesthesia. Rate of ambulatory anaesthesia was higher in children compared to adults (60% versus 42.8%, respectively). Outpatient surgery was mainly developed in Private Clinics as compared to public institutions. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory anaesthesia has dramatically increased over fourteen years. It represents almost half of all anaesthetic acts, and its development is promising, especially in University Hospitals and adult populations.