Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease that most commonly occurs during childhood. Although the disease is usually mild, secondary skin, neurological, or pulmonary infections may develop. The incidence of these complications increases with age. While several countries around the world have included chickenpox vaccination in their immunization schedules and vaccines are now available in France, this article aims to describe the epidemiology of the disease prior to any changes resulting from potential widespread vaccination of infants. This description is based on community and hospital morbidity data and mortality data. (R.A.)