A major activity of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in the field of radioactive waste management is the organisation of international peer reviews of national studies and projects. The peer reviews help national programmes assess accomplished work. The general comments expressed in the reviews are also of potential interest to other member countries. The present review was carried out to inform the French Government whether the "Dossier 2005 Argile" prepared by the National Agency for the Management of Radioactive Waste (Andra) was consistent with international practices and whether future research needs were properly identified.