The Franc-Tireur resistance group was formed in Lyons in 1941. Led by Jean-Pierre Lévy, the group was made up up socialists, communists and liberals committed to the idea of an independent republic.

In December 1941, the group began publishing Le Franc-Tireur. People who worked for the newspaper including the famous historian, Marc Bloc. Based in Lyons the group also had members in the Mediterranean area, the Auvergne, and the Limousin.

In May 1943, Jean Moulin persuaded Franc-Tireur agreed to join forces with Front National, Comité d'Action Socialiste, Liberation, Combat and the Armée Secrete to form the Conseil National de la Resistance.