In this paper the author analyses the legal position of women in the French Penal Code of 1810 (Code pénal de 1810). Although the propositions of the Civil code of 1804 are key to determining the legal position of a woman in XIX century French law, we cannot disregard the propositions given by criminal law. By analysing legal sources as well as literature, both XIX century and current, the author gives an overview of the legal position of a woman as a victim, culprit and accomplice in the French Penal Code of 1810. This Code was written in a pronouncedly patriarchal tone, which is manifested in numerous legal propositions that seem outdated and very unjust from a contemporary perspective. Still, the Penal Code of 1810 echoed greatly in legal systems of XIX century Europe, which signifies that it corresponded to the spirit of the times.