The main objective of this research is to study the impact of corporate social responsibility on performance. The empirical tests were conducted on panel data of CAC 40 companies. To answer this research question, we first analyzed the link between CSR and governance. Then, based on financial theories, we formulated a set of hypotheses regarding the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility, board size, the presence of women and board independence on performance.The results of the empirical tests indicate that CSR has a positive effect on performance. Conversely, the empirical tests show that board size and duality of functions have a negative effect on performance. Finally, the results of the tests on Corporate Social Responsibility are mixed depending on the characteristics of the board of directors.