Passe Compose vs Subjonctif Passe

Question

Hi. I am trying to figure out why this uses the passe compose if followed by 'que'.

Les fleurs que j'ai senties étaient belles.
Would you not be able to use "que j'aie senties" instead of "que j'ai senties", because I remember seeing that when there is "que" we use subjonctif. I do notice this seems to be past tense which is why I ask if the Subjonctif Passe can be used. I am unsure if I have worded my question well, in that you may understand. I appreciate any help provided.

Accepted Answer

Hi Kristin, 
Take a look at the following Kwiziq lesson on the relative pronoun 'que' and you will see that this is not the case -
/revision/grammar/when-to-use-que-to-say-whom-which-or-that-relative-pronouns
Bonne Continuation !

Answer

'que' is not sufficient to require the subjunctive. There is no doubt etc here - positively expressed opinions/thoughts/beliefs etc mostly do not need the subjunctive:

"Penser/trouver/savoir/croire/prétendre que" are followed with the indicative mood (L'Indicatif) in affirmative sentences BUT with the subjunctive mood (Le Subjonctif) in negative ones

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/subjunctive/

I assume the A1 level is not reflective of your French currently ? The subjunctive is an advanced topic, and the lesson you link is at B2 level as well.