The Administrative Divisions of France form the backbone of the country’s political, economic, and cultural organization. France is a unitary state, but its governance structure is carefully arranged into different levels to ensure effective administration and equal representation across its diverse territories. At the top level are the regions, large territorial units that handle regional planning, economic development, education, and cultural affairs. Below the regions are the departments, smaller administrative units that manage local services such as infrastructure, schools, and social welfare programs.
Understanding the administrative divisions of France is not only essential for students of geography, history, and political science, but also for travelers, researchers, and anyone interested in how this European nation organizes its governance and development. Each region and department has a unique identity shaped by history, culture, language, and geography, making France one of the most diverse countries in Europe.
Administrative Divisions of France
Regions of France
France is divided into 18 regions — 13 metropolitan regions in mainland France and Corsica, and 5 overseas regions. Each region has its own regional council and is headed by a president who oversees areas such as economic policy, transport infrastructure, and educational planning.
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Metropolitan Regions (Mainland France + Corsica)
- Île-de-France – Capital: Paris
The political, cultural, and economic heart of France, home to the capital city Paris, famous for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and international business district La Défense. - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes – Capital: Lyon
A diverse region stretching from the Massif Central to the Alps, known for ski resorts, gastronomy, and the historical silk industry of Lyon. - Bourgogne-Franche-Comté – Capital: Dijon
Renowned for wine production, mustard, and medieval heritage, this region blends Burgundy’s vineyards with Franche-Comté’s mountain landscapes. - Brittany (Bretagne) – Capital: Rennes
A region with Celtic roots, rugged coastlines, and strong maritime traditions, famous for its crêpes, cider, and unique Breton culture. - Centre-Val de Loire – Capital: Orléans
Known as the “Garden of France” with its Loire Valley castles, rich farmland, and historical towns. - Corsica (Corse) – Capital: Ajaccio
An island in the Mediterranean Sea, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, known for its mountainous interior and stunning beaches. - Grand Est – Capital: Strasbourg
Bordering Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium, this region blends French and German culture and is home to the European Parliament. - Hauts-de-France – Capital: Lille
A northern industrial and cultural hub with historical towns, World War battlefields, and vibrant markets. - Normandy (Normandie) – Capital: Rouen
Known for the D-Day beaches, apple orchards, and Impressionist art history, particularly linked to Claude Monet. - Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Capital: Bordeaux
France’s largest region, home to world-famous wine estates, Atlantic beaches, and the Pyrenees Mountains. - Occitanie – Capital: Toulouse
A region blending Mediterranean and Pyrenean landscapes, with Toulouse as a center of aerospace innovation. - Pays de la Loire – Capital: Nantes
Famous for its maritime history, châteaux, and strong cultural traditions. - Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur – Capital: Marseille
A Mediterranean jewel known for the French Riviera, lavender fields, and Roman heritage.
Overseas Regions
- Guadeloupe – Capital: Basse-Terre
A Caribbean archipelago with tropical beaches, volcanic landscapes, and Creole culture. - Martinique – Capital: Fort-de-France
Known for its blend of French and Caribbean culture, rum production, and stunning coastlines. - French Guiana (Guyane) – Capital: Cayenne
Located in South America, home to the Guiana Space Centre and dense Amazonian rainforest. - Réunion – Capital: Saint-Denis
An island in the Indian Ocean with volcanic peaks, lush landscapes, and multicultural heritage. - Mayotte – Capital: Mamoudzou
A small Indian Ocean island with a mix of French and African influences.
18 regions of France and their capitals:
| Region | Capital |
|---|---|
| Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | Lyon |
| Bourgogne-Franche-Comté | Dijon |
| Brittany (Bretagne) | Rennes |
| Centre-Val de Loire | Orléans |
| Corsica (Corse) | Ajaccio |
| Grand Est | Strasbourg |
| Hauts-de-France | Lille |
| Île-de-France | Paris |
| Normandy (Normandie) | Rouen |
| Nouvelle-Aquitaine | Bordeaux |
| Occitanie | Toulouse |
| Pays de la Loire | Nantes |
| Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur | Marseille |
| Guadeloupe | Basse-Terre |
| Martinique | Fort-de-France |
| French Guiana (Guyane) | Cayenne |
| Réunion | Saint-Denis |
| Mayotte | Mamoudzou |
Departments of France
France is further divided into 101 departments, each governed by a departmental council. Departments handle local administration such as road maintenance, social services, and certain education responsibilities. They are identified by a two-digit code used in postal codes and vehicle registration plates.
Below is an overview of departments, grouped by their regions.
Île-de-France (8 departments)
- Paris (75) – Capital: Paris; the national capital and global cultural icon.
- Hauts-de-Seine (92) – Capital: Nanterre; home to the business district La Défense.
- Seine-Saint-Denis (93) – Capital: Bobigny; known for cultural diversity and major stadiums.
- Val-de-Marne (94) – Capital: Créteil; combines urban life with green spaces.
- Yvelines (78) – Capital: Versailles; famous for the Palace of Versailles.
- Essonne (91) – Capital: Évry-Courcouronnes; a growing residential and business hub.
- Val-d’Oise (95) – Capital: Cergy; includes parts of the Vexin Regional Natural Park.
- Seine-et-Marne (77) – Capital: Melun; largest department by area in the region.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (6 departments)
- Bouches-du-Rhône (13) – Capital: Marseille; Mediterranean port city.
- Var (83) – Capital: Toulon; naval base and sunny coastline.
- Alpes-Maritimes (06) – Capital: Nice; gateway to the French Riviera.
- Vaucluse (84) – Capital: Avignon; known for its historic papal palace.
- Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04) – Capital: Digne-les-Bains; famous for lavender fields.
- Hautes-Alpes (05) – Capital: Gap; mountain landscapes and ski resorts.
Brittany (4 departments)
- Ille-et-Vilaine (35) – Capital: Rennes; administrative and cultural center.
- Morbihan (56) – Capital: Vannes; known for the Gulf of Morbihan.
- Finistère (29) – Capital: Quimper; westernmost tip of mainland France.
- Côtes-d’Armor (22) – Capital: Saint-Brieuc; rugged coastlines and fishing heritage.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine (12 departments)
- Gironde (33) – Capital: Bordeaux; world-famous wine region.
- Dordogne (24) – Capital: Périgueux; prehistoric cave art and castles.
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64) – Capital: Pau; Basque and Béarn cultural mix.
- Haute-Vienne (87) – Capital: Limoges; porcelain industry.
- Charente (16) – Capital: Angoulême; comic book festival and vineyards.
- Charente-Maritime (17) – Capital: La Rochelle; historic port city.
- Landes (40) – Capital: Mont-de-Marsan; pine forests and surf beaches.
- Lot-et-Garonne (47) – Capital: Agen; prunes and rural landscapes.
- Pyrénées-Orientales (66) – Capital: Perpignan; Catalan culture.
- Vienne (86) – Capital: Poitiers; Romanesque architecture.
- Creuse (23) – Capital: Guéret; quiet rural landscapes.
- Corrèze (19) – Capital: Tulle; medieval villages and rivers.
Conclusion on the Administrative Divisions of France
The Administrative Divisions of France illustrate the country’s commitment to balanced governance, regional identity, and cultural preservation. The regions serve as broad planning and development authorities, while the departments focus on local services and community needs. Together, they form a layered administrative system that allows France to remain unified as a nation while celebrating the unique character of each locality.
From the bustling streets of Paris in Île-de-France to the lavender fields of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and from the Celtic heritage of Brittany to the tropical shores of Guadeloupe, the regions and departments of France provide a rich tapestry of geography, history, and culture. Understanding these divisions not only enhances knowledge of French governance but also deepens appreciation for the diversity and complexity of this remarkable nation.
FAQ on the Administrative Divisions of France
1. How many regions are there in France?
France has a total of 18 regions — 13 metropolitan regions in mainland France and Corsica, and 5 overseas regions located in the Caribbean, South America, and the Indian Ocean.
2. What is the difference between a region and a department in France?
A region is a large administrative unit responsible for regional development, transportation planning, and cultural affairs, while a department is a smaller division within a region that manages local services like education, social programs, and road maintenance.
3. How many departments are there in France?
France is divided into 101 departments — 96 in metropolitan France and 5 overseas departments.
4. Why are French departments numbered?
Departments are assigned a two-digit number, originally based on alphabetical order, which is used for postal codes, vehicle registration plates, and administrative purposes.
5. Which is the largest region in France by area?
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region in mainland France, covering over 84,000 square kilometers.
6. Which is the smallest region in France?
Île-de-France, despite being the smallest in area, is the most populous and economically important due to the presence of Paris.
7. Do overseas regions have the same status as mainland regions?
Yes. Overseas regions like Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion have the same legal status as metropolitan regions, with representation in the French Parliament and the European Union.
8. Can the number of regions or departments change?
Yes. France restructured its metropolitan regions in 2016, reducing them from 22 to 13. Future reforms could potentially alter administrative boundaries again.