How many prefectures are there in France? Discover the number

The metropolitan France has 96 departmental prefectures. Additionally, there are 5 additional prefectures in overseas areas. Furthermore, there are 234 sub-prefectures throughout the country. Except for Val-d'Oise, the prefecture is often in the same city as the Departmental Council.

There is an important point to note. There is no department 97. The overseas regions are numbered from 971 to 976. In total, France has 18 administrative regions. This includes 13 in the metropolis and 5 overseas.

– In total, France has 101 prefectures. This includes 96 in the metropolis and 5 overseas.
– In the territory, there are also 234 sub-prefectures.
– Generally, prefectures and seats of Departmental Councils are in the same cities.
– The country is divided into 18 regions, with 13 in the metropolis and 5 overseas.

Introduction

Prefectures are very important in France; they represent the State locally. They organize the administrative life of the country. Let's take a closer look at what they are and what they do.

Definition of a prefecture

A prefecture is a place or several buildings that host the local administrative services of the State. These services are centered around the department. A prefect, the head of the local government, manages these places.

Role and functions of a prefecture

Prefectures have several responsibilities. They coordinate the activities of the State in their department. They ensure public safety. They also organize elections and issue important documents, such as vehicle registration certificates and driver's licenses.

Moreover, as a French prefecture, they influence the distribution of prefectures by region. And they are at the heart of managing departmental public services, as well as the territorial organization in Morocco.

Total number of prefectures in France

In France, there are 101 prefectures in total. This figure includes 96 departmental prefectures in the metropolis and 5 overseas, as well as the departmental capitals. Add to this the 234 sub-prefectures in the country.

Geographical distribution of prefectures

In France, there are 101 prefectures. They are located in the metropolis and in overseas territories. Each prefecture is the capital of its department. They are important for organizing the actions of the State locally.

Prefectures in metropolitan France

In the metropolis, we find 96 prefectures. Each is the administrative center of its department. This helps ensure a good presence of the State throughout France.

Prefectures in overseas departments and territories

Overseas, there are 5 prefectures. They are located in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, La Réunion, and Mayotte. These prefectures perform important work just like those in the metropolis. They represent the State and coordinate actions in these remote regions.

how many prefectures in France

France has exactly 101 prefectures. 96 are in the metropolis and 5 overseas. There are also 234 sub-prefectures, including the sub-prefecture of Grasse, throughout the country.

The country has a dense network of prefectural administrations. This allows the State to be close to citizens and coordinate public services locally, in each region and overseas territory.

Prefectures located by the sea

Eight cities in France are located near the ocean. Among them are Nice, Marseille, Bastia, Ajaccio, and Toulon on the Mediterranean. Then, La Rochelle, Vannes, and Saint-Brieuc are on the Atlantic. Nantes, Bordeaux, Rouen, and Caen are close to water but not directly on the sea.

For example, Bordeaux is near the Garonne. Nantes is on the Loire, Rouen along the Seine, and Caen on the Orne, which flows into the English Channel. By a canal, Caen is connected to the sea. Quimper, near the Odet, is affected by tides but is located 15 kilometers from the Atlantic.

Geographical curiosities: In 1791, when the departments were created, prefectures were placed at the center. This allowed them to be reached in one day, on horseback. But this is not always the case anymore. Sometimes, prefectures are on the outskirts of their department.

Prefectures bordering other departments

Bordering prefectures are found at the edges of their departments. Take Alençon, Valence, Mâcon, or Versailles, for example. They must manage their relationships with neighboring administrations well, especially in the context of crisis management.

Prefectures bordering two neighboring departments

Avignon is an example. It is between Gard and Bouches-du-Rhône, with rivers as separation. Nanterre, on the other hand, is wedged between Val-d'Oise and Yvelines. These prefectures have an important task. They coordinate public policies on both sides.

Prefecture bordering a foreign country

Strasbourg is unique. It is the only French prefecture bordering a foreign country—Germany, on the other side of the Rhine. This special position requires Strasbourg to work closely with Germany. It also manages border crossings.

Special cases of prefectures

In France, most prefectures are similar. However, there are special cases that need to be noted. Let's look at a few examples that make the administration unique in France.

Val-d'Oise

In Pontoise, in Val-d'Oise, is the official seat. However, Cergy, a nearby city, hosts the offices of the prefecture and the departmental council.

Mayotte

Mayotte had a special arrangement until 2023. Dzaoudzi was the legal capital, but Mamoudzou was the de facto capital. Since August 24, 2023, Mamoudzou is finally the recognized capital of this territory.

Lyon Metropolis

The Lyon metropolis, created in 2015, has an unusual status. Despite the detachment of 59 municipalities from Rhône, the prefecture is still in Lyon. This is the peculiarity of this new territorial creation.

Unique community of Corsica

Since 2018, Corsica has been a unique community. This reform merged the departments into one. Now, Corsica has two prefects, one in Ajaccio and the other in Bastia.

European Community of Alsace

The European Community of Alsace, created in 2021, is also a special case. It combines Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin. Each department, however, retains its own prefecture, one in Strasbourg and the other in Colmar.

Alphabetical list of French prefectures

Are you looking for a list of prefectures in France? It is available in the first source. The prefectures are listed in alphabetical order. This list provides details about the location and size of French cities.

Historical evolution of prefectures

In 1791, departments were created. Prefectures were placed at the center of their territory as much as possible. However, some prefectures are located away from their department.

France was divided in the 18th century into thirty generalities. Each had an Intendant to lead it. The National Constituent Assembly transformed France into 83 departments in 1790. Then, in 1800, 97 prefectures were established according to the law of 28 Pluviôse.

Under Poincaré's government in 1926, 106 sub-prefectures were closed. During World War II, 39 prefects and sub-prefects, including Jean Moulin, perished. Jean Moulin was the prefect of Eure-et-Loir in 1940.

In 2013, there were eighteen female prefects and nearly one hundred female sub-prefects. However, the number of sub-prefectures has changed over time. In 1926, 108 sub-prefectures were abolished and 2 new ones were created. This reduced their number to 106.

Over the years, there have been other changes. In 2014, there was an experiment to reduce sub-prefectures in Alsace and Lorraine. Then, in 2022, five sub-prefectures were reinstated after being merged in 2008. These reforms aim to adjust the administration to better support the territories.

Current issues and challenges for prefectures

The territorial reforms have changed a lot in France. With the Lyon metropolis or the European Community of Alsace, many things have moved. These administrative evolutions require prefectures to adapt. They must meet the challenges of their territory.

Territorial reforms

Territorial reforms have brought structural changes. They have transformed local communities. Thus, prefectures are adapting their missions and organization, particularly concerning administrative districts in Côte d'Ivoire. They do this to better administer and coordinate policies in their territory.

Digitalization of services

The growing digitization of administrative procedures is a reality. Therefore, prefectures must modernize. They are rethinking their processes and investing in technological tools. The goal is to offer a more modern and accessible public service for everyone.

Crisis management

Prefectures are also essential in crisis management. They intervene during natural disasters or public safety events. They must act quickly and coordinate interventions. This aims to protect citizens, a major responsibility for them.

Anecdotes and notable facts

Prefectures are not just important places for the State. Their history is full of incredible facts. For example, did you know that the city of Nice hosted many soldiers before World War II?

Nearly 20,000 of them were there. And afterward, 67 residents were honored for saving the lives of Jewish refugees.

In Sisteron, during the war, there were 2,500 German soldiers made prisoners. In Gap, three defensive walls surrounded the city. This shows the key role of regimentation over time.

Moreover, the 17th Infantry Regiment was based in Gap before 1914. This proves the historical importance of this city.

Useful resources

Do you want to learn more about prefectures in France? Many resources are available online and offline. Whether you are an ordinary citizen or an administration professional, they will be useful to you.

Official websites

The websites of prefectures and ministries offer a wealth of information. For example, the portal of prefectures and regions. They discuss the missions, services, and latest news from prefectures. You will also see how to contact your local prefecture.

Practical guides

There are many guides on prefectures in France. They explain administrative procedures, for example. These manuals are for everyone, including professionals.

Whether you are looking for general or very specific information, these resources are here for you. They help to better understand how prefectures function in France.

Conclusion

Prefectures are very important in France. They represent the State and organize local services. Their position and tasks have not changed much. However, they are adapting to new developments.

There are 234 sub-prefectures throughout the country. In 1926, 106 of these structures were abolished. However, issues of geographical distribution of sub-prefectures concerning populations have been noted. This has led to considerations for restructuring.

Modernization is a major challenge for prefectures today. They must digitize and manage crises. Their role is essential for the State throughout France. There is ongoing reflection on how to improve administration while respecting each region.