Complete list of prefectures in France

In the French administrative system, departments are very important. Each has its main prefecture. This list presents all the prefectures. You will be able to explore the regions of France and their local management.

In metropolitan France, there are 96 department prefectures. There are 5 more in the overseas departments and regions. These places also serve as chief towns for the Departmental Councils. This is where their meetings are held, at the Departmental Hotel, except for Val-d'Oise.

Main points to remember

• France has 96 department prefectures in metropolitan and 5 in overseas.
• The prefectures form the foundation of the territorial organization and local authorities in France.
• The administrative division of departments has changed, but the prefectures are still essential.
• The list of prefectures follows the alphabetical order of the departments. The regional prefectures are highlighted.
• Some prefectures have special statuses, such as Val-d'Oise, Mayotte, Lyon, Corsica, or Alsace.

Introduction

A prefecture is like the headquarters for the territorial administration of a department in France. This is where the State makes major decisions regarding the management of the department. Therefore, they are very important for the functioning of the country's administration at a local level.

Definition of a prefecture

Imagine a prefecture as the capital of a department. It is the place where the government's administrative team is located. It is the main place where the State organizes its actions in the department.

Role of a prefecture

The main role of a prefecture is to represent the State in the department. It directs and organizes the actions of the administration on site. This concerns both security and the economic and social development of the territory.

Importance of prefectures in France

Prefectures are vital for the administrative organization of the country. They ensure that the State is active throughout France. Thus, government actions are close to the people, allowing for better local management.

Geographical distribution of prefectures

In France, there are 96 prefectures in metropolitan and 5 others in the islands. The goal is for the State to be present and active everywhere. Thus, France is well managed as a whole.

Prefectures in metropolitan France

Most prefectures, exactly 96, are on the continent. They help the State to be close and to act everywhere in France. This is important for effectively managing the entire geographical territory of the prefectures.

Prefectures in overseas regions

Five prefectures are in the islands and remote regions of France. They are part of French territory. Thus, the government's action is well distributed, whether in the city or in the islands.

Prefectures by region

Each region in France has a prefecture to facilitate local management. This ensures that each territory is well managed while recognizing the unity of the State. It is a way to create a fair representation of the State throughout France.

Prefectures of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has 8 prefectures including Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon. This organization allows for good management over a large area. Thus, each place can be effectively managed.

Prefectures of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region

In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, there are 5 prefectures. This includes Dijon and Besançon. Each department benefits from close monitoring, thanks to this local administrative management.

Prefectures of the Brittany region

In Brittany, there are 4 prefectures such as Rennes and Brest. Each plays an important role in the good management of the region. This allows for an efficient organization of administrative management throughout the region.

List of prefectures

Here are the 101 French prefectures in alphabetical order, including the prefecture of Kyoto. You will find cities like Agen, Angers, and Annecy.

Each city is a major chief town of a department. They are crucial for the administration of the regions.

In France, there are 101 prefectures. Each manages a department. Overall, 96 are located in metropolitan France, and 5 in overseas territories.

There are also 234 sub-prefectures. These places are important for local administration.

The prefectures are listed in alphabetical order. For example, Amiens is in the Somme (80) and Bordeaux in Gironde (33).

Unusually, there are no cities starting with I, J, or K.

This list focuses on the main prefectures. It excludes very well-known ones, such as Paris.

The alphabetical classification really helps to find information quickly. However, these lists need to be regularly updated.

Prefectures by the sea

Several prefectures are by the seaside. The Mediterranean has Nice, Marseille, Bastia, Ajaccio, and Toulon on its shores. Additionally, La Rochelle and Vannes on the Atlantic touch the ocean. And Saint-Brieuc, on the English Channel, is also a seaside prefecture. Bordeaux, Nantes, Rouen, and Caen are important but are near rivers, not the sea.

These coastal prefectures are key in the maritime facade. This often transforms them into major port cities.

Bordering prefectures

In France, some prefectures are located right on the edge of their department. They even sometimes border neighboring departments or another country. This proximity puts them in direct contact with bordering cities or countries. These border prefectures thus play an important role in the coordination and management of border towns. Additionally, the public services in Foix are essential for ensuring effective communication between these areas.

Prefectures bordering a neighboring department

Some prefectures are adjacent to only one department, like Alençon near Sarthe. Or Valence, which shares its border with Ardèche via the Rhône. They must work closely with the neighboring department.

Prefectures bordering two neighboring departments

There are also prefectures surrounded by two different departments, such as Mâcon between Ain and Saône-et-Loire. And Versailles, linked to Hauts-de-Seine and Eure. These places coordinate actions on two fronts, with their two neighboring departments.

Prefectures bordering a foreign country

Finally, some prefectures border a foreign country, like Avignon and its border with Gard and Bouches-du-Rhône, separated by rivers. Or Strasbourg, close to Germany. These prefectures have a key role in cross-border relations.

Special cases

Most prefectures in France follow well-established models. However, some areas offer special cases, particularly related to administrative decentralization. This often occurs due to changes in territories.

Val-d'Oise

In Val-d'Oise, Pontoise is the chief town. But the prefectural administration is in Cergy.

Mayotte

In Mayotte, Dzaoudzi was the official chief town until 2023. Everyone knows that Mamoudzou was the real center.

Lyon Metropolis

In 2015, Lyon and the metropolis of Lyon separated. However, Lyon is still the prefecture of the region.

Unique Collectivity of Corsica

Corsica has a special status. It is a single collectivity, combining the powers of the former regions and departments.

European Collectivity of Alsace

Alsace has recently changed and has become a unique European collectivity. This comes from a territorial restructuring.

Prefectures on social media

French prefectures are increasingly engaging on social media. They communicate with their constituents. Important information such as weather alerts and administrative procedures to follow can be found there. They also provide safety instructions in case of a crisis and road traffic conditions.

By following the official accounts of your prefecture, you stay updated on the news. You also learn key administrative information. This connects you more with your department and local authorities.

To ask questions or make a request, communicate online with your prefecture. You will receive help for your administrative procedures. Thanks to social media, prefectures play a major role. They inform citizens closely.

Appointment at the prefecture

Your appointment at the prefecture is waiting for you! Register at rendezvousprefecture.com to receive messages by email and SMS as soon as you can sign up. The prefecture handles many administrative procedures. Contact its services for any information.

On some sites, you can set an appointment for a fee. Prefectures assist with initial requests or renewals of residence permits, depending on your status. Use online services to submit biometric data or renew your residence certificate.

To make an appointment, follow the procedures according to where you live. In Montpellier and Lodève, counters 1, 2, and 3 handle residence permits and travel documents. In Béziers, reserve a slot to submit your requests, even if you are in an irregular situation.

Many prefecture services require an appointment, such as assistance with online procedures or medical examinations for driving licenses. Check on-site to find out how to proceed based on your needs.

Additional resources

To learn more about French prefectures, check the additional information and administrative references. You can find all this on several official sites.

Useful links

The Ministry of the Interior's website is a treasure trove of additional information. It explains how prefectures operate. You can also see what their tasks are.

The websites of the prefectures offer a lot of additional information. They discuss what the prefectures in your region do. Check them out to better understand your prefecture.

The INSEE often shares data and administrative references about France. This includes the role of prefectures.

Official documentation

To better understand the actions of prefectures, there are also many official resources:

• We find the codes and decrees that guide the work of prefectures on Légifrance.
• The Ministry of the Interior publishes circulars and special instructions for prefects.
• There are also reports and studies conducted by the government on prefectures.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact your prefecture. They can provide you with the documents you need.

Conclusion

This list has shown you all the French prefectures. You have seen those near the sea and near the borders, and even the special cases. Now, you are well acquainted with the territorial organization of the State in France. Remember, your prefecture can help you with any paperwork or information about your region.

The French can turn to their prefectures for everything. Whether for official documents or to know what is happening nearby, the prefectures are there. This network of prefectures shows that the State is close, everywhere in France and overseas.

Do not limit your knowledge to prefectures. There are also sub-prefectures that greatly assist in the functioning of local authorities. In addition to prefectures, they demonstrate how the State is close to the people.