List of departments with their prefecture in France

France has a rich organization with 101 departments. There are 96 departments in metropolitan France and 5 others overseas. Each department has its own history related to the division of the territory, particularly concerning the bordering prefectures.

Each department has a prefecture, where the offices of the State and the department are located. Many departments have their capital as the administrative center, except for a few cases like in Val-d'Oise.

– In total, there are 101 departments in France
– Each department has its own prefecture and local administration
– The department system began in 1790 with the Revolution and has evolved since
– Departments are very important for administrative and social life

Introduction

This article lists all 101 French departments and their prefectures. It explains how the metropolitan departments and overseas departments function in France.

Each department finds its origins in a decree from 1789, during the Revolution. There were initially 83, becoming 130 in 1810 due to wars. Today, France has 101 departments.

A prefect governs each department. They manage things like social assistance and roads. The system has changed recently with regional mergers in 2016. There was also the creation of the European Collectivity of Alsace in 2021.

What is a department in France?

Historical origins of administrative division

Before the French Revolution, France had provinces. Since 1790, it has changed to departments. Initially, there were 83. Now, there are 101, including 96 in France and 5 overseas. According to Article 72 of the constitution, this administrative organization is essential for the proper functioning of the territories.

Roles and responsibilities of departments

Departments are administrative areas. Each is under the control of a prefect. They have specific responsibilities in several areas. Notably, they handle social action and rural equipment.

Departments also manage departmental roads and colleges.

General overview of French departments

Total number of departments

France has 101 departments. There are 96 metropolitan departments, numbered from 1 to 95. And, there are 5 overseas departments, numbered from 971 to 976.

Corsica has two departments but only counts up to 95. This is due to the removal of department 20 when Corsica was split in 1976.

Metropolitan and overseas departments

There are 96 metropolitan departments in France. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyane, Réunion, and Mayotte make up the 5 overseas departments.

List of departments with their prefecture

Metropolitan France has 96 departments, each with its prefecture. They are numbered from 1 to 95. The 20 disappeared when Corsica separated in 1976.

Metropolitan departments numbered from 1 to 95

The list continues up to department 95, Haute-Vienne, with Limoges as its prefecture.

Overseas departments numbered from 971 to 976

Thus, there is a total of 101 departments in France. This includes both metropolitan and overseas, along with their prefectures.

Particular cases and geographical curiosities

The prefecture of Val-d'Oise is in Pontoise. However, the prefectural offices and the Departmental Council are located in Cergy, a neighboring municipality. This is a rare situation in France.

Prefectures located by the sea

Some prefectures are located near the sea, such as Nice, Marseille, Bastia, and Ajaccio. There are also La Rochelle and Vannes close to the Atlantic, and Saint-Brieuc on the Channel. Their location gives them a unique charm.

Prefectures bordering other departments

Some prefectures are bordering one or more neighboring departments. This is the case for Alençon, Valence, Mâcon, Versailles, Avignon, and Nanterre. These cities have special ties with their neighbors.

Administrative regions and departments

Since 2016, France has 18 regions. Thirteen are in the mainland and five in the overseas departments and regions. Each region contains several departments. For example, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has 12 departments, while Brittany has 4.

Despite the change in 2016, the departmental division continues to exist. It remains a key administrative level, with its own rules and its prefect.

Recent changes in administrative division

The French territorial division has evolved recently. In 2016, the number of regions decreased from 22 to 13. For example, Rhône-Alpes merged with Auvergne to form Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, as part of the 2016 territorial reform.

European Collectivity of Alsace in 2021

In 2021, something new happened. Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin are now together in the European Collectivity of Alsace. They maintain their administrative system, each with a prefect in Strasbourg and Colmar.

Importance of prefectures and capitals

Prefectures and capitals are very important in France. They organize the administrative side of the country. These places manage local affairs and house decision-making venues, thus illustrating the role of the prefect in the administrative structure.

Each department has its prefecture. They offer a variety of services to residents, including initiatives like rural Abidjan. Thus, they influence community life in various ways.

Historically, prefectures were always at the center of departments. But, this is no longer the rule everywhere today. Some are located near the sea or at borders. This makes the geographical situation of these prefectures exciting.

Through their presence, prefectures promote local dynamism. Thanks to the services they offer, they support progress and cohesion of the territory. Therefore, they are crucial for the well-being of regions.

Facilitating your procedures in the prefecture

Making an appointment at the prefecture is simple thanks to rendezvousprefecture.com. You can receive emails and SMS when there are new slots available.

Online appointments

More and more prefectures offer online services. This avoids the need to travel for certain procedures, but there may be cases of damages caused by the prefecture.

Digital services of prefectures

A digital point is available in prefectures and sub-prefectures. It is usually open from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

To make an appointment in Puy-de-Dôme, call 04.73.98.63.08. Online procedures speed up the issuance of titles. A single personal account is sufficient for ANTS.

Beware of fake sites that ask for money for free services. Specific support is provided to foreigners for their residence permits.

The prefecture provides technical assistance for online procedures. But for residence permits, use the site “Foreigners in France.”

For naturalizations, préf-naturalisations@puy-de-dome.gouv.fr is available to respond. You can also make an appointment or fill out a form online.

Symbols and heritage of departments

Each French department has its own symbols. These may include a coat of arms, a flag, or a motto. These elements help define local identity. They strengthen the sense of belonging among residents. Some departments possess a rich heritage, whether historical, architectural, or natural. This heritage contributes to their renown.

For example, in 1986, the Bas-Rhin department received the “Chartrier de Niedernai.” It is a treasure of medieval archives. In the 1790s, the Bas-Rhin Directory displayed strong slogans on its labels. They bore messages such as “Liberty. Equality.” or “The people are sovereign.”

Moreover, before the use of official symbols, small municipalities used seals. They inscribed messages with red wax, lacking the means for headers. Later, departmental councils adopted symbols reminiscent of that of the Republic. Bas-Rhin followed this trend in 1800, with some modifications.

The symbols and heritage of a department are sources of pride for its inhabitants. They strengthen the emotional bond of people to their territory. Thus, they contribute to its reputation and vitality.

Resources and useful links

To learn more about departmental resources in France, here are some useful links:

• The dedicated Wikipedia page for the list of French departments
• Our specialized webpage on department numbers
• Our webpage offering printable maps and lists of departments

These links provide accurate information on the organization and division of the French territory.

Explore these resources to better understand how France is organized.

Conclusion

The conclusion of French departments is crucial for France. There are 101 departments that form an important network. This network has been built since the French Revolution to better serve the regions.

Each department is unique. It has its prefecture, its capital, and its history. These details help residents feel attached to it. Thus, departments play an important role for France. They help manage local public services.

Despite recent changes, the conclusion of French departments remains important. They help address local needs and strengthen the unity of the country. Each department contributes to the progress of France in its own way.