French regions
Visit Francewith its rich cultural, geographical and historical heritage, is a land of diversity. Following the 2016 territorial reform, it is made up of 13 metropolitan regionshome to 96 departments. These regions of France, Each with its own attractions and challenges, they offer a range of unique experiences.
Wondering which region might be the best place to live, work or simply travel?
The purpose of this guide is to help you discover France’s 13 regions, highlighting their unique characteristics, the opportunities they offer, and the challenges they face. We’ll provide advice on how to evaluate key factors before making your decision, including climate, cost of living, quality of life, job prospects, and cultural richness. In addition, we’ll highlight certain regions that we believe are particularly promising, offering concrete examples and insights into their future prospects.
Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, a vacation destination, or a new source of inspiration, this article is here to guide you. Join us on this journey through France’s 13 regions!
Overview of the 13 regions of metropolitan France
The 13 regions of mainland France
The 5 overseas regions
(H3 for each region with description and tourist info)
Guadeloupe
Martinique
French Guiana
Reunion Island
Mayotte
Regional characteristics and identities
The 13 regions of metropolitan France, created in 2016 through the merger of 22 former regions, each have their own unique history, culture, heritage, and landscapes. They differ in terms of area, population, population density, and topography. Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest, covering 84,036 km², while Corsica is the smallest at 8,680 km². Île-de-France is the most populous region with 12.2 million inhabitants, in contrast to Corsica, which has 0.3 million inhabitants. In terms of population density, Île-de-France stands out with 1,012 inhabitants per km², in contrast to French Guiana, which has 3 inhabitants per km². Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with 80 % of its territory above 400 meters in elevation, is the most mountainous, while the Centre-Val de Loire, with only 4 % of its territory above that elevation, is considered the flattest.
Economy and employment by region
Each of the 13 regions of metropolitan France has a unique economic profile, determined by its economic sectors, dynamism, competitiveness, and attractiveness. Île-de-France, with a GDP of 709 billion euros—representing 31.% of the national GDP—and a gross disposable income per capita of 25,900 euros, ranks as the wealthiest region. Conversely, Corsica is the poorest, with a GDP of 9 billion euros and a gross disposable income per capita of 18,600 euros. Occitanie is known for its economic dynamism, with GDP growth of 2.1 %, while Normandy posts the lowest growth rate. Île-de-France also excels in competitiveness with an export rate of 18.5 %, while Brittany lags behind at 7.4 %. In terms of attractiveness, Nouvelle-Aquitaine stands out with a positive net migration rate, unlike the Grand Est region. Île-de-France is the largest provider of jobs, while Corsica offers the fewest. The Pays de la Loire region has the lowest unemployment rate, while Hauts-de-France has the highest.
Quality of life and services
Living conditions vary greatly from one region to another in mainland France, depending on the environment, access to services, social cohesion, and civic engagement. Corsica is the greenest region, with 52 % of its land area covered by natural spaces, while Île-de-France is the least green. Île-de-France is also the most polluted, in contrast to Brittany, which enjoys the best air quality. Access to facilities and services is fastest in Île-de-France, while French Guiana has the longest travel times. Brittany stands out for its high rate of volunteerism, in contrast to Corsica. Finally, Corsica had the highest voter turnout in the 2015 regional elections, while Hauts-de-France had the lowest.
Key factors to consider before choosing your region
Cost of living
The cost of living—which encompasses price levels, incomes, and taxes—varies from one region to another in France. Île-de-France ranks as the most expensive region, with a consumer price index of 107.4 in 2021, exceeding the national average by 7.4 %. In contrast, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is the least expensive, with an index of 97.1 in 2021, which is 2.9 % below the national average. In terms of income, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes had the highest median income at 22,100 euros in 2018, while Hauts-de-France was at the other end of the spectrum with 18,900 euros. In terms of tax burden, Corsica and Normandy represent the extremes, with 11.9 % and 8.6 %, respectively, in 2019.
Climate and environment
The climate and environment, which are essential to quality of life, vary considerably from region to region. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, with an average temperature of 14.5 °C in 2020, is the warmest region, while Grand Est is the coldest at 10.2 °C. Corsica enjoys 2,793 hours of sunshine, compared with 1,581 hours in Hauts-de-France, the least sunny region. French Guiana receives the most rainfall, with 3,467 mm, while Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur receives the least, with 636 mm. In terms of natural hazards, Occitanie is the most exposed, unlike Brittany. Nouvelle-Aquitaine stands out in the ecological transition, with 32 % of its electricity needs met by renewable energy, while Hauts-de-France stands at 8 %.
Access to Education and Health Care
Access to education and health care also varies from one region to another. Île-de-France, with a higher education graduation rate of 46 % in 2017, ranks first, while Hauts-de-France, with 25 %, ranks last. Corsica has the most schools per capita, while French Guiana has the fewest. For healthcare facilities, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur represent the extremes. In terms of healthcare professionals, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Hauts-de-France show the greatest contrast.
Professional opportunities
Employment opportunities, which depend on economic dynamism, sectoral diversity, the rate of new business creation, and the unemployment rate, vary greatly from region to region. Île-de-France, with a per capita GDP of 56,000 euros in 2018, dominates economically, while Corsica is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur excels in business creation, unlike Brittany. The Pays de la Loire region has the lowest unemployment rate, while Hauts-de-France has the highest.
Connectivity and transport
Connectivity and transportation play a crucial role in providing access to mobility for residents of different regions in France. These regions vary in their level of development in terms of networks and infrastructure, which is influenced by their geographic location, their level of urbanization, and their ability to attract residents and investment.
Île-de-France stands out as the most connected region, with fiber-optic coverage reaching 97 % of its territory in 2019. In contrast, Corsica has the lowest rate, with only 29 % of its territory covered by fiber-optic internet in the same year.
With regard to rail transportation, the Île-de-France region also leads the way, with 1,200 km of high-speed rail lines (LGV) and 6,000 km of conventional rail lines in 2019, while Corsica has no high-speed rail lines and only 232 km of conventional rail lines.
In terms of air travel, the Île-de-France region leads the way, with 108 million passengers passing through the Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports in 2019. At the other end of the spectrum, the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region saw only 0.4 million passengers pass through the Dole-Jura and Dijon-Bourgogne airports.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is the region with the most extensive highway network, with 1,600 km of highways in 2019, while Corsica has no highways at all.
Focus on a few regions: Examples and prospects
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: A Hub of Innovation and Nature
The region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, second only to Île-de-France in terms of population and wealth, stands out for its economic vitality, geographic diversity, and rich cultural heritage. It stands as a major center of innovation, home to competitiveness clusters in sectors such as chemicals, healthcare, digital technology, agri-food, and energy. This region is also famous for its breathtaking landscapes, offering a variety of recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, cycling, and water sports. Its cultural heritage is remarkable, featuring cities of art and history such as Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, and Annecy, renowned festivals, and distinctive cuisine.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Beaches, culture and economic dynamism
Visit Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France’s largest region, is known for its Atlantic coastline, vineyards, and diverse landscapes. Prized for its mild climate, fine sandy beaches, and popular seaside resorts, it is also a cultural hub, home to major historical sites, vibrant cities, and festive events. The region boasts a diversified economy, driven by sectors such as aerospace, digital technology, tourism, and agriculture, and enriched by a varied culinary tradition that includes foie gras, canelés, cognac, and Bordeaux wine.
Île-de-France: France's beating heart
Île-de-Francethe country's most populous and wealthiest region, is renowned for its international influence and urban density. Paris, its heart, is a hub of power, innovation, and culture, home to government institutions, major corporations, and world-famous landmarks. The region also offers green spaces and historic sites in its outlying departments, as well as a rich cultural and gastronomic diversity, symbolized by iconic locations and products.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Sun, Sea, and Culture
The region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azurknown for its Mediterranean climate, combines sea, mountains and culture. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, famous beaches and seaside resorts, and mountains offering spectacular scenery and skiing, it's a destination of choice for nature and leisure enthusiasts. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic towns, renowned artists, international festivals and typical gastronomy, making this region a place to live and visit.
Régions de France - Conclusion
This article guides you through the 13 regions of mainland France, in highlighting their special features, their advantages, and the challenges they face. You now have a better idea of the key factors to consider before choosing your destination, such as the cost of living, the climate, educational options, job prospects, and available transportation.
We’ve also highlighted certain regions, such as Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Île-de-France, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, which may have piqued your interest in visiting or possibly moving there.
Now it's time to take action! Rank the regions based on your preferences, review the offers and opportunities, and embark on this wonderful adventure.
Whether you're looking for a new home, a business opportunity or simply a travel destination, there's a region in France just right for you. Share your experiences, ask questions or suggest ideas in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you.
Thank you for joining us on this exploration of France's 13 regions!
Régions de France - FAQ
How many regions are there in France?
France currently has 13 metropolitan regions and 5 overseas regions:
At January 1, 2016, France had eighteen administrative regions:
- In mainland France (13) :
- Overseas (5) :
- Guadeloupe
- French Guiana
- Martinique
- Reunion Island
- Mayotte
- Guadeloupe
What criteria should you take into account when choosing your region of France?
To choose the right region in France, several criteria are essential:
- Cost of living and budget includes type of accommodation, utilities, taxes, etc.
- Activities and services available : depend on interests, professional needs, cultural opportunities, etc.
- Climate and the Environment : are based on personal preferences, air quality, proximity to nature, etc.
- Legal and tax status : vary depending on the type of business, the number of partners, the founders’ liability, etc.
Which regions of France are the most attractive in terms of quality of life, cost of living, and career opportunities?
The French regions that stand out for their quality of life, affordability and professional opportunities are :
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes : This is the most sought-after region, known for its many investment projects. Lyon, its metropolitan area, is the most attractive city in France.
- Pays de la Loire Nantes is the second most attractive city in France, appreciated for its economic dynamism and quality of life. Nantes, its metropolis, is the third most attractive city in France.
- Occitanie : It is tied for third place, recognized for its potential for innovation and its pleasant quality of life. Toulouse, its metropolitan area, is also very attractive.
How do you find out about the cultural, historical and gastronomic specificities of each region of France?
To explore the specific features of each French region, a number of sources are available:
- Consult specialized websites in French regional specialties, offering an overview of typical dishes, local produce and wines.
- Read some tourist guides or blog articles for tips on where to go and how to discover France's cultural and gastronomic riches.
What administrative steps must be taken to move to a new region in France?
Moving to a new region requires a number of administrative formalities:
- Notify Us of Your Change of Address to the relevant organizations (Caf, bank, insurance, electricity, etc.).
- Choosing your moving method (alone or with a mover) and seek assistance to reduce costs.
