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, offer a range of unique experiences.
Wondering which region might be the best place to live, work or simply travel?
The aim of this guide is to introduce you to the 13 regions of France, highlighting their distinctive features, the opportunities they offer and the challenges they face. We'll give you tips on how to assess the essentials before making your choice, including climate, cost of living, quality of life, job prospects and cultural richness. What's more, we'll be highlighting some of the regions we feel are particularly promising, offering you concrete examples and future prospects.
Whether you're looking for a change of scenery, a vacation destination or a new source of inspiration, this article is designed to guide you. Join us as we explore the 13 regions of France!
Overview of the 13 regions of mainland 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 mainland France, created in 2016 by the merger of 22 former regions, all have their own unique history, culture, heritage and landscapes. They differ in terms of surface area, population, population density and relief. Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest at 84,036 km², while Corsica is the smallest at 8,680 km². Île-de-France is the most densely populated region, with 12.2 million inhabitants, while Corsica has 0.3 million. In terms of density, Île-de-France stands out with 1,012 inhabitants/km², in contrast to French Guiana, which has 3 inhabitants/km². Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with 80 % of its territory above 400 meters altitude, is the most mountainous, while Centre-Val de Loire, with only 4 % of its territory above this altitude, is considered the flattest.
Economy and employment by region
Each of metropolitan France's 13 regions has a unique economic profile, depending on its sectors of activity, dynamism, competitiveness and attractiveness. Île-de-France, with a GDP of 709 billion euros, or 31 % of the national GDP, and a gross disposable income per capita of 25,900 euros, is the richest 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 renowned for its economic dynamism, with GDP growth of 2.1 %, while Normandy boasts the lowest growth. Île-de-France also excels in terms of competitiveness, with an export rate of 18.5 %, while Brittany lags behind with 7.4 %. In terms of attractiveness, New Aquitaine stands out for its positive migratory balance, unlike the Grand Est. Île-de-France is the biggest provider of jobs, while Corsica offers the fewest. Pays de la Loire 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 participation. Corsica is the greenest region, with 52 % of its surface covered by natural areas, while Île-de-France is the least green. Île-de-France is also the most polluted, unlike Brittany, which enjoys the best air quality. Access to facilities and services is quickest in Île-de-France, while Guyane has the longest access times. Brittany stands out for its high volunteer rate, unlike Corsica. Finally, Corsica had the highest turnout rate 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 prices, income and taxes, varies from region to region in France. Île-de-France is the most expensive region, with a consumer price index of 107.4 in 2021, surpassing the national average of 7.4 %. In contrast, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is the least expensive, with an index of 97.1 in 2021, 2.9 % below the national average. In terms of income, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes boasts the highest median income at 22,100 euros in 2018, while Hauts-de-France is at the other end of the scale at 18,900 euros. As for tax pressure, Corsica and Normandy mark the extremes with 11.9 % and 8.6 % respectively in 2019.
Climate and environment
Climate and environment, essential to quality of life, vary considerably between regions. Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, with an average 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 for Hauts-de-France, the least sunny region. French Guiana receives the most rainfall, with 3,467 mm, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 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 covered by renewable energies, while Hauts-de-France is at 8 %.
Access to education and health
Access to education and healthcare also varies from region to region. Île-de-France, with a higher education graduate rate of 46 % in 2017, is at the top, while Hauts-de-France, with 25 %, is at the bottom. Corsica has the most schools per inhabitant, Guyane the fewest. For healthcare establishments, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur represent the extremes. When it comes to healthcare professionals, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Hauts-de-France stand out.
Professional opportunities
Job opportunities, which depend on economic dynamism, sector diversity, business start-up rates and unemployment rates, vary greatly between regions. Île-de-France, with a GDP per capita 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. Pays de la Loire has the lowest unemployment rate, Hauts-de-France the highest.
Connectivity and transport
Connectivity and means of transport play a crucial role in providing access to mobility for the inhabitants of France's different regions. These regions are at different stages of development in terms of networks and infrastructure, influenced by their geographical location, level of urbanization and ability to attract residents and investment.
Île-de-France stands out as the most connected region, with fiber optic coverage reaching 97 % in 2019. In contrast, Corsica has the lowest rate, with only 29 % of its territory covered by fiber optics in the same year.
When it comes to rail transport, the Île-de-France region also dominates, with 1,200 km of high-speed lines (LGV) and 6,000 km of conventional lines by 2019, while Corsica has no LGV lines and only 232 km of conventional lines.
In terms of air transport, the Île-de-France region leads the way, with 108 million passengers passing through Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports in 2019. At the other extreme, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté saw just 0.4 million passengers pass through the Dole-Jura and Dijon-Bourgogne airports.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is the region most served by road transport, with 1,600 km of freeways in 2019, while Corsica has no kilometers of freeway at all.
Focus on a few regions: Examples and prospects
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes : A hub of innovation and nature
The region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpessecond only to Île-de-France in terms of population and wealth, boasts a dynamic economy, geographical diversity and a rich cultural heritage. It is a major center of innovation, home to competitive clusters in sectors such as chemicals, health, digital, agrifood and energy. The region is also famous for its breathtaking landscapes, offering a variety of leisure activities such as skiing, hiking, cycling and water sports. Its cultural heritage is notable, with cities of art and history such as Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble and Annecy, renowned festivals and distinctive gastronomy.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Beaches, culture and economic dynamism
Visit Nouvelle-AquitaineFrance's largest region, is distinguished by its Atlantic coastline, vineyards and diverse landscapes. Appreciated for its mild climate, sandy beaches and popular seaside resorts, it is also a hotbed of culture, home to major historic sites, dynamic cities and festive events. The region boasts a diversified economy, driven by sectors such as aeronautics, space, digital, tourism and agriculture, enriched by a varied gastronomy including foie gras, canelé, cognac and Bordeaux wine.
Île-de-France: France's beating heart
Paris Regionthe country's most populous and wealthiest region, is renowned for its international influence and urban density. ParisParis, at its heart, is a center of power, innovation and culture, home to state institutions, major corporations and world-famous monuments. The region also offers green spaces and historic sites in its outlying departments, as well as a rich cultural and gastronomic diversity, symbolized by emblematic places 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 featuresWe'll show you the advantages and challenges of each location. Now you have a better idea of the essential elements to consider before choosing your destination, such as cost of living, climate, educational options, employment prospects and available means of transport.
We've also highlighted regions such as Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Île-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, which may have piqued your interest for a visit or a possible move.
Now it's time to take action! Establish your own hierarchy of regions according to your preferences, examine the offers and opportunities, and embark on this great 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 now 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 These depend on interests, professional needs, cultural opportunities and so on.
- Climate and environment These are based on personal preferences, air quality, proximity to nature and so on.
- Legal and tax status These vary according to the type of business, the number of partners, the liability of the founders, 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 The most sought-after region in France, known for its many investment projects. Lyon, its metropolis, 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 Toulouse is tied for third place, recognized for its innovative potential and pleasant living environment. Toulouse, its metropolis, 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 are the administrative formalities involved in moving to a new region of France?
Moving to a new region requires a number of administrative formalities:
- Notify 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.
