France department map

Map of French departments: organization and administrative divisions

Visit map of French departments represents the administrative division of the country into 101 departmentsincluding 96 in mainland France and 5 overseas. This organization, set up in 1790 during the French Revolution, aimed to simplify territorial management and ensure greater equality between regions.

Organization of French departments

Each department is identified by a numberused for license plates and postal codes. These departments are grouped into regionswhich usually have more than one. For example, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes includes departments such as Rhône (69)the Haute-Savoie (74) and the Drôme (26).

French overseas departments (DOM)

In addition to the metropolitan departments, the map of French departments includes DOM : Guadeloupe (971), Martinique (972), French Guiana (973), Reunion Island (974) and Mayotte (976). These territories follow the same administrative framework as the départements of mainland France, although they have their own local specificities.

The evolution of departments

Since 2015, a number of mergers have altered the administrative organization, such as the creation of the Great Eastwhich brings together the former départements of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine. Despite these changes, the departmental structure remains essential for the management of public services, transport and regional planning.

Whether for the geography, history or administrationthe map of French departments remains an essential tool for understanding the country's organization. 🗺️🇫🇷

The diversity of France's landscapes through its départements

France boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, cultures and heritages, thanks to its 101 départements, each rich in unique features and tourist attractions. Whether you're looking for nature, history, gastronomy or leisure activities, France's départements are sure to meet your expectations.

From the mountains to the sea: a journey without borders

Surrounded by the English Channel, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the North Sea, France offers a diversity of coastal landscapes, from the sheer cliffs of Normandy to the fine sandy beaches of the Côte d'Azur, not forgetting paradise islands such as Corsica and Reunion. Lovers of water sportsWhether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or exploration, you'll find what you're looking for along France's magnificent coastlines.

France is also a mountainous country, with its five main massifs: the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Jura and the Vosges. These mountainous regions offer breathtaking panoramas, snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, lush forests and picturesque villages. Whether you're into hiking, skiing, biking or paragliding, the French mountains offer a variety of activities for all levels.

Hidden natural treasures: national and regional parks

France is home to 11 national parks and 54 regional nature parks, covering around 15% of its territory. These parks aim to protect and enhance exceptional natural areas, rich in flora and fauna. They are havens for observing nature and learning about regional history, culture and traditions. Among the most remarkable parks, the Écrins National Park offers spectacular Alpine scenery, the Cévennes National Park features a wide diversity of natural environments, and the Verdon Regional Nature Park is famous for its gorges, Europe's largest canyon, where turquoise waters contrast with towering cliffs.

La France des petits villages: discovering rural charm

France is also rich in small villages that have preserved their charm and authenticity over the centuries. Often ranked among France's most beautiful villages, they reflect the history, architecture and art of living of their regions. These villages offer idyllic settings for relaxing, strolling, admiring heritage and sampling local specialties. Among them, Rocamadour stands out for its religious sanctuary above the Alzou canyon; Saint-Cirq-Lapopie offers breathtaking views over the Lot valley; and Colmar charms with its picturesque historic center, half-timbered houses and flower-filled canals.

Culture and heritage: a heritage at the heart of regions and departments

France is distinguished by its exceptional history, culture and heritage. Each region, department and commune reveals unique treasures, inviting discovery, admiration and sharing.

Through the castlesThe diversity and richness of France's heritage is yours to discover: museums, festivals and gastronomy.

Castles and museums: guardians of history

The French départements, with over 10,000 châteaux, tell the story of the country's kings, wars and revolutions. Many are listed as historic monuments, or even UNESCO World Heritage sites.

These castles offer guided tours, events and exhibitions, transporting you back in time and revealing the secrets of these illustrious residences.

France's iconic châteaux include the Château de Versailles, symbol of Louis XIV; the Château de ChambordThe Château de Chenonceau, also known as the Château des Dames, and the Château de Carcassonne, a medieval fortress.

With over 1,200 museums, France's départements preserve and exhibit collections of art, history, science and civilization. These spaces of culture, education and entertainment allow you to discover the masterpieces of French and world heritage.

Must-see museums include the Louvre, the world's most visited museum; the Musée d'Orsay, with its Impressionist works; the Centre Pompidou, dedicated to modern and contemporary art; and the Musée du Quai Branly, showcasing the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.

Regional festivals: immersion in local culture

France also celebrates festivals, music, theater, film, dance and literature. Every year, thousands of festivals enliven the French departments, attracting millions of spectators and offering a window on local culture.

Renowned festivals include the Festival de CannesThe Festival d'Avignon, with its theatrical performances; the Festival de la BD d'Angoulême, dedicated to the ninth art; and the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, bringing together Celtic cultures.

Regional gastronomy: a unique culinary journey

Last but not least, France is renowned for its gastronomy, local produce and culinary savoir-faire. Each of the French departments offers its specialities, traditional products and recipes, often labelled and promoted, constituting a source of local pride.

These specialties are a real treat for the taste buds and an invitation to travel through the flavors of France's heritage.

Famous culinary specialties include foie gras from the South-West; sauerkraut from Alsace; bouillabaisse from Provence; and Roquefort cheese, matured in natural caves.

Activities and leisure: for a lively and diversified tourism in the French Departments

France, with its many facets, offers a vast choice of activities and leisure pursuits to suit all tastes and ages. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an avid adventurer, curious about new discoveries or in search of relaxation, the French départements offer an exceptional playground for fun and enjoyment.

Let's take a look at a few suggestions for activities and leisure activities in the various regions of France.

Hiking and outdoor sports: nature as a playground

France abounds in hiking trails inviting you to explore nature in all its diversity. Whether in the mountains, forests, seaside or countryside, it's possible to walk, run, cycle or ride through sumptuous landscapes in every French department. Thrill-seekers can also indulge in outdoor sports such as skiing, rafting, paragliding, climbing or canoeing in all French departments, promising memorable experiences. Visit Upper Savoywith its various ski resorts, such as Les GetsAvoriaz, or Morzine is a good example.

Must-see hiking trails to discover the riches of France's départements include the GR 20 in Corsica, offering spectacular sea and mountain views; the Stevenson trail in the Cévennes and Gévaudan, following in the footsteps of the Scottish writer; and the Mont Blanc tour, covering Europe's highest peak through France, Italy and Switzerland.

Green tourism: ecotourism and environmental preservation

Green tourism is defined as an environmentally-friendly approach to protecting nature while promoting local development and community well-being. This form of tourism favors eco-friendly accommodation, activities in harmony with nature, local products and authentic exchanges with local people, in one of France's 101 départements.

It's a responsible, supportive and sustainable way to travel.

The Bay of the Somme and its nature reserve, the Luberon regional nature park with its landscapes of garrigue and lavender, and the Dordogne, famous for its castles, caves and gastronomy, are among the top destinations for green tourism in the French départements.

The most beautiful tourist routes: on foot, by bike or by car

France lends itself ideally to touring, allowing you to discover a multitude of places of interest according to a predefined itinerary. On foot, by bike or by car, these routes cross regions of undeniable charm, offering a rich insight into the heritage, culture and nature of France's départements.

The Alsace wine route, with its vineyards and picturesque villages, the Loire à vélo, skirting the majestic river and its castles, or the Route Napoléon, retracing the Emperor's return from Elba, are just a few examples of the most remarkable tourist circuits for discovering France's 101 départements.

101 French Departments - Conclusion

It's clear that France abounds in opportunities for tourists, satisfying a wide range of preferences, desires and budgets. Each French department is unique, offering a wealth of attractions that highlight the diversity and splendor of France's heritage. Whether you're looking for natural escapades, cultural experiences, gastronomic delights or leisure activities, you're sure to find what makes you happy in one of France's départements.

So don't delay in exploring France's regional treasures. You won't regret it! To help you plan your trip, don't hesitate to consult the websites of the tourist offices in the départements that appeal to you, or visit the France Tourisme website for information, advice and offers to meet your expectations.

Have a good trip and see you soon!

FAQ

Which French departments are the most popular with tourists?

The French départements most popular with tourists, both local and international, are characterized by a high number of overnight stays in shared accommodation. According to 2010 statistics, the top five departments are :

• Paris (75), with 15.2 million arrivals and 35.8 million overnight stays.
• Seine-et-Marne (77), attracting 4.4 million visitors for 14.7 million overnight stays, largely thanks to Disneyland Paris.
• Alpes-Maritimes (06), with 3.7 million arrivals and 16.9 million overnight stays, favored by its Mediterranean climate and the Côte d'Azur.
• Bouches-du-Rhône (13), with 2.8 million arrivals and 9.9 million overnight stays, renowned for its diverse landscapes and cultural cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence.
• Rhône (69), with 2.7 million arrivals and 7.5 million overnight stays, driven by Lyon's dynamism and rich heritage, gastronomy and festivities.

Which regions are the most popular with tourists?

France's most popular tourist regions are Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Brittany. Their varied landscapes, cultural and gastronomic heritage, as well as their beaches and seaside resorts are alluring.

Corsica, Occitania and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes are also among the favorite destinations for summer 2021, according to Protourisme. But all French départements are worth discovering.

Which are France's least touristy départements?

The French departments attracting the fewest tourists are generally far from the coast and sparsely populated. According to INSEE, in 2019, the 12 least-visited départements included Creuse, Territoire de Belfort, Haute-Saône, Meuse, Gers, Ariège, Cantal, Drôme, Haute-Marne, Nièvre, Cher and Lozère.

These departments nevertheless offer treasures cultural, natural and gastronomic discoveries, as highlighted in various articles.

Which French department is the most beautiful?

The choice of the most beautiful French département is subjective and varies according to personal preference. However, a Topito survey puts Finistère (29) in first place, followed by Morbihan (56) and Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64). These departments stand out for their diverse landscapes, combining sea and mountains, as well as their rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.