Départements of France

Départements are the principal means of local administration in France. They approximate to Counties and were first established by Napoleon. The larger Regions - incorporating several Départements, are much more recent beasts having been established in the 1980's.

Generally the population relates to the Département, its Prefecture and sub-Prefectures for such things as Education, Motor Vehicle Licensing and Planning Permissions. Should you choose to become a full time resident in France it is to one of these offices that you will go to register both yourself and your car. In some rural and suburban communities the local Maire (Mayor) may be a conduit to these services and it may well be prudent not to bypass him or her!