Departments of France
| France is segmented into regions, which in turn divided into departments. Each department has its own number. This number is used for a number of administrative. For example, by looking at a postal code, you can identify the department. It is the first two digits. |  |
Department Number Listing
(1) Ain - This is a very rural area of France with the major town in the area being Bourg en Bresse.
(2) Aisne - Located in the north of France, it is agriculturally based.
(3) Allier - Located in the middle of the country, this is one of the most productive agricultural area of the Auvergne Region.
(4) Alpes de Haute Provence - Located in the South West corner of the country, as you would expect, this is a mountain region with peaks that reach over 2,500 m. It is very and arid.
(5) Hautes Alpes - Includes the town of Gap.
(6) Alpes Maritimes - This is the last department on the south west corner of the country. Next stop Italy. The famous coastline on the Mediterranean with the cities of Cannes, Nice, Saint Tropez, Juan les Pins, Antibes.
(7) Ardèche - In the South-West Quadrant of the country. The Ardèche has rivers and stream that will make just about anyone a canoe or kayak participant.
(8) Ardennes - North West corner of the country, borders on Belgium. Known for dense wood, the Meuse and Ardennes Rivers.
(9) Ariège - South East corner of the country, on the way to Spain.
(10) Aube - North West section of the country.
(11) Aude - South East. Very interesting area, the heart of the Cathare world. City of note: Carcassonne. Lots of historical importance to this area located between the mountains and the sea.
(12) Aveyron -
(13) Bouches du Rhône - With one of the most important ports in Europe, the historical importance of the area has created a rich mixture of cultures and traditions.
(14) Calvados - The beaches were used for the D-Day landings during the Second World War. Famous for the fine wine Calvados made from apples.
(15) Cantal - Famous for the cheese, the Chantalis also a very picturesque area.
(16) Charente - Wonderful country side, with many rivers, old mills and small villages.
(17) Charente Maritime - The port of La Rochelle is a major landmark and destination for this costal area.
(18) Cher - The department used to called the Berry. On the Western side of the Loire river, there are many Chateaux. The main city of Bourges has a very good annual musical festival.
(19) Corrèze - In the heart of the Massive Central, there is much countryside and agriculture.
(20a) Corse du Sud - The southern part of Corsica. (See Corse Trip)
(20b) Haute Corse - A beautiful Mediterranean island, offering some of the best diving in the world. Good wine, cheese and cuisine. (See Corse Trip)
(21) Cote d'Or - The Golden Hills.This french department is rich in history and culture. The main Burgundy wines are to be found here between Dijon and Beaune.
(22) Cotes d'Armor - This department changed names a few years ago and from the Côtes du Nord to Cotes d'Armor.
(23) Creuse -
(24) Dordogne - After playing an important role in the Hundred years war, between France and England, the Dordogne has become a gentle and calm area.
(25) Doubs - This is the start of the main mountain region of France, the Doub marks the beginnings of the Jura hills.
(26) Drôme -
(27) Eure -
(28) Eure et Loir -
(29) Finistère - The wild and rocky Brittany coast, pointing towards the Atlantic ocean.
(30) Gard -
(31) Haute Garonne -
(32) Gers - Calm and countryside, a very agreeable part of France.
(33) Gironde - The largest department of France. The population who are not located within the major cities are inevitable involved with the wine industry.
(34) Hérault -
(35) Ille et Vilaine -
(36) Indre - There area castles in this area.
(37) Indre et Loire
(38) Isère - The city of Grenoble is in this department
(39) Jura - Mountains and lakes.
(40) Landes - Along the coast.
(41) Loir et Cher
(42) Loire
(43) Haute Loire - Part of the Massif Central, the Loire begins here.
(44) Loire Atlantique
(45) Loiret
(46) Lot - With an incredible valley.
(47) Lot et Garonne - Part of the Aquitaine region.
(48) Lozère
(49) Maine et Loire - The castles of the Loire.
(50) Manche
(51) Marne
(52) Haute Marne -
(54) Meurthe et Moselle
(55) Meuse
(56) Morbihan - In the Region of Brittany.
(57) Moselle
(58) Nivère
(59) Nord - At the top of France in the north with the the English Channel and Belgium as frontiers.
(60) Oise - Eaten up by the City of Paris.
(61) Orne
(62) Pas de Calais - Coastal area.
(63) Puy de Dôme - Old volcanoes and spring water). Cities of Clermont Ferrand.
(64) Pyrénées Atlantiques - Southern department on the Atlantic coast,the two cities of Baonne and Pau.
(65) Hautes Pyrénées -
(66) Pyrénées Orientales - On the eastern side of the Pyrenees
(67) Bas Rhin - Strasbourg as the capital and also a very important French City, the European parliament is seated here.
(68) Haut Rhin - Industry of this area includes textiles, automobiles, and of course wine.
(69) Rhône - The river and wines
(70) Saône
(71) Saône et Loire - Cities of Maçon and Chalon sur Saône.
(72) Sarthe
(73) Savoie
(74) Haute Savoie - Think skiing.
(75) Paris - The capital of France.
(76) Seine Maritime
(77) Seine et Marne
(78) Yvelines - Part of Paris
(79) Deux Sèvres - Marais Poitevin marsh land.
(80) Somme - Huge military cemeteries from the great War.
(81) Tarn
(82) Tarn et Garonne
(83) Var - Here are Saint Tropez, Saint Raphael, Antibes are in this 200 mile long costal area.
(84) Vaucluse - The Rhone River on the west and the Alps to the east.
(85) Vendée - On the Atlantic coast. Cities/towns include: Sables de Olonne and La Roche-sur-Yon.
(86) Vienne
(87) Haute Vienne -
(88) Vosges -
(89) Yonne
(90) Territoire de Belfort
(91) Essone - Now part of the suburbs of Paris.
(92) Hauts de Seine - Another department that is now part of the suburbs of Paris.
(93) Seine Saint Denis - You are in the suburbs of Paris.
(94) Val de Marne - In the suburbs of Paris, Disneyland.
(95) Val d'Oise - In the suburbs of Paris.