France is divided into 13 metropolitan regions, which form the highest administrative level within European France. These regions were created through a territorial reform in 2016, reducing the previous number from 22 to 13 to streamline administration and promote regional development. Each region includes several departments and has its own regional council and capital city.
The 13 metropolitan regions are: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Brittany (Bretagne), Centre-Val de Loire, Corsica (Corse), Grand Est, Hauts-de-France, Île-de-France, Normandy (Normandie), Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Pays de la Loire, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Île-de-France is the most populous region and includes Paris, the nation’s capital and economic heart. It is home to over 12 million inhabitants and serves as France’s political, financial, and cultural center. The region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with Lyon as its capital, is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, vineyards, and major cities. Lyon itself is an important hub for industry, science, and gastronomy.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region by area. Its capital is Bordeaux, famous worldwide for its wine production. The region boasts a long Atlantic coastline, forests, and the Pyrenees mountains along its southern border. Occitanie, with its capital in Toulouse, is another vast region, covering both Mediterranean coastlines and parts of the Pyrenees. Toulouse is a center for the aerospace industry and higher education.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, with its capital Dijon, is renowned for its historic towns, vineyards, and culinary heritage. Grand Est was formed by merging Alsace, Lorraine, and Champagne-Ardenne. Its capital Strasbourg is also home to important European institutions. Hauts-de-France, with Lille as its capital, borders Belgium and is noted for its industrial history and vibrant cities.
Normandy (Normandie), with the capital Rouen, is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and role in World War II. Brittany (Bretagne), capital Rennes, is famous for its Celtic culture, rugged coastlines, and traditions. Pays de la Loire, with Nantes as its capital, is an economic and cultural region along the lower Loire River.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, capital Marseille, is celebrated for its Mediterranean coastline, the French Riviera, and the Alps. Corsica (Corse), the only island region, has Ajaccio as its capital and is famous for its mountainous landscape and unique culture. Centre-Val de Loire, capital Orléans, is often called the “Garden of France” for its fertile land and famous châteaux.
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