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How is France organised administratively?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: In communes, departments and regions. France is divided into regions, departments and communes. They are called collectivités territoriales (local authorities). The ministries complete this organisation at national level. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Le territoire de la France” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “Le territoire de la France” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ In provinces and duchiesEn provinces et en duchésThese words do not name France's current organisation.
- ✗ In States and countiesEn États et en comtésThis is not the right answer: France is divided into regions, departments and communes.
- ✗ In cantons and kingdomsEn cantons et en royaumesThese words do not name France's current organisation.
- ✓ In communes, departments and regionsEn communes, départements et régionsCorrect answer. France is divided into regions, departments and communes. They are called collectivités territoriales (local authorities). The ministries complete this organisation at national level.
What the source says
« Le territoire est divisé administrativement en régions, départements et communes. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Comment la France est-elle organisée sur le plan administratif ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR). The Ministry's wording: “Quelle est l'organisation administrative de la France ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Le territoire de la France” (French).
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