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What is overseas France (la France d'outre-mer)?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: The French territories far from Europe, in several oceans. Overseas France is made of the French territories outside Europe. They are spread over several oceans. Examples are Guadeloupe, Martinique and La Réunion. 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
- ✗ The regions of mainland FranceLes régions de la France hexagonale, en EuropeMainland France is the part of the territory in Europe.
- ✗ The countries next to FranceLes pays voisins de la FranceThey are foreign countries, not French territories.
- ✓ The French territories far from Europe, in several oceansLes territoires français situés loin de l'EuropeCorrect answer. Overseas France is made of the French territories outside Europe. They are spread over several oceans. Examples are Guadeloupe, Martinique and La Réunion.
- ✗ The former colonies that became independentLes anciennes colonies devenues indépendantesThey are no longer part of France.
What the source says
« Les territoires ultramarins sont répartis dans plusieurs océans. »
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: « Qu'est-ce que la France d'outre-mer ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR) and on the naturalisation list (PDF read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “Qu'est ce que la France d'outre-mer ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Le territoire de la France” (French).
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