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The administrative divisions of France (2/3): the prefect (préfet) and the prefecture (préfecture)
The prefect (préfet) is the representative of the State in the département. He directs the State services in the département.
Key points of the sheet
- The prefect does not deal with justice or with the army. But he makes sure of the continuity of the State.
- The prefecture (préfecture) and the prefect organise the safety of people and property. They work with the police, the gendarmerie and the emergency services. They also issue administrative documents and authorisations.
- The prefecture checks that the local authorities (collectivités territoriales) respect the laws.
- It coordinates help for people in difficulty according to the needs of the area, in particular for employment, health and housing. It supports economic and social development, for example by helping to create businesses.
Words to know
- prefect (préfet)
- He is the representative of the State in the département. He directs the State services.
- prefecture (préfecture)
- Among other things, it organises safety and issues administrative documents and authorisations.
- local authorities (collectivités territoriales)
- The prefecture checks that they respect the laws.
- continuity of the State (continuité de l’État)
- The prefect makes sure of the continuity of the State.
Test yourself: 3 questions
Who represents the State in the département?
In French, the language of the exam: Qui représente l’État dans le département ?
The prefect is the representative of the State in the département.
What does the prefect not deal with?
In French, the language of the exam: De quoi le Préfet ne s’occupe-t-il pas ?
The prefect deals neither with justice nor with the army.
What does the prefecture check for the local authorities?
In French, the language of the exam: Que vérifie la préfecture pour les collectivités territoriales ?
The prefecture checks that the local authorities respect the laws.
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Source
Sheet “Le découpage administratif de la France (2/3)” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.