Nature

This introduction covers three of France’s 22 régions (the largest type of administrative district): Alsace, Lorraine and Champagne-Ardenne. Each Region is made up of départements (numbered 01 to 96 alphabetically – their numbers are used as identification on automobile number plates and in postal codes). Thus, Alsace includes Bas-Rhin (67) and Haut-Rhin (68); Lorraine is made up of Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55), Moselle (67) and Vosges (88); Champagne-Ardenne includes the Ardennes (08), Aube (10), Marne (51) and Haute-Marne (52). The French départements were created in 1790 and generally given the name of the main river within their territory. The country is further divided into arrondissements, which are split into cantons, and finally communes, which are managed by an elected mayor. There are 36 556 mayoralties in France.