The most populous regions of France

August 6, 2023

The estimated population of France is around 64 million people. Let’s take a look at the most populous regions of France according to Statista.

Normandie - 3.317.023

Normandie is one of the administrative regions of France, situated in the northwest part of the country. The region played a crucial role in World War II, particularly during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Visitors can explore the historic beaches like Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Juno Beach, as well as museums and memorials dedicated to the events of the war. It is also famous for Calvados (apple brandy) and Camembert cheese, which are cherished worldwide.

Bretagne - 3.429.882

Bretagne is one of the administrative regions of France, located in the northwest part of the country. rittany has a strong Celtic heritage, with the Breton language still spoken in some areas, and traditional Celtic music and dance remaining an integral part of the region’s culture. The region boasts a rugged and picturesque coastline, with stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages. The Gulf of Morbihan and the Pink Granite Coast are particularly famous for their scenic beauty.

Pays de la Loire - 3.907.426

Pays de la Loire is one of the administrative regions of France, located in the western part of the country. It is named after the Loire River, which flows through the region and is the longest river in France. The region encompasses a significant part of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and historic châteaux. The Loire Valley is often called the “Garden of France.”

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - 5.160.091

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, often abbreviated as PACA, is one of the administrative regions of France, located in the southeastern part of the country. Provence is famous for its picturesque lavender fields, especially in the Plateau de Valensole area. The lavender blooms from June to August, creating stunning purple landscapes. The Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is a popular destination for sun-seekers and celebrities alike.

Grand Est - 5.562.262

Grand Est is one of the administrative regions of France, located in the northeastern part of the country. It was created in 2016 through the merger of the former regions of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine. The region is famous for its picturesque wine villages and vineyards along the Alsace Wine Route. Visitors can explore charming towns like Riquewihr and sample excellent Alsatian wines.

Hauts-de-France - 5.980.697

Hauts-de-France is one of the administrative regions of France, located in the northern part of the country. It was created in 2016 through the merger of the former regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. The region is home to significant World War I battlefields like the Somme and Ypres, attracting history enthusiasts from around the world.

Occitanie - 6.101.005

Occitanie is one of the administrative regions of France, located in the southern part of the country. It was formed in 2016 through the merger of the former regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées. Occitanie boasts a rich historical heritage, with ancient Roman monuments like the Pont du Gard, medieval castles, and impressive cathedrals.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine - 6.110.365

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is one of the administrative regions of France, situated in the southwestern part of the country. It was created in 2016 through the merger of the former regions of Aquitaine, Limousin, and Poitou-Charentes. The region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, offering a long coastline with sandy beaches, dunes, and charming seaside towns such as Biarritz and La Rochelle.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes - 8.197.325

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is one of the 18 administrative regions of France, located in the eastern part of the country. It was created in 2016 through the merger of the former regions of Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes. The region offers stunning natural landscapes, including the Massif Central mountain range in Auvergne and the French Alps in Rhône-Alpes. Visitors can enjoy picturesque valleys, lakes, and ski resorts in the Alps.

Île-de-France - 12.358.932

Île-de-France is the most populous and one of the 18 administrative regions of France. It is located in the north-central part of the country and is often referred to as the “region of Paris” because it includes the capital city of France, Paris. Île-de-France is not only the political and economic heart of the country but also a major cultural and tourist hub.