Prefectures in France

In France, a prefecture (French: préfecture) may be:

• the chef-lieu de département, the commune in which the administration of a department is located;
• the chef-lieu de région, the commune in which the administration of a region is located;
• the jurisdiction of a prefecture;
• the official residence or headquarters of a prefect.

Although the administration of departments and regions is distinct, a regional prefect is ex officio prefect of the department in which the regional prefecture is located. The officeholder has authority upon the other prefects in the region on a range of matters.