Yvelines

Yvelines is a French department in the Île-de-France region, west of Paris (in the "grande couronne"). 

It was created in 1968 from the former department of Seine-et-Oise. 

Prefecture (capital): Versailles, world-famous for the Palace of Versailles (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

Characteristics: A mix of urban areas (close to Paris, including Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), suburbs, and abundant green spaces (forests such as the Forêt de Rambouillet, the Chevreuse Valley, and the banks of the Seine). 

Economy: One of the wealthiest departments in France (high average incomes), with a strong presence in services, industry, and tourism. 

Tourism: Famous for its castles (Versailles, Dampierre, Breteuil, Maisons-Laffitte), nature parks, and hiking and cycling trails. 

In short: a prosperous, green, and historic department near Paris, with a strong combination of royal heritage and modern urban development.

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Deux-Sèvres

Deux-Sèvres is a department in western France, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region (formerly Poitou-Charentes). 

It owes its name to two rivers: the Sèvre Nantaise and the Sèvre Niortaise. 

Prefecture (capital): Niort. 

The department is known for: The beautiful Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) with canals and marshland. Bocage landscape, rolling hills, forests, and valleys. 

Historic towns and villages such as Niort (with its keep), Parthenay, Bressuire, Coulon, and Melle. Beautiful castles (including Oiron and Saint-Mesmin) and Romanesque churches. 

A peaceful, green, and untouristed region, ideal for cycling, hiking, and nature exploration. 

The economy is primarily agricultural (dairy, meat, some viticulture), with a mild climate. 

In short: a peaceful, green, and authentic part of France, perfect for those seeking tranquility and beautiful landscapes without the crowds of tourists.

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Somme

Somme is a French department in the north of the country, located in the Hauts-de-France region (formerly part of Picardy). 

It owes its name to the Somme River, which flows through it. 

Capital/préfecture: Amiens (known for its magnificent cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

Other major cities: Abbeville, Albert, and Péronne. 

Number of communes: approximately 770 (one of the departments with the most small communes in France). 

The department is strongly agricultural (grain, potatoes, sugar beets) and has a coastline of approximately 60 km along the English Channel. 

It is also known for its rich prehistoric finds (Acheulean, Abbevillian) and, above all, for the dramatic First World War: the Battle of the Somme (1916) was one of the bloodiest battles ever, with vast cemeteries, monuments (including Thiepval), and museums that still attract many visitors. 

In short: a rural, water-rich department with a rich history (from prehistory to WWI), a beautiful Gothic cathedral in Amiens, and a quiet, sometimes melancholic atmosphere.

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Tarn

Tarn is a French department in the Occitanie region (southern France), named after the Tarn River that flows through it. 

It is located in southwestern France, northeast of Toulouse. 

Capital (préfecture): Albi (known for the impressive Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

Sub-préfecture: Castres. 

Area and landscape: Varying from fertile plains and vineyards in the west to hills, the Montagne Noire (Black Mountains), and forests in the east. 

Plenty of green, peaceful countryside with river valleys. 

History: One of the original 83 departments from the French Revolution (1790), created from parts of the former province of Languedoc. 

Formerly quite industrial (primarily due to coal mining around Carmaux), now more focused on agriculture, tourism, and the service sector.

Well-known features: Beautiful medieval bastides and villages such as Cordes-sur-Ciel, Puycelsi, Penne, Castelnau-de-Montmiral, and Gaillac (renowned for its wine). 

Strong gastronomy: red and rosé wines (Gaillac, Fronton), foie gras, cassoulet influences, Rocamadour cheese-like products, and local specialties. 

Tourism: peaceful, authentic countryside, hiking, cultural heritage, and little mass tourism. 

Recently (2025), it became the first French department to receive an international label for sustainable tourism. 

In short: a green, sunny, peaceful department with a beautiful heritage (especially Albi), delicious local products, and a relaxed lifestyle—ideal for those who enjoy authentic southern France without the hustle and bustle of the coast.

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Tarn-et-Garonne

Tarn-et-Garonne is a small, rural department in southwestern France, in the Occitanie region. 

It lies between Toulouse and Agen and takes its name from two rivers: the Tarn and the Garonne. 

Capital (préfecture): Montauban (a beautiful pink-brick town on the Tarn, birthplace of Ingres). Subprefecture: Castelsarrasin. 

Landscape: Fertile river valleys, fruit growing (apples, peaches, melons, plums, Chasselas grapes), hills, forests, and the beautiful Aveyron Gorges. 

Known for: Beautiful medieval bastides and "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Plus Beaux Villages de France) such as Auvillar, Lauzerte, Bruniquel, and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. 

The famous Moissac Abbey (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its magnificent cloister. 

Canal de Garonne (cycle route along the canal). 

Delicious regional products: foie gras, Armagnac, wines (Fronton, Côtes du Quercy), garlic from Lomagne, duck and goose dishes. 

Quiet, sunny countryside with abundant natural beauty, hiking and cycling opportunities. 

In short: a green, authentic, and peaceful part of the South of France with a rich history, beautiful villages, good food, and little mass tourism – ideal for those who appreciate peace and authenticity.

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Var

The Var is a department in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. 

It lies on the Mediterranean Sea, between Marseille and Cannes, and combines classic Provence with the French Riviera. 

Capital/prefecture: Toulon 

Key features: More than 400 km of coastline with beautiful beaches, bays, and well-known seaside resorts such as Saint-Tropez, Hyères, Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, and the Îles d'Hyères (Porquerolles, etc.). 

Very sunny Mediterranean climate. 

Many forests → the second most wooded department in France Authentic Provençal villages, vineyards, lavender fields, and nature (including the Massif des Maures and Gorges du Verdon nearby). 

Tourism: After Paris, the most popular department in France. 

In short: a perfect mix of beach, nature, authentic Provençal atmosphere, and Côte d'Azur glamour, yet often a bit quieter and greener than the bustling Eastern Riviera. 

Ideal for sun holidays, hiking, wine tasting, and exploring villages!

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Vaucluse

Vaucluse is a department in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. 

The capital is Avignon, known for the Palais des Papes and the famous Pont d'Avignon. 

The department symbolizes the classic image of Provence: lavender fields, ochre cliffs (like those in Roussillon and the "Provençal Colorado"). 

Mont Ventoux (the "Giant of Provence," famous from the Tour de France). 

Beautiful medieval hilltop villages such as Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Ménerbes, and Les Baux (partly neighboring but strongly associated). 

The Fontaine de Vaucluse spring (from which the name derives = Vallis Clausa = closed valley). 

Côtes du Rhône wines, olives, truffles, and markets. 

It's a very touristy area with abundant natural beauty, historical sites (Roman remains in Vaison-la-Romaine and Orange), antiques in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and typical Provençal charm. 

In short: the beating heart of Provence!

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