Île-de-France (province)

Île-de-France is one of the ancient provinces of France, and the one that has been the centre of power during most of French history [ [http://www.france.com/docs/134.html France.com] ] . It is centred on Paris. Today, the territory of the province of Île-de-France is divided between the Île-de-France "région" and the Picardie "région".

The name first appears in 1387, replacing the older "Pays de France" when the word "pays" began to refer to a nation, rather than to a region or area. The name "Île-de-France" (literally "Island of France") comes from the rivers Seine, Marne, Oise, and Beuvronne by which the area is surrounded like an island.

The area around Paris was the original personal domain of the king of France, as opposed to areas ruled by feudal lords of whom he was the suzerain. This is reflected by divisions such as the Véxin Français and the Véxin Normand, the former being within the King of France's domain, the latter being within the Duke of Normandy's fief.

Historic provinces of Île-de-France and principal cities

*Beauvaisis - Beauvais
*Brie française - Brie-Comte-Robert
*Gâtinais français - Nemours
*Hurepoix - Arpajon, Limours
*Laonnois - Laon
*Mantois - Mantes-la-Jolie
*Noyonnais, Quart de Noyon - Noyon
*Parisis - Paris
*Soissonnois - Soissons
*Vexin français - Magny-en-Vexin
*Valois - Crépy-en-Valois

References