The stages of formation and features of the administrative and territorial system and the importance of decentralization of power in France

The article deals with the problems of administrative and territorial system and the processes of decentralization in France. The author examined the system of administrative and territorial structure of France at various stages of its development, in particular from the moment of its formation to the present. In parallel, the article analyzes the significance and influence of the processes of decentralization of power on the administrative and territorial system of the coun- try in general and on administrative reforms in particular. As a result, it is argued that the system of administrative and territorial organization in France is mature and stable, while it is capable of dynamic changes within the system, such as changing the number of its units, etc.