This French department located in the south of France could see its name change this year. The inhabitants will be able to give their opinion.
It is a procedure that is not so common. Seven French departments have changed its name since the end of the 18th century. These are Maine-et-Loire (previously Mayenne-et-Loire), Charente-Maritime (Charente-Inférieur), Seine-Maritime (Seine-Inférieur), Loire-Atlantique (Loire-Inférieur ), Pyrénées-Atlantiques (Basses-Pyrénées), Alps de Haute-Provence (Basses-Alpes) and Côtes d’Armor (Côtes-du-Nord). And it’s been 35 years now, the names of some 100 French communities have no longer moved.
A status quo that will soon be broken. This year, it is a department of Occitania, in the south of France, which could change its name, elected officials, inhabitants and tourism actors believing that the current name is no longer suitable. However, the procedure has been late. In 2024, the departmental elected officials looked at the subject, but the new name was not made.
The president of the departmental council, Hermeline Malherbe, explained, during her 2025 wishes, that consultations had taken place from February to mid-June 2024, but that this process had been interrupted by the government instability which followed the dissolution of the National Assembly. She then assured that the project was not abandoned and that it will advance this year. The purpose of this change is to promote the history and culture of the department more.
The Pyrénées-Orientales could change their names. Hermeline Malherbe has announced that residents should be consulted this year. The population of the department should thus have to choose between the proposals submitted by the working group and the current name of the department.
According to Actu.frto date, two appellations are said to be in debate: “Catalan country” or “Pyrénées-Catalanes” following meetings with academics, managers of Cultural associations and Catalan language, or even employers and union organizations. The reference to the Catalan identity of the territory therefore seems to be made. Early 2024, France Bleu Roussillon had organized a consultation on its website, which had recorded more than 17,000 votes to find out which denomination was the most requested: it was “Catalan country” which had won at 56%. “Pyrénées-Catalanes” only obtained 17% and 18% of respondents preferred to keep the name current.
When the Department has acted its new name, it will be necessary to submit the request to the Prime Minister, then the Council of State will have the last word. The process is therefore still long. If it comes to an end, you will have to start by modifying administrative documents and road signs.