Prior to January 1790, France was divided into provinces that were defined by localized seats of power throughout the county. During the early part of the French Revolution, the political structure of the provinces was disbanded in favor of the current division into departments.

Provinces were based on complex and conflicting political boundaries that had more to do with ancient divisions of power than equitable divisions of the populace that was required for the new revolutionary government of 1790. The Revolution sought to clarify the divisions as part of the reforms to the political and legal structure of the new government.

The concept of province still exists in France as unofficial regions or areas, but are typically defined today by what departments they consist of.

True to the nature of the provinces, it is difficult to define time based upon their use in text or maps. On the other hand, the departments have a much more discrete history that can be used to determine both spatial as well as chronological location.