larrièrepays

L'arrière-pays is a term used in French geography to describe the inland hinterland situated behind a coastal plain, a river valley, or a major urban area. The expression combines arrière (behind) and pays (land, country) and functions as a relative geographic reference rather than a precise administrative boundary. Its extent varies according to context, from the hinterland behind a city to the interior regions beyond a coast or front-country.

In practice, l'arrière-pays designates rural or semi-rural zones that lie away from the economic core, often sharing characteristics such as lower population density, smaller settlements, and landscapes that may be more rugged, agricultural, or forested. Economic activities in the arrières-pays commonly include farming, forestry, artisanal industries, and, in some regions, small-scale mining or quarrying. The area may be less accessible or less served by large-scale infrastructure, which can influence development patterns and public services.

Cultural and regional usage of the term is variable. In many parts of France, especially along the coast or near major cities, the arriere-pays is associated with regional identity, traditional landscapes, and rural tourism. The concept is frequently invoked in regional planning and tourism marketing to distinguish inland offers from coastal attractions. Notable regional variants include the arrières-pays provençal or arriere-pays niçois, which emphasize local landscapes, histories, and products.

Overall, l'arrière-pays provides a framework for understanding the inland dimensions of a region, highlighting differences in terrain, economy, and development relative to coastal or urban areas.