The first French territorial departments were proposed in 1665 by Marc-René d'Argenson to serve as administrative areas purely for the Ponts et Chaussées (Bridges and Highways) infrastructure administration.
Esimesed Prantsuse territoriaalsed departemangud pakuti aastal 1665 välja Marc-René d'Argensoni poolt haldusküsimuste teenindamiseks puhtalt sildade ja maanteede infrastruktuuri haldamisel.