Changing patterns of French internal migration 1891 - 1968

The spatial patterns of French internal migration 1891-1968 are examined by analysis of gross migration flows between departements and regions at different census dates. Principal components analysis is used in the novel context of a national migration system to extract the dominant patterns of internal movement. Major changes in these movements relate particularly to the role of Paris as a destination for internal migrants. Continuing absolute dominance but relative decline in its importance is combined with recent spatial curtailment of its hinterland. The concomitant rise in significance of major provincial centres as destinations has implications for the distances travelled by migrants, and the changing structure of the hierarchy of migration systems and sub-systems.