For subsequent types of praefectura, see Prefect''.

A prefecture (from the Latin Praefectura) is an administrative jurisdiction or subdivision in any of various countries and within some international church structures, and in antiquity a Roman district governed by an appointed prefect.

A prefecture in France may refer to:

• the Chef-lieu de département, the town in which the administration of a department is located;
• the Chef-lieu de région, the town in which the administration of a region is located;
• the jurisdiction of a prefecture;
• the official residence or headquarters of a prefect.