‘We do not want either the French desert or the dismemberment of the state.’ Revoking in 1972 this Jean Moulin Club formula, Pierre Sudreau illustrates his unique position in the debate on decentralisation in France. A great official of the State, prefect and then minister, he was able to assess the effectiveness and limits of public intervention. The continuity of Pierre Sudreau’s thinking and action in the area of territorial administration is striking...