Créteil is a commune situated in the southeastern suburbs of Paris within the Île-de-France region. It is located approximately 11.7 km (7.3 mi) from the center of Paris.
The city serves as the préfecture, or capital, of the Val-de-Marne department and is the seat of the Arrondissement of Créteil. Additionally, it functions as the seat of a Roman Catholic diocese and one of France's 30 nationwide académies (districts) of the Ministry of National Education.