French Prepositions with Cities and Islands

Unlike most geographical names, the gender of an island (whether it's a state, province, or country) or a city does not affect which preposition must be used.

Prepositions

The prepositions à and de (or d') are always used with cities and singular islands, while aux and des are used with plural islands.

To / In From

city or singular island: à de / d'
plural islands: aux des

Examples

City   

J'habite à Paris.
Je suis de Paris.

Singular Island

Je vais à Hawaï.
Je suis d'Hawaï.

Plural Island

Je vais aux Îles Cook.
Je suis des Îles Cook.