Introduction: The incidence of thyroid cancer has risen sharply in many countries over the past few decades. This increase is primarily driven by papillary thyroid cancers. Changes in diagnostic practices and the influence of risk factors have been cited as possible explanations for this rise. We present a descriptive analysis of the trends and spatial distribution of thyroid cancer incidence in France. Materials and Methods: The incidence analysis uses data from departmental cancer registries. A first spatio-temporal analysis covers the period 1982–2012. A second analysis describes the spatial distribution of papillary cancer incidence between 2009 and 2012 according to tumor size. Standard epidemiological approaches were used (direct and indirect standardization). Results: The incidence of papillary cancers increased sharply during the 1982–2012 period, with an average annual rate of increase exceeding 6%. The increase has slowed in recent years for individuals under 60 years of age at the time of diagnosis. Trends vary by department. A significant geographic disparity in the incidence of papillary cancers was observed during the 2009–2012 period, with this disparity extending to all tumor sizes. Three departments stand out with a high incidence (Isère, Gironde, and Vendée) and three others with a low incidence (Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, and Manche). Conclusion: the incidence of thyroid cancers, particularly papillary thyroid cancer, has risen sharply in France. This increase is largely due to changes in medical practices. Risk factors are also likely involved in this increase. However, these risk factors have not yet been clearly identified, and it is difficult to formulate hypotheses given the observed geographical disparities in incidence.