Gender of regions, counties etc.

Question

Ils habitent dans le Yorkshire.They live in Yorkshire.Does this mean all British counties are masculine? And the many regions ending in "-side" eg. Le Merseyside?I am giving up on this topic, for the tenth time (using several websites). I have been doing an hour a day for 3 years, and am no closer to getting a decent score in your test.I am not remotely interested in Swiss cantons, -whatever they are, or American states,- some of which I've heard of, so I have to avoid this topic in all the apps that I use. I'm not suggesting this is your fault, - it's just too hard for me.Still love the website though!!!

Accepted Answer

Bonjour A. Bryce,
I am sorry you are finding things frustrating with this particular lesson. I can only reiterate what Jim said: Don't give up! Move on to another subject and come back to it at a later time. Sometimes, a nice long break is a good thing! 
Thank you for your kind words about our website and I hope you find other topics easier than this one. Remember: "Rome ne s'est pas fait en un jour !" (Rome wasn't build in a day!) ;-)
Bonne journée !

Answer

Hi Bryce,Don't give up!    ---  Move on to a subject where you are able to make progress and receive pleasure from doing so.This grammar of Regions, counties, etc. gender is a minefield in my experience -- it is very frustrating, I agree.There is not a simple rule that can be followed, because just as you think that you have found a full-proof methodology, exceptions crop up.Bonne continuation.Jim