The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word PAYS
P
A
Y
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "French region/hands over money" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case french region/hands over money = pays.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PAYS mean?
PAYS noun- Money given in return for work; salary or wages.
- To give money or other compensation to in exchange for goods or services.
- To discharge, as a debt or other obligation, by giving or doing what is due or required.
- To be profitable for.
- To give (something else than money).
- To be profitable or worth the effort.
- To discharge an obligation or debt.
- To suffer consequences.
- To admit that a joke, punchline, etc., was funny.
- To cover (the bottom of a vessel, a seam, a spar, etc.) with tar or pitch, or a waterproof composition of tallow, resin, etc.; to smear.