The 1973–74 French Division 2 was the 33rd season since its establishment.^[1] It was constituted by two groups (A and B) with 18 clubs each. The winners of each group won promotion to the 1974–75 French Division 1.^[2] Additionally, the winners met in a two-legged championship play–off. The victor was crowned champion and awarded the trophy.^[3] Meanwhile, the runners-up of both groups faced each other in a two-legged play-off, with the victor claiming the last promotion spot.^[4] On the other hand, the bottom three clubs of each group were relegated to the 1974–75 French Division 3 [fr], while Ajaccio abandoned its professional status and joined them.^[5]

The season began on 1 July 1973 and ended on 5 June 1974. The winter break was in effect from 22 December 1973 to 12 January 1974. Two points were awarded for a win, with no points for a loss. If the match was drawn, each team received one point. Likewise, this season was the first time that bonus points were awarded: any team scoring three or more goals in a match received an additional point.^[2] During the play–offs, if the aggregate score was tied after two legs, the match was decided by extra time and/or penalty shootout.^[3]