Bordering the Bay of Biscay, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea, France, the largest West European nation, sits snugly between Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. Offering a variety of terrestrial variety, from the snow-topped Alps to the beaches of the French Riviera, France has something for every type of traveler.
In the Alps, France's highest point peaks at a whopping 4,807 meters on Mont Blanc. This area is famous for breathtaking views and some of the most challenging snow skiing in the world.
The North and the West consists of mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills, while the remainder of the country is composed of mountainous areas, especially the Pyrenees in the South, and the Alps in the East.
France's coastline, which includes more than 5,500 kilometers, has four sea fronts (the North Sea, the Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean), and the largest beach in Europe at La Baule.
The climate is made up of generally cool winters and mild summers in the mainland, and mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean. Occasionally, France can get a strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as a mistral. The land type varies all over the country so be sure to research weather trends before leaving for your vacation.
France's total area (551,100 square kilometers) is roughly equivalent to the state of Texas, and is divided into 95 departments. The 36,000 towns and villages are linked by 964,356 kilometers of road and 31,940 kilometers of roadway.
Approximately 55 percent of France's land is used as crops, pastures, and arable land. 16,300 square kilometers of land are irrigated for farm use. However, flooding is one of the areas biggest natural hazards. Natural resources for the area include coal, iron ore, bauxite, fish, timber, zinc, and potash.
In the Alps, France's highest point peaks at a whopping 4,807 meters on Mont Blanc. This area is famous for breathtaking views and some of the most challenging snow skiing in the world.
The North and the West consists of mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills, while the remainder of the country is composed of mountainous areas, especially the Pyrenees in the South, and the Alps in the East.
France's coastline, which includes more than 5,500 kilometers, has four sea fronts (the North Sea, the Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean), and the largest beach in Europe at La Baule.
The climate is made up of generally cool winters and mild summers in the mainland, and mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean. Occasionally, France can get a strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as a mistral. The land type varies all over the country so be sure to research weather trends before leaving for your vacation.
France's total area (551,100 square kilometers) is roughly equivalent to the state of Texas, and is divided into 95 departments. The 36,000 towns and villages are linked by 964,356 kilometers of road and 31,940 kilometers of roadway.
Approximately 55 percent of France's land is used as crops, pastures, and arable land. 16,300 square kilometers of land are irrigated for farm use. However, flooding is one of the areas biggest natural hazards. Natural resources for the area include coal, iron ore, bauxite, fish, timber, zinc, and potash.