Geography

The French continental territory is bounded to the northeast by Belgium and Luxembourg, to the east by Germany, Switzerland and Italy, to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, Spain and Andorra, to the west by the Bay of Biscay and to the northwest by the English Channel (La Manche) which separates it from the United Kingdom by the Pas de Calais.

The French coast stretches for about 5,500 kilometers, offering a variety of landscapes. The north coast along the English Channel is full of cliffs, while the west coast facing the Atlantic Ocean has sandy beaches. The southern coast along the Mediterranean Sea is renowned for its waters and mild climate.

In the south-eastern part of the country, on the border with Italy, the French Alps dominate the landscape, with Mont Blanc as the highest peak in Western Europe.

The Pyrenees, which form a natural border with Spain, are another prominent mountain range. The highest point is on the Spanish side and it is the Peak of Dill with its 3404 m.

On the border with Switzerland there is the Jura mountain range, which serves as another natural border. The highest point is Mount Neige with 1718 m. 

There are also other geologically older mountain ranges and plateaus: the Ardennes, the Vosges and the Massif Central. 

The plateau of the Ardennes develops in north-eastern France extending also to Belgium and Luxembourg with a maximum height in the Hautes Fagnes with 671 m. 

The Vosges are a mountain range in central-western Europe, extending along the western side of the Rhine valley in a northwestern direction. The Vosges reach the highest elevation with the Ballon de Guebwiller at 1423 m. The highest peaks of the Vosges are called Ballons.

The Massif Central is a vast geographical region of central-southern France, predominantly mountainous and hilly. The geological origin of the mountain range consists of a basin of extinct volcanoes and all the great French rivers, except the Rhône, have their sources (or those of their main tributaries) in the mountainous or hilly area of this massif. It presents a varied landscape characterized by remnants of volcanic activity in Auvergne, which is distinguished by the typical landscape of puys, extinct volcanoes with the original conical shape.

The French region lacks vast and uniform plains, but there are many flat stretches such as the plain of Alsace, the Paris basin, and the plain of the Loire.

In the northern region, the waters meet in three large river basins: the Rhine, the Seine and the Meuse, corresponding to Lorraine.

The Loire, the longest French river with 1020 km, originates from the Massif Central.

The Rhone flows between the Massif Central and the Alps, in the great furrow that forms between the two reliefs.

Climate

France experiences a wide range of climates, influenced by its geographical location.

France enjoys a temperate climate, very pleasant. The French territory is divided into four climatic zones: Oceanic, Mediterranean, Continental and Alpine climate.

The oceanic climate, present in the western coastal regions including Brittany and Normandy, has a slight temperature range. In fact, it has mild winters, late spring, and relatively cool summers. In the Parisian basin there is less rainfall.

The continental climate has harsh winters and frequent snowfalls; summers are hot and disturbed by storms; rainfall is considerable. 

The southern coastal regions, such as the Côte d’Azur and Provence, enjoy a Mediterranean climate. These areas have hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. The Mediterranean climate promotes the growth of various flora, including olive trees, lavender and vineyards.

The mountainous regions, including the French Alps and the Pyrenees, have a mountain climate. These areas are characterized by colder temperatures, heavy snowfall and shorter summers.

Flora and Fauna

France’s diverse geography and climate create a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.

The flora of the country includes deciduous and coniferous forests, Mediterranean shrubs and alpine plants. Oak, beech, pine and chestnut trees are common in the forests of France. The lavender fields of Provence, the sunflower fields of the Loire Valley and the vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy are iconic features of the French landscape.

France is home to a wide range of wildlife. Forests are inhabited by animals such as deer, wild boar, chamois. The rare chamonix and ibex, which have been reintroduced, are found in the high Alps. Hares, rabbits and various types of rodents are found in both forests and fields. Carnivores include the fox, the Genet and the rare wildcat.

There are many species of birds such as the flamingo, the Egyptian vulture, the black-winged stilt, the bee-eater, and the roller. 

The coastal regions are teeming with marine life, including dolphins, seals, though they have almost disappeared and a variety of fish species.