Geography and best places to visit in France
The geographical features of France are exciting; its various regions exhibit incredible variety: culture and heritage, customs and food, sea or mountain, town or country. Use your time studying in France to explore this fascinating nation. France's geographical features include flat plains or gently rolling hills in the north and west and mountainous terrain in the south (including the Massif Central and Pyrenees) and east. Metropolitan France covers an area of 551,695 km2 (213,011 sq mi) (Europe only). It is the third-biggest country by land area in Europe (after Russia and Ukraine) and the largest in Western Europe.
Following that, detailed information about France's geographical features is provided.
Geographical regions of France
France's geographical features are classified into 14 major categories. France's 14 geographical regions are as follows:
NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE
Nouvelle-Aquitaine has something for everyone, with 250 kilometers of beaches, ancient villages, chateaus, and vineyards. If you don't want to surf at Biarritz, take a boat excursion through the Poitevin marshes or embark on a wine-tasting tour through the vineyards around Bordeaux. There are as many things to do as there are places to see in Nouvelle Aquitaine.
THE GREATEST ESTATE
The Grand Est is steeped in history, having been the site of crucial conflicts such as the Battle of Verdun during World War I. You may visit Strasbourg, the European capital, the wineries of Champagne and Alsace, and the Vosges mountains.
THE AUVERGNE-RHNE-ALPES
The Auvergne Rhône-Alpes area is a country of volcanoes and snow-covered peaks: from the springs of Evian to the slopes of Mont-Blanc, choose between ski resorts and thermal spas. From Lyon to the beaches of Lake Annecy, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area has something for everyone.
HAUTS-DE-FRANCE
Hauts-de-France, dotted with cathedrals, bell towers, and citadels, and its plains bear witness to the region's mining heritage. Lille's carnivals and street markets allow one to sample the most fabulous chips in France before heading to the Côte d'Opale. It is also known to have the coldest geographical features in France.
CORSICA
Corsica offers more than one draw for travelers, with its high-altitude communities, hiking paths, beaches, and magnificent seabeds. From Calvi to the Gulf of Bonifacio via the Citadel of Corte, this lovely island has many surprises for you.
NORMANDY
People visit Normandy because of its mild temperature, forested scenery, cows, and steeples. You may also appreciate the Fécamp cliffs, be stunned at the sight of Mont-Saint-Michel, visit the D-Day beaches, and follow William the Conqueror's trail. It's one of the best geographical features of France.
BURGUNDY FRANCHE-COMTÉ
Burgundy's Franche-Comté area is well-known for its vineyards. It's also the birthplace of delectable escargots. From Dijon to Châlons-Sur-Saône, use the region's many canals to stop and sample all the diverse gastronomic pleasures before reaching the Jura, with its excellent perspective of the Alps.
ÎLE-DE-FRANCE
Île de France is France's cultural and political center. There are several historical sites, cultural events, and opportunities for an evening out. There's so much to see in Île-de-France, from evenings in Paris to excursions in the town's woods.
THE CENTRE-VAL-DE-LOIRE REGION
The stately chateaus that border the river attest that the Centre-Val-de-Loire area was the cradle of the French Renaissance. Fans of bicycle tourism, one of the most excellent methods to experience the Centre Val de Loire region, go to the Loire's banks.
LA LOIRE PAYS
The Pays de la Loire region is excellent for visitors looking for fresh air, with its vast beaches, islands caressed by ocean spray, and dunes as far as the eye can see. Nantes's cultural scene is well-known for its vibrancy. The Pays de la Loire is worth visiting, from Le Man's cathedral to the saltwater marshes of Guérande.
BRITTANY
The narrative of the sea meets the story of the Celts in Brittany, a territory rich in culture and character. You may trek across the mist-covered moors before sampling seafood in a Morbihan fishing port. Brittany awaits discovery, from the port of Brest to the bustling alleys of Rennes.
OCCITANIE
Occitanie, nestled against the Pyrenees and flanked by the Mediterranean, offers a diverse range of landscapes and activities. Its residents enjoy life and share outstanding regional dishes like the famed foie gras. Occitanie is primed for exploration, from rose-coloured Toulouse to Catalonian Perpignan.
CTE D'AZUR-PROVENCE-ALPES
From the beaches of the French Riviera to the mountains of Mercantour, the "PACA" region is filled with Provencal lavender fields, marinas, and "Calanques" - the area's rocky streams. Before traveling to the Esterel and Italy, wander the laneways of Marseilles and listen to the people's sing-song accents.
OVERSEAS FRANCE
Under the gaze of the "Old Lady," the volcano La Soufrière's moniker, there are dream vistas, pleasant living, and sensory delights. Discover Guadeloupe. Martinique provides a savory blend of Caribbean creole traditions at the foot of Mount Pelée, which dominates the island. Discover Martinique.
Guiana, the only French Overseas Territory that is not an island, is a natural wonderland where the Amazon Forest breaks out into the water, as do the rivers that meander through it. Discover Guyana.
Best cities to visit in France
Some of the best cities with excellent geographical features in France are:
Dijon: Dijon, formerly the Dukes of Burgundy's capital, prospered throughout the 14th and 15th centuries as the city supported the arts and sciences. As a result, the ancient city center is lovely to roam about because of its delightful sculptures and architecture, with the cathedral standing out in particular. While it is not large, Dijon is one of the most beautiful cities in France and is well worth a couple of day's visit.
Lille: Lille, the biggest city in northern France, was originally a mercantile city that benefited from its location between Flanders and Paris. It now features a gorgeous city center and a thriving cultural sector, with various museums worth visiting.
Avignon: Avignon was the capital of the Catholic Church throughout the Middle Ages and was famous for the popes who set up business there after leaving Rome in the 14th century. The grand palace created by the popes is outstanding for its grandeur and Gothic design. The ramparts, towers, and gates that flank the old town are particularly spectacular.
Paris: Paris is a must-see city, with some of the world's most famous structures and landmarks and an endless assortment of things to see and do. The elegant and fashionable capital of France, located on the banks of the Seine, is a charming location with magnificent boulevards, stunning buildings, and views like the Eiffel Tower and the glittering Sacre-Coeur towering into the skies. Paris is famous for its food, and there are numerous restaurants to choose from; however, spending much money fast is relatively easy.
Bordeaux: Bordeaux, located on the banks of the Garonne River, is a major city with a lot to offer. Its beautiful old town is a joy to explore, and the architecture on display is stunning. Surrounding Place de la bourses are 18th-century houses, decadent palaces, and several excellent art museums.
Lyon, France's third biggest city, is where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet. Since the Romans created the town in 43 BC, its strategic position has allowed it to attract merchants and enterprises.
Marseille: Marseille, France's second-largest city, is a varied melting pot of people and cultures. This bustling port city, formerly regarded as dirty and run-down, has experienced somewhat of a revival in recent years, yet its main attractions remain the same.
Strasbourg: Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, boasts a gorgeous historic core and a strategic location on the Rhone's west bank. As a result, throughout its lengthy history, it has been battled for by France and Germany.
La Rochelle: La Rochelle, nicknamed the "White City," is a delightful site to visit because of its limestone edifices that are attractively lighted at night. The historical harbor, historic town, and gorgeous shoreline are reason enough to visit La Rochelle, which was once a significant seaport. It's a lovely laid-back area to spend some time, with a large marina at Port des Minimes and sandy beaches nearby.
Colmar: Colmar, located in the Alsace area, has changed hands multiple times over its history due to its closeness to Germany. Tourists come to the city for its gorgeous old town, which seamlessly blends meandering cobblestone streets with lovely canals and unique buildings.