Geography

France is about 80% the size of Texas. In the Alps near the Italian and Swiss borders is western Europe's
highest pointMont Blanc (15,781 ft; 4,810 m). The forest-covered Vosges Mountains are in the
northeast, and the Pyrnes are along the Spanish border. Except for extreme northern France, the
country may be described as four river basins and a plateau. Three of the streams flow westthe Seine
into the English Channel, the Loire into the Atlantic, and the Garonne into the Bay of Biscay. The Rhne
flows south into the Mediterranean. For about 100 mi (161 km), the Rhine is France's eastern border. In
the Mediterranean, about 115 mi (185 km) east-southeast of Nice, is the island of Corsica (3,367 sq mi;
8,721 sq km).
History
Archeological excavations indicate that France has been continuously settled since Paleolithic times. The
Celts, who were later called Gauls by the Romans, migrated from the Rhine valley into what is now
France. In about 600 B.C. , Greeks and Phoenicians established settlements along the Mediterranean,
most notably at Marseille. Julius Caesar conquered part of Gaul in 5752 B.C. , and it remained Roman
until Franks invaded in the 5th century A.D.
The Treaty of Verdun (843) divided the territories corresponding roughly to France, Germany, and Italy
among the three grandsons of Charlemagne. Charles the Bald inherited Francia Occidentalis, which
became an increasingly feudalized kingdom. By 987, the crown passed to Hugh Capet, a princeling who
controlled only the Ile-de-France, the region surrounding Paris. For 350 years, an unbroken Capetian line
added to its domain and consolidated royal authority until the accession in 1328 of Philip VI, first of the
Valois line. France was then the most powerful nation in Europe, with a population of 15 million.













Top 10 Historical Places & Tourist Attractions in
France
Famous for its wines and cheeses, France is the worlds most popular tourist destination receiving 82 million
foreign tourists annual. Visitors are attracted by historic cities, a beautiful countryside, the castles of the Loire
Valley, and Brittany and Normandy. In addition, France offers an agreeable climate, some excellent beaches
on the French Riviera, the Atlantic coast and the island of Corsica, wide possibilities for winter sports , most
notably in the Alps and the Pyrenees, and a rich culture with food and wines that are among the most
celebrated in the world.
10Chartres Cathedral

The almost perfectly preserved Chartres Cathedral in the city of Chartres is one of the finest examples of the
French High Gothic style. The majority of the original stained glass windows survive intact, while the
architecture has seen only minor changes since the early 13th century.
Explore Chartres Cathedral


9Dune of Pyla

Located in the Arcachon Bay area, the Dune of Pyla is the tallest sand dune in Europe. At the summit of the
dune the view is spectacular with the Atlantic coast and the inlet of the bay on one side and a large pine forest
on another.
8Palais des Papes

One of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in the world, the Palais des Papes (Popes Palace) was
built when Pope Clement V abandoned Rome in 1309 and settled in Avignon. The 3 meter (10 feet) thick
walls, portcullises and watchtowers emphasize the castle-like look of the palace.
7Chateau de Chambord
flickr/juanma36
This second most visited chteau in France (after Versailles), is a masterpiece of the French Renaissance.
Construction of the Chateau de Chambord started in 1519 by King Franois I so he could hunt in the nearby
forests. The cold and massive 440 rooms of the Chteau made it unpopular as an actual residence and Franois
I himself stayed here for less than 40 days in total.
6Gorge du Verdon
flickr/Paolo Bertinetto
The Gorge du Verdon is a 25 kilometer (15 miles) long canyon and rises a spectacular 700 meters (2,300 feet)
from the Verdon river below. The river, which is named after its startling green emerald color, is one of the
Gorge du Verdons most beautiful features. Water sport opportunities here include rafting, kayaking, sailing
and water skiing.
5Mont Saint-Michel
flickr/El Guanche
Mont Saint Michel is a small tidal island located just off the coast of Normandy. A spectacular and well-
preserved Norman Benedictine Abbey of St Michel stands at the peak of the rocky island, surrounded by the
winding streets and convoluted architecture of the medieval town.
Explore Mont Saint-Michel
4Palace of Versailles

Built in 1624 by Louis XIII, the Palace of Versailles remained the official residence of the Kings of France
until October 1789 when the royal family was forced to return to Paris during the French Revolution.
Explore Palace of Versailles
3Chamonix

Chamonix is a famous ski resort in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc. It was the site of the first Winter
Olympic games in 1924. In winter world-class skiers and boarders push themselves to extremes on Europes
most challenging slopes while in the summer months Chamonix is a mecca for alpine mountaineers and
mountain bikers.
2St Tropez

Located on the French Riviera, St Tropez is known for its famous and extremely wealthy summer guests. It has
been dubbed the playground of the jetset, fashion models, and millionaires. Outside peak summer there are less
celebrities to spot but youll also instantly appreciate what lured artists, writers and film makers to this
picturesque village.
1Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris and one of the top tourist attractions in
France. The tower was built by Gustave Eiffel as the entrance arch for the
International Exhibition of Paris of 1889. Since its construction more than
200,000,000 people have visited the Eiffel Tower making it the most visited paid
tourist attraction in the world.









Beautiful statues are found all over France This one is in Luxembourg Gardens Paris

The architecture is Paris is some of our favorite worldwide


Another gorgeous building in Paris. Everywhere where you turn you see beautiful buildings


Paris Architecture that will make your jaw drop at every turn


Nice Colorful buildings line the streets





Beautiful harbor views in Nice


Nice Anywhere else in the world a narrow alley is a place to stay out of, but put it in Europe and its a must see!


Jardin du Luxembourg The second largest public park in Paris. A beautiful place for a picnic


France The Louvre We arent really museum sort of people, but this museum blew us away. For one it is huge! There
are so many things to see including some of the all time greats (e.g. Mona Lisa)


Paris Elysee Palace Drop by and pay a visit to the French PM. Just need to get past a few security guards


Views of the harbor from above in Nice


Paris Pont Alexandre III bridge with one of its golden statues. Oh, and you may recognize the structure at the back!


Paris Arc de Triomphe Found at the top of the famous Champs-lyses