France

Landscape

France’s European mainland includes broad plains, river basins and several major mountain regions. The Alps rise in the southeast, the Pyrenees along the Spanish border, and the Massif Central occupies a large upland area farther inland.

The Loire Valley has a much gentler river landscape than the high Alps. Coasts vary between the Atlantic, English Channel and Mediterranean. Overseas territories extend France’s geography into other world regions; several have their own pages in this deck.

Climate & seasons

European France has maritime western areas, more continental inland conditions and a Mediterranean south. Mountain areas are colder; overseas territories have their own distinct climates.

Regional climates

Oceanic conditions dominate much of the west, while the Mediterranean south has drier summers. Mountains create colder high-elevation environments. These differences support varied farming systems, forests, wetlands and coastal habitats.