Visit France

Visit France

France officially the French Republic (French: République française), is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans.  Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. It is often referred to as l’Hexagone ("The Hexagon") because of the geometric shape of its territory. It is bordered (clockwise starting from the northeast) by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco; with Spain and Andorra to the south. France is linked to the United Kingdom by the Channel Tunnel, which passes underneath the English Channel. In addition to these borders on the European continent France has land borders with Suriname and Brazil through French Guiana, as well as with the Netherlands through the Collectivity of Saint Martin. It is the largest west-European country and it possesses the second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world, covering 11,035,000 km2 (4,260,000 sq mi), just behind that of the United States (11,351,000 km2 / 4,383,000 sq mi).

France is a member of the United Nations and serves as one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto rights. France is also a member of the G8, World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Indian Ocean Commission (COI)

Area Total: 674,843 km2
Population Total: 65,821,885

France does not recognise religious law, nor does it recognise religious beliefs or morality as a motivation for the enactment of prohibitions. As a consequence, France has long had neither blasphemy laws nor sodomy laws (the latter being abolished in 1791). However, "offences against public decency" (contraires aux bonnes mœurs) or disturbing public order (trouble à l'ordre public) have been used to repress public expressions of homosexuality or street prostitution.

With 81.9 million foreign tourists in 2007,  France is ranked as the first tourist destination in the world, ahead of Spain (58.5 million in 2006) and the United States (51.1 million in 2006). This 81.9 million figure excludes people staying less than 24 hours in France, such as Northern Europeans crossing France on their way to Spain or Italy during the summer.

France is the fabled land of good food and wine, of royal chateaux and perfectly restored farmhouses, of landmarks known the world over and hidden landscapes few really know. Savour art and romance in the shining capital on the River Seine. See glorious pasts blaze forth at Versailles. Travel south for Roman civilisation and the sparkling blue Med; indulge your jet-set fantasies in balmy Nice and St-Tropez. Ski the Alps. Sense the subtle infusion of language, music and mythology in Brittany brought by 5th-century Celtic invaders. Smell ignominy on the beaches of Normandy and battlefields of Verdun and the Somme. And know that this is but the tip of that gargantuan iceberg the French call culture.

France Regions

France is filled with wonderful regions, each with its own character. Find out details about France regions that are each diverse and a world unto themselves.

	Alsace The Alsace region in northeastern France hovers near the border of Germany, and is filled with timbered buildings straight out of fairy tales. The food is robust, the wine is tart and the beer flows.
	Aquitaine Region  The Aquitaine Region of France is a delightful blend of urban atmosphere in cities like Bordeaux, unique culture and architecture of French Basque Country, beautiful beach towns and vast expanses of protected parkland.
	Ile de France Region The Ile de France Region is home to France's capital city of Paris, but there is so much more to discover. There are impressive chateaux and mansions, the arts, lovely villages and the luxury of Versailles.
	Languedoc-Rousillon Region The luscious Languedoc-Rousillon region of France, hovering near Spain and dotted by the Pyrenees Mountains, is sun-kissed and delightful. It features great beaches, quaint Medieval villages, outdoor recreation and the world's most popular nudist town. The wineries here produce robust varieties with cheap pricetags. Since the region is relatively undiscovered, the prices are low.
	Pays-de-la-Loire Visit the western Loire Valley, or Pays-de-la-Loire  Region of France. Chateau Country was the stomping grounds of kings and nobles during Medieval times. The grand castles of those days still stand and many offer tours (and even overnight lodging). The valley is also known for fine dining and delectable wines.
	Provence Provence is a delightful region of France, dotted by hilltop villages overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the most lush cities are in this region, including Cannes and Nice. It is known for its famous climate, cuisine and rich history (it was once the stomping grounds of the ancient Romans and even the home of the Papacy). Plan your trip to this enticing territory.
	Upper Normandy (French: Haute-Normandie) Rouen is the regional capital, historically important with many fine churches and buildings, including the tallest cathedral tower in France. The region's largest city, in terms of metropolitan population, is Le Havre.
	Auvergne Region The beautiful and central Auvergne region of France features the mountain scenery of the Massif Central, luxurious thermal spas and outstanding cuisine. It is centrally located in the middle of a triangle formed by the South of France, Loire Valley and Paris.
	Picardy Or Picardie in french. The scenery of Picardy is dominated by intense agriculture, and the raising of livestock. With beaches in the north, and fields in the south, this mild-mannered region has lots to explore.
	Midi Pyrenees The Midi Pyrenees Region of France is home to stunning Cathar chateaux, enchanting countryside, vibrant cities like Toulouse and the Pyrenees mountains. Here is a guide to the Midi Pyrenees region of France.
	Bourgogne Region of France - Burgundy Region The Burgundy Region, or Bourgogne Region, of France is a land of fine wines, fabulous cuisine, fascinating historic sites, and charming villages.
	Brittany or Frence Bretagne  Region of France Brittany Region, along France's northern shore, is a land of enchantment. It features rugged coastlines with some of the world's most breathtaking views. It features more than 4,000 chateaux, manors and medieval homes. It's an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, lovers of fine cuisine and seafood, and anyone fascinated by legends and history.
	Centre Region - France's Loire Valley The Centre Region of France, France's eastern Loire Valley, was the epicenter of French royalty. It features amazing chateaux and cathedrals, including Notre Dame de Chartres (in the village known as the Stained Glass Capital of the World). Centre is also a wonderful destination to experience fine cuisine, wine and art.
	Champagne Ardenne Region of France The Champagne Ardenne Region of France isn't just a destination for lovers of sparkling wine. It also features beautiful architecture like Reims Cathedral, 150 chateaux and numerous timbered buildings and churches.
	Lorraine Region of France The Lorraine region of France is a place to discover art, fine cuisine, beautiful cities and villages, and the great outdoors.
	Lower Normandy  Basse Normandie Region of France The Low Normandy, or Basse Normandie, region of France is best known as the site of the D-Day landings during World II. It also is home to long stretches of Atlantic beaches.
	Franche-Comte Region of France The Franche-Comté Region of France is a recreation-lovers' delight, whether you wish to mountain bike, ski, go horseback riding or skiing. Bordering Switzerland, this is an area blessed with beautiful scenery and charming cities and villages.
	Limousin Region of France Limousin is the least populated region of France, and much of it is well-preserved and a haven for tourists seeking respite. It is filled with natural resources like lakes, rivers and forests, and features lovely villages.
	Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region of France The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France is the most northerly region in the country, and it borders Belgium. This is the place to enjoy beaches and countryside, fine cuisine and unique shopping, local markets and unique architecture. This is a major port, and those traveling by ferry from the U.K. land here.
	Rhone-Alpes Region of France The Rhone-Alpes region of France is the destination for winter sports and spa treatments. This is a great region for couples getaways and honeymoons, and features the stunning Alps. It borders both Italy and Switzerland.
	Poitou-charentes Poitou is a historic region in west central France. The regional capital is Poitiers. Cognac is situated on the river Charente between the towns of Angoulême and Saintes. The majority of the town has been built on the river's left bank, with the smaller right bank area known as the Saint Jacques district.
	Corsica Region of France - Corse The Corsica Region of France, or Corse in French, is an amazing island in the Mediterranean enjoyed by visitors for its beautiful coastline, extensive outdoor adventures, historic attractions and wellness.