Population: 67,97 Million
Language: French
Currency: Franc
France or officially the French Republic is a unitary state located in Western Europe. From an administrative point of view France is divided into regions departments and communes to which are added overseas territories and territories with special status. The French administration is represented by 4 levels. There are three sub-state levels: region, department or district and commune. The regional level is represented by 22 regions, of which 21 are metropolitan and Corsica, with a special status.
In addition to the 22 regions, there are also overseas territories. These are represented by Guyana, Martinique, Reunion and Guadeloupe. The overseas territories have a dual status, being considered both regions and departments. The departmental/district level is represented by 96 departments, to which are added four departments from the overseas territories and the territorial communities of Mayotte and St. Pierre et Miquelon. Paris, urban agglomerations and intercommunalities (forms of cooperation between municipalities) also have the status of departments.
In the north, Normandy and Brittany have hills, sandy beaches and quiet small port towns. Normandy and Brittany have a more rugged coast and many Neolithic sites. This part of France has a quite different atmosphere from the rest of the country, you can still feel the Celtic origin of the region and its inhabitants. Nantes and Bordeaux are the largest cities on the west coast. Bordeaux, the southwestern capital, is an elegant city famous for its wines and 18th century architecture.
The eastern part of France includes Alsace, Lorraine, Franche Comté and the Burgundy regions. You will find here a beautiful landscape with hills and beautiful cities, such as Metz, Strasbourg, Nancy and Dijon. This region produces many famous wines, including the magnificent varieties of Pinot noirs and Chardonnays appreciated all over the world, as well as the famous “yellow wine”, from the vineyards near the Jura mountains.
The center is, from many points of view, the quietest part of France. But the great treasure of this region is the Loire valley, with many castles and large and beautiful cities. It can be seen in one of the tourist circuits in France, organized or by personal car. Auvergne is located in the central-southern part, in the Massif Central, it peaks at approximately 6000 meters, and is one of the most beautiful regions of France. A large part of this region is mountainous, crossed by wild river valleys and an unspoiled natural environment. The regional capital is Clermont Ferrand. The Alps are great for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Albertville, Grenoble and Chamonix have all hosted the Olympic Games.
The southern part with its wonderful nature, good food, Roman ruins and the Riviera, attracts a lot of visitors every year. Cities like Orange and Arles, but also big cities like Marseille and Toulon are worth visiting. Provence is dotted with pleasant little villages. In the south-west of France, the Dordogne is one of the most important French regions. The valley is so beautiful, the towns are splendid and the food is so good, that it is hard to believe that the people who live here, go elsewhere for their vacations. Languedoc has its own language and culture. In the southern part of Languedoc you will find the Pyrenees, mountains that separate France from Spain, where you can go hiking and skiing.
The island of Corsica has a beautiful nature and a very special atmosphere. Corsicans speak their own language and have a deep sense of freedom. Paris, the city of light, and its surroundings are one of the most visited areas. Paris is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. The west of France faces the Atlantic Ocean. Mysterious and romantic, Paris is the city that attracts travelers from all over the world with its atmosphere and cultural richness. Its every corner is steeped in history, and grand architectural masterpieces adjoin pleasant bakeries, exquisite boutiques and picturesque streets.
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