The France guide
Everything you need to know about France, all in one place
France changes from the Atlantic harbours of Brittany to the Alpine valleys and Mediterranean coast. Its regions have their own food, landscapes and traditions, with Paris at the centre of a much wider story. Explore the maps, discover the history behind the places and practise French for everyday conversations.
France · Facts
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Geography of France
The Atlantic, Channel and Mediterranean give France three very different coasts. Inland, the Loire and Seine cross broad plains while the Alps and Pyrenees form mountain borders. Begin with metropolitan France, then discover how its overseas regions extend the country beyond Europe.
France · Maps
Know the shape of the country
Start with the thirteen regions of metropolitan France, including Corsica. Then place the cities and follow the rivers to the Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean. These maps cover European France; the country also has five overseas regions.
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France · Words
Take French with you
Lesson 1 of 10
Greetings and politeness
Hello, thanks, please: the ten openers everything else builds on.
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Keep going one country deeper
When you have had your fill of France, every country here has maps of its own.