Last Updated on 26 January 2026 by Johan
France lies in Western Europe. It borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west, the Mediterranean Sea borders the south, and the English Channel separates France from the United Kingdom. Its landscapes range from coastlines and fertile plains to mountains and rivers, making it one of Europe’s most diverse destinations.
Explanation of the name: France
The name France comes from the Latin word Francia, meaning “land of the Franks.” The Franks were a Germanic tribe that settled in the region during the early Middle Ages. Before that, the Romans called the area Gaul. Over time, the influence of the Frankish kingdom and rulers such as King Clovis gave the country its modern name. The word “Frank” itself is thought to mean “free,” reflecting the tribe’s reputation and independence.
History: France
France was part of Roman Gaul until Julius Caesar’s conquest in the 1st century BC. After the fall of Rome, the Franks established a powerful kingdom under Charlemagne. During the Middle Ages, France became a centre of culture and politics, with Paris emerging as a major city. The Hundred Years’ War with England shaped national identity, while the Renaissance brought art and science. The French Revolution in 1789 transformed the monarchy into a republic. France played central roles in both World Wars, suffering heavy losses but emerging as a victor. Since 1958, the Fifth Republic has provided political stability. Today France is a founding member of the European Union and remains influential in global affairs.
France is divided into 18 regions, including 13 metropolitan and 5 overseas. These regions are further divided into 101 departments and more than 34,000 communes. Each level of government manages transport, education, and local services.
The 18 regions are: Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes, Bourgogne‑Franche‑Comté, Brittany, Centre‑Val de Loire, Corsica, Grand Est, Hauts‑de‑France, Île‑de‑France, Normandy, Nouvelle‑Aquitaine, Occitanie, Pays de la Loire, Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Mayotte
Tourist information: France
France is the most visited country in the world, attracting about 90 million tourists annually. Paris is the capital and offers landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre‑Dame Cathedral. The French Riviera, including Nice and Cannes, is famous for beaches and film festivals. Normandy and Brittany provide rugged coastlines and historic towns. The Loire Valley is known for its châteaux, while Burgundy and Bordeaux are celebrated for vineyards. The French Alps and Pyrenees offer skiing and hiking.
Attractions sorted by distance from Paris
The Eiffel Tower, located at Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, was built in 1889. It remains the most iconic symbol of France. Visitors can climb or take lifts to viewing platforms.
The Louvre Museum, at Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, is the world’s largest art museum. It houses the Mona Lisa and thousands of works from antiquity to modern times.
The Palace of Versailles, at Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, is about 20 km from Paris. It is a UNESCO site with gardens, fountains, and the Hall of Mirrors.
The Château de Chambord, at Château, 41250 Chambord, Loire Valley, is about 180 km from Paris. It is the largest château in the valley, built by King Francis I.
The Mont Saint‑Michel, at 50170 Le Mont‑Saint‑Michel, Normandy, is about 360 km from Paris. This tidal island has an abbey dating back to the 8th century.
Museums
The Musée d’Orsay, at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, houses Impressionist and Post‑Impressionist masterpieces.
The Centre Pompidou, at Place Georges‑Pompidou, 75004 Paris, is known for modern art and striking architecture.
The Musée de l’Orangerie, at Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris, displays Monet’s Water Lilies and other works.
The Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, at 37 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris, focuses on non‑European art and cultures.
The Musée Rodin, at 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, showcases sculptures such as The Thinker.
Fun things for children
Families can enjoy Disneyland Paris, at Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, about 32 km from Paris. It offers rides, parades, and themed attractions. Parc Astérix, at 60128 Plailly, about 35 km from Paris, is based on the comic series and features roller coasters and shows. Futuroscope, at Avenue René Monory, 86360 Chasseneuil‑du‑Poitou, about 340 km from Paris, combines technology and entertainment. The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, at 30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris, offers interactive exhibits for children and adults.
Local events in 2026
The Cannes Film Festival runs from 12 to 23 May 2026. The Avignon Theatre Festival takes place from 5 to 25 July 2026. Rock en Seine in Paris is scheduled for 26 to 28 August 2026. Hellfest in Clisson runs from 18 to 21 June 2026. The Nice Carnival will be held in February 2026.
Culinary destinations
French cuisine is world‑renowned. Brittany offers galettes and kouign‑amann. Burgundy is known for boeuf bourguignon and escargots. Alsace features choucroute garnie. Provence is famous for bouillabaisse. The Alps provide raclette and tartiflette. Paris offers croissants, baguettes, and fine dining. French wines and cheeses are central to the culture, with Bordeaux, Champagne, and Roquefort among the most famous.
Cycling and walking routes
France has one of Europe’s largest cycling networks. Popular routes include La Loire à Vélo, ViaRhôna along the Rhône River, and La Vélodyssée on the Atlantic coast. Walking trails include the GR20 in Corsica, the Camino de Santiago routes, and vineyard paths in Burgundy and Alsace.
Additional points of interest
The Pont du Gard, at 400 Route du Pont du Gard, 30210 Vers‑Pont‑du‑Gard, is a Roman aqueduct and UNESCO site. It is one of the best preserved in Europe.
Carcassonne, at 11000 Carcassonne, is a medieval fortified city with towers and ramparts.
The Gorges du Verdon, in Provence, is known as Europe’s Grand Canyon. It is ideal for hiking and kayaking.
Chamonix‑Mont‑Blanc, at 74400 Chamonix, is famous for skiing and mountaineering.
The Dune du Pilat, at 33115 La Teste‑de‑Buch, is Europe’s tallest sand dune. It offers views of the Atlantic coast.
More information on our website:
Fun things to do in France
Sources
- France Vélo Tourisme – Cycling routes https://en.francevelotourisme.com/ Used for cycling network and official routes.
- France Diplomacy – Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/ Used for general background on France and its role in Europe.
- Government of France – Official portal https://www.gouvernement.fr/en Used for information on the Fifth Republic and governance.
- INSEE – National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies https://www.insee.fr/en/ Used for updated figures on regions, departments, and communes.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre – France https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/fr Used for official listings of French World Heritage sites such as Mont Saint‑Michel and Versailles.
- Palace of Versailles – Official site https://en.chateauversailles.fr/ Used for verified information on Versailles, including history and visitor details.
- Eiffel Tower – Official site https://www.toureiffel.paris/en Used for facts about the Eiffel Tower and visitor access.
- Louvre Museum – Official site https://www.louvre.fr/en Used for museum collections and visitor information.
- Musée d’Orsay – Official site https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en Used for details on Impressionist and Post‑Impressionist collections.
- Centre Pompidou – Official site https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en Used for modern art and architecture information.
- Musée Rodin – Official site https://www.musee-rodin.fr/en Used for sculptures and museum history.
- France Vélo Tourisme – Official cycling portal https://en.francevelotourisme.com/ Used for cycling routes such as La Loire à Vélo and ViaRhôna.
- Festival de Cannes – Official site https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/ Used for verified festival dates in 2026.
- Festival d’Avignon – Official site https://festival-avignon.com/en Used for theatre festival programme and dates.
- Nice Carnival – Official site https://www.nicecarnaval.com/en/ Used for carnival details and 2026 schedule.