France

France is located in Western Europe and borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Andorra. Monaco is completely surrounded by France. It is known for its exquisite cuisine, its excellent wines and its diverse landscapes, which range from the Alps to the Côte d’Azur. France also includes the Mediterranean island of Corsica as well as some overseas departments and territories. The country has a rich history and a significant influence on culture, art and philosophy throughout the world.

France is the largest country in the European Union with a diverse landscape ranging from the Alps in the east to the beaches of the Côte d’Azur in the south.

At 4,809 metres above sea level, Mont Blanc on the border with Italy (Monte Bianco) is the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe. It is also known as the ‘Roof of Europe’ and was first climbed in 1786.

The capital Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. It is considered one of the fashion capitals of the world and is known for events such as Paris Fashion Week. Designer icons such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Jean-Paul Gaultier have described a casual but stylish look with ‘Parisian chic’. Renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Chanel are synonymous with luxury and exclusivity.

The overseas departments are geographically located outside Europe. France includes Guadeloupe , Martinique , French Guiana (Guyane française) , Réunion (La Réunion) and Mayotte . They have the same status as the metropolitan regions, belong to the EU and are characterised by cultural diversity and tropical landscapes.

France also has several overseas territories, including French Polynesia (Polynésie française) , New Caledonia (Nouvelle-Calédonie) , Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (Saint Pierre et Miquelon) and Wallis and Futuna (Wallis et Futuna) . These areas have different political status and autonomy, and each region has its own culture and history. The economy varies greatly, from tourism in French Polynesia to mining in New Caledonia, contributing to France’s cultural and economic diversity.

The cockerel (coq) is a national symbol of France, symbolising vigilance and pride. It is frequently used in French folklore, art and heraldry and is a symbol of patriotism. It can be found in the logos of sports teams, on coins and coats of arms. Its connection to France goes back to ancient times, when the cockerel was a symbol of the Gallic people.

The history of France is characterised by significant events and developments. It begins in antiquity with the Roman conquest of Gaul and the formation of the Frankish Empire. The Capetian dynasty dominated the Middle Ages and the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) ended with the victory over England. The Renaissance and Enlightenment promoted the cultural and philosophical ideas of freedom and equality.

The French Revolution (1789-1799) overthrew the monarchy in France and laid the foundations for modern democracy. Triggered by social inequality and economic crises, it began with the storming of the Bastille (former prison) on 14 July 1789. The Declaration of Human and Civil Rights proclaimed freedom and equality. The abolition of the monarchy and the execution of King Louis XVI led to Robespierre’s reign of terror. The revolution had a far-reaching impact on society and inspired similar movements throughout Europe.

In the 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte came to power, followed by the Third Republic. After the Second World War, the Fifth Republic was founded in 1958 under Charles de Gaulle. Today, France is an important political and cultural force in Europe and the world.

France is famous for its art, literature, fashion and cuisine. There are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Mont-Saint-Michel and the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) .

French cuisine is varied and includes dishes such as croissants, baguettes, quiches and coq au vin. France is also known for its wines and cheeses.

France is one of the largest economies in the world and an important player in the EU. The most important economic sectors are agriculture, tourism, industry and technology.

Football with the French national team (Les Bleus) or the Ligue 1 club teams such as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Olympique Marseille or Olympique Lyon is one of the most popular sports alongside rugby. The Tour de France, a famous cycling race, attracts many spectators every year.

France has made significant contributions to science with personalities such as Marie Curie (pioneer in radioactivity research) and Louis Pasteur (microbiologist with advances in vaccine development and food preservation).

French cuisine is considered one of the most renowned in the world and is characterised by variety, elegance and regional specialities.

Quiche Lorraine: The quiche is a classic French tart from Lorraine , which consists of a crumbly pastry with a creamy filling made from eggs, cream and bacon. Onions and cheese are also often added. The quiche can be served warm or cold and is a popular brunch or starter dish. It is easy to prepare and very tasty.

Foie Gras: Foie gras is a luxurious goose or duck liver with a creamy texture and mild flavour. It is served as a pâté, terrine or fried, often with brioche or sweet garnishes.

Soupe à l’Oignon: French onion soup is a classic of regional cuisine. It is made from caramelised onions, beef or vegetable stock and white wine. The dish is traditionally served with pieces of toasted bread (croutons) and melted cheese au gratin. This is a savoury starter that is particularly popular in the cooler months.

Escargots: Escargots are a French snail speciality that is usually served as a starter. They are traditionally prepared in their shells with a flavoursome garlic and herb butter and served hot. The dish is particularly popular in Burgundy and symbolises the joy of experimentation in French cuisine.

Coq au Vin: Coq au vin is a classic French dish made from chicken braised in red wine with bacon, onions, carrots and mushrooms. This combination gives the dish a savoury taste. Traditionally, it is prepared with Burgundy red wine and often served with baguette or potatoes. Coq au vin is a favourite festive and family dish.

Boeuf Bourguignon: Boeuf Bourguignon is a classic beef dish that is slowly braised in Burgundy red wine with onions, carrots, garlic and bacon. The dish has a strong, full flavour and is often served with potatoes or fresh baguette.

Ratatouille: A traditional vegetable dish from Provence . It consists of courgettes, aubergines, peppers, tomatoes and onions, which are braised in olive oil and seasoned with herbs such as thyme and basil. The dish is colourful and aromatic and can be served hot or cold. Ratatouille is often eaten as a side dish or main course and reflects Mediterranean cuisine. In contrast to traditional ratatouille, where the vegetables are often cooked in cubes, Rémy the rat in the 2007 Disney-Pixar film actually prepares ‘Confit Byaldi’ from wafer-thin, perfectly layered slices of vegetables.

Cassoulet: Cassoulet is a traditional French stew made from white beans that are slowly stewed with meat such as sausage, duck or pork. The dish originates from the south of France, particularly the regions of Toulouse and Carcassonne. It is hearty, filling and a typical example of French rural cuisine.

Steak Frites: Steak frites is a popular French bistro dish consisting of a juicy piece of steak, grilled to order, and crispy chips. It is often served with a sauce such as béarnaise sauce or pepper sauce.

Cheese (Fromage): The best-known cheeses are Brie, a creamy soft cheese from Île-de-France , and Camembert, which has a more intense flavour. Roquefort is a tangy blue cheese, while Comté is a hard cheese known for its nutty flavour. Goat’s cheese, or chèvre, comes in many varieties, and Époisses is famous for its strong flavour. Gruyère is ideal for fondue and Saint-Nectaire is a fruity soft cheese.

Baked goods: One of the best-known varieties is the baguette, a long, crusty white bread that is enjoyed fresh every day. A favourite breakfast classic is the croissant, a buttery puff pastry, while the pain au chocolat offers a sweet alternative with its chocolate filling. Éclairs made from choux pastry with a custard filling are another tasty treat. Tartes, such as the famous tarte tatin, offer a variety of fillings, while madeleines are small, shell-shaped cakes that go perfectly with tea. Financiers, moist snacks with almonds, and the traditional Galette des Rois, which is served on Epiphany, round off the variety.

Pommes de Terre Dauphinoise: Pommes de Terre Dauphinoise is a classic French potato dish from the Dauphiné region. It consists of thinly sliced potatoes layered in a creamy mixture of cream, milk, garlic and cheese and baked in the oven until golden brown and tender. This dish is particularly popular for festive occasions or as a side dish to meat dishes.

Crème Brûlée: Crème brûlée is a French dessert that consists of a vanilla cream coated with a thin layer of sugar and then caramelised. The creamy texture of the custard contrasts with the crunchy caramel crust created by the flambéing. It is a classic and luxurious dessert that is often served in small bowls.

Macarons: Macarons are delicate, colourful biscuits made from almond flour, sugar and egg whites, baked in two halves and filled with a creamy filling such as chocolate, vanilla or fruit jam. This French sweet is known for its crispy outer layer and soft, airy interior. Macarons are a symbol of French patisserie and are particularly popular in Paris.

Éclairs: Éclairs are oblong choux pastries with a fine cream filling, usually made from vanilla or chocolate cream. The surface is often coated with a glossy chocolate or sugar glaze. Éclairs are a popular French pastry served in both cafés and patisseries.

Tarte Tatin: Tarte Tatin is a French apple pie that is baked ‘upside down’. The apples are caramelised in butter and sugar, covered with the batter and baked in the oven. After baking, carefully turn the tart so that the caramelised apples are on top. This delicious, rustic cake originates from Sologne and is known for its perfect combination of sweet caramel and tender apples.

Profiteroles: Profiteroles are small, airy choux pastries filled with a sweet cream, often vanilla or chocolate cream. They are often topped with chocolate sauce or served with chocolate or caramel icing. Profiteroles are a popular dessert in French cuisine and are served both in patisseries and at festive occasions.

Wine (Vin): The best-known red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Bordeaux , Pinot Noir from Burgundy (Bourgogne) and Syrah from the Rhône . Among the white wines, Chardonnay from Burgundy and Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux and the Loire are particularly well known. Champagne made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is world-famous. Sauternes is a well-known sweet wine from the Bordeaux region.

Champagner: Champagne is a fine sparkling wine produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France. It is characterised by its fine perlage and fresh, sparkling taste. Champagne is traditionally drunk on special occasions and celebrations. It is made from the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grape varieties and undergoes a special production process that gives it its unique flavour.

Cider: Cider is an alcoholic drink made mainly from fermented apple juice. It is particularly well-known in regions such as Normandy and Brittany in France. Depending on the apple variety and production process, cider can be dry or sweet. It is often served in bottles or barrels and is a popular alternative to wine, especially with savoury dishes or as a refreshing drink on hot days.

Café au Lait: Café au Lait is a classic French breakfast drink consisting of equal parts freshly brewed filter coffee and hot milk. It has a creamy and mild flavour and is often served in a large cup. The drink is particularly popular in cafés in France and is traditionally drunk in the morning.

Normandy – Normandy is a region in the north-west of France known for its impressive coastline, historical sites and rich culture. Famous are the white chalk cliffs of Etretat (Falaises d’Etretat) , dthe landing beaches of the Allies in the Second World War on 6 June 1944, D-Day, such as Utah Beach or Omaha Beach , and the impressive Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey . The region is rich in history, which is reflected in its castles, gardens and picturesque villages. Normandy is also known for its culinary specialities such as Camembert and cider.

Mont-Saint-Michel – Mont-Saint-Michel is a spectacular abbey on a small island in Normandy. It is known for its impressive Gothic architecture and its picturesque location, which is almost completely surrounded by the sea at high tide. Mont-Saint-Michel has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts numerous visitors every year who come to enjoy the historic site, the narrow streets and the breathtaking views. The abbey played an important role in the history and religion of France.

Paris – Paris is known as the ‘City of Lights’ and is a centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. The city boasts landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) , the Louvre (Musée du Louvre) , Notre Dame Cathedral , the Champs-Élysées boulevard and the Arc de Triomphe . The city on the Seine also offers charming neighbourhoods such as Montmartre with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur) and the famous variety theatre Moulin Rouge or the trendy Marais district. With its rich history, lively cafés and vibrant atmosphere, Paris attracts millions of tourists every year and remains a symbol of romance and elegance.

Versailles – Versailles is a city near Paris, known for the impressive Palace of Versailles , which is considered one of the masterpieces of French Baroque architecture. The palace was once the residence of King Louis XIV and is famous for its magnificent halls, the Hall of Mirrors and the extensive gardens. These gardens with their ornate fountains and avenues are a popular destination for visitors. Versailles plays a central role in French history and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts millions of tourists every year.

Château de Chambord – An impressive Renaissance castle in the Loire region (Vallée de la Loire) , which is known for its unique architecture and magnificent gardens. Built in the 16th century under King Francis I, the palace combines French and Italian architecture and is characterised by its distinctive roof structures and 440 rooms. It is considered one of the most important castles on the Loire and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chambord attracts visitors with its historical significance and picturesque surroundings, which are ideal for exploring and walking.

Dijon – Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region and is known for its rich history, its well-preserved medieval architecture and its culinary specialities. The city is famous for its mustard, Burgundy wines and gastronomic diversity. Sights include the Palais des Ducs , the Gothic Saint-Bénigne Cathedral and the beautiful squares and markets. Dijon also has a lively art scene and is an ideal starting point for exploring the Burgundy wine region.

Bordeaux – Bordeaux is an important harbour city in the south-west of France, known for its excellent wines and elegant architecture. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impresses with historic buildings such as the Place de la Bourse and Saint-André Cathedral . Bordeaux is also a centre of wine production with numerous wineries in the area. The city has a lively cultural scene with museums, theatres and a variety of restaurants.

Pont du Gard – The Pont du Gard is an impressive Roman aqueduct near Nîmes . It was built in the first century and was used to transport water from Uzès to Nîmes. With a height of 49 metres and a length of 275 metres, it is a masterpiece of ancient engineering and impresses with its elegant arches. The Pont du Gard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Provence – Provence is a picturesque region in south-east France known for its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages and mild climate. The purple lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards that characterise the landscape are famous. The region has a rich cultural history with Roman ruins, medieval cities such as Avignon and historic markets. Provence is also known for its excellent cuisine and wines and attracts numerous tourists every year who want to enjoy the beauty of nature and the relaxed atmosphere.

Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) – The Verdon Gorge is an impressive gorge in south-east France that is often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’. It is around 25 kilometres long and up to 700 metres deep. The gorge is crossed by the emerald green waters of the Verdon and offers breathtaking views, ideal for hikers, climbers and water sports enthusiasts. The surrounding area is characterised by pretty villages and lush nature.

Côte d’Azur – The Côte d’Azur, also known as the ‘French Riviera’, is a glamorous coastal region in south-east France known for its stunning beaches, azure waters and luxurious seaside resorts. Cities such as Nice and Cannes attract visitors with their Mediterranean flair, exclusive shops and renowned film festivals. The Côte d’Azur also offers picturesque coastal landscapes, charming villages and a vibrant nightlife. The region is a popular destination for holidaymakers looking for sun, culture and relaxation.

The climate in France varies greatly depending on the region. A temperate maritime climate prevails in the north. The south has a Mediterranean climate, central France has a continental climate and the Alps have a cooler climate.

The best time to travel to northern France, including the cities of Lille and Rouen , is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the flowers are in bloom and the weather is mild, ideal for sightseeing and experiencing nature. In autumn, travellers can enjoy the beauty of the autumn landscape while the crowds of tourists are smaller. The temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool, damp winters makes the region a pleasant holiday destination all year round.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Loire (Vallée de la Loire) . In spring, travellers can admire the blooming gardens of the castles, while autumn offers a special attraction with the grape harvest. The continental climate with cold winters and warm summers makes the region ideal for viticulture and for visitors who want to explore the numerous wineries.

The Alps are a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts from December to February, when the snow conditions are ideal. In summer, the region is ideal for hikers and nature lovers who want to enjoy the impressive landscape. The climate in the Alps is colder and snowier in winter, while summers are pleasantly cool and ideal for outdoor activities.

The Côte d’Azur and Provence are particularly popular in summer (June to August) as the sun shines and temperatures rise. This time is ideal for beach holidays, festivals and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn are also good times to travel, as the weather remains pleasant and there are fewer people around. The climate in the south of France is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, ideal for growing grapes and olives.