Map of France

History

Humans have been living in France for an estimated 1.8 million years. There are many cave drawings in France from the Paleolithic era. The first colony in France was founded by Greeks in 600 BC in the modern city Marseille, then known as Massalia.

The spread of Gallic Celtic tribes in France occurred between the third and fifth century BC, when the borders of modern-day state map of France were mostly defined.

The Franks, a Germanic pagan tribe that gave France its name, settled in Gaul and took it over, dividing the region into four parts for the sons of Frankish King Clovis I. These kingdoms were later reunited by Charlemagne (Charles the Great).

France played a major role during the Crusades between 1095 and 1291.

From 1337 to 1453, the Hundred Years’ War was fought between France and England. Between the years 1648 and 1653, France witnessed a series of civil wars. Known as Fronde, these civil wars were fought in the midst of the Franco Spanish War, which began in 1635 and lasted till 1659.

During the period of European exploration, France established colonies in the New World. The Seven Years War (1756-1763) in the New World resulted in the loss of New France territories to Britain, under the rule of Louis XV. As a result, France was a major ally of American colonists seeking independence from Britain during the American Revolution, leading to the 1783 Treaty of Paris.

The French Revolution took place from around 1789 to 1799, culminating in the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which ended France’s absolute monarchy and replaced it with a constitutional monarchy. The French Revolutionary wars began in 1792, the same year France became a republic. King Louis XVI was executed in 1793 for treason, as was his wife Marie Antoinette.

Napoleon Bonaparte took over the Republic in 1799, eventually becoming Emperor. The French empire led by Napoleon began conquering Europe, until his defeat in 1815.

During the nineteenth century, France became the second largest colonial power of all times, with colonies in North America, Southeast Asia, North, West & Central Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Islands. Many of these colonies are still part of the Republic of France. France was an integral part in both World War I and World War II, and was a founding member of NATO in 1949.

Geography

As shown in the map of France, it is the largest country in western Europe, bordering Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco, and Andorra. The major bodies of water around France are the Mediterranean Sea, English Channel, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and the Rhine River as shown in the France Map. Other major geographic features of France as shown on the map of France are the Alps, the Pyrenees Mountains, and the Massif Central. France’s other five territories are considered part of the Republic of France.

Because France takes up a large area, the climate varies from one place to another. Areas closer to the Mediterranean have a Mediterranean climate, while the inland climate is typical continental, and the Alps have much more extreme temperatures.

Polities

France has been under the Fifth Republic’s constitution since September 28, 1958. The government is headed by a President, who is elected by the people and the Prime Minister, who in turn is appointed by the President. France has a parliament with a National Assembly and a Senate.

With effect from January 1, 2016, France is divided into 13 metropolitan regions, after its Parliament passed a law reforming the total number of regions. In addition, 5 regions of France are overseas, away from the main or metropolitan part of France. These five regions are French Guiana, Guadaloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion. France also has other overseas territories like French Polynesia that are considered collectivities.

Regions are administratively divided into 102 departments, then further into arrondissements (342), cantons and finally communes or municipalities. Paris, Lyon, and Marseille are three of the major communes in France which are also located on the map of France and these communes are divided into municipal arrondissements.

Travel to France

Paris, Normandy, the Rhone Valley, Provence, the Cote d’Azur, the Alps, Languedoc, the Pyrenees, Burgundy, the Loire, Brittany, Lorraine, and Alsace are counted among the most visited places in the country. Each region proudly boasts of its rich history, mind-blowing cuisine, festive revelries, and quintessential bistros & brasseries. A vacation to France is an unsaid promise of a lifetime of memories, excellent learning, and unbridled fun.

Eiffel Tower, which is situated in Paris of course, is the prime attraction of the country and is marked on the France Map. However, Bastille Day celebrations, too, attract tourists from all over the globe in legions. France is also the place where wine connoisseurs turn up to indulge in the delirious wine right from the breweries. For architects and historians, Châteaux of the Loire Valley is their favorite spot to look into the advanced engineering techniques in old France. Plus, the French Revolution, World Wars, and the history of crusades add the necessary layer of shine to the charm of France.

There are various travel opportunities as well in France. From wine tasting to beach holidays, from romantic honeymoons to religious pilgrimages, from art & culture travel to ecotourism and from business travel to natural expeditions, France ranks first in every aspect.

For getting around Paris, Paris Métro is considered the best transport service. Other viable options are RER suburban trains, the tram, and the bus. Those looking for an inexpensive way of traveling in the city can get Mobilis tickets, which are passes valid for one complete day in the city. For other cities, bus services and trams are excellent ways to explore them in and out.

Tip: One important thing to know is that all the tourists have to pay Tourism Tax while they are staying in the country. This tax is generally added to the apartment rent or the hotel bill. So, while making arrangements, prior checking with your hotel will come handy.

The bus network is excellent here, for it connects Avignon, Nice, and Paris with more than 36 cities in Europe. For those on a tight budget, discounted passes are also available. Those who want to enjoy the landscape of the country on road can have motorcycles and cars on rent at affordable prices.

There are also train services that connect France with countries like Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, and Belgium which are depicted on the map of France. Connecting Paris and London, Eurostar is a popular train service. Talking about air links, France is connected with virtually all the major cities of the world. Paris-Orly airport and Charles De Gaulle airport are the two major airports in the country.

Rouen, Paris, Nantes, Marseille, Le Havre, Dunkerque, and Calaisa are major ports which are located on the map of France. From Ireland and across the English Channel, there are ferry services available to get to France.

Culture in France

Culture is an important part of the French experience, with food and wine playing a central role. The French are known for being proud of their language and often expect tourists to make some effort in speaking the language during their visit. So, it’s a good idea to study some commonly used expressions before traveling to France.

Art and Architecture

France is widely considered as Europe’s cultural capital. Under the rule of French monarchs, architecture and fine arts flourished. France’s neighbor Italy played a key role in influencing its art. Monet, Renoir, Manet, and Pissarro are world renowned French painters. Many of the french painters worked and lived out of France. Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Picasso produced highly valued pieces of art.

The title of the most Romanesque and Gothic architecture of Europe goes to Saint Sernin Basilica in Toulouse and the Cathédrale St-Lazare in Autun. The best palace-residences is Châteaus in the Loire valley. Although they are now converted to luxury hotels, they still carry the splendor and grace of the bygone era. The Château d’Amboise and the Château de Chambord are timeless architectural marvels. The post Revolution French architecture is represented by Arc de Triomphe and the Palace of Versailles which was constructed in the Baroque era. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889. In current time, French architecture is seen as an exquisite blend of great structural engineering and innovative design.

Trivia: Leonardo da Vinci and Francis I were said to share a friendly relation. It was Francis who brought Leonardo to France and gave him a healthy pension. Leonardo also spent his last years in France at Château de Cloux, teaching art techniques to French artists.

Language, Literature and Media