Europe, France
France: From the Alps to the Atlantic Coastline
France's metropolitan area stretches from the Pyrenees and Mediterranean coast to the English Channel and the Rhine River. Paris, with its 13.2 million metro residents, sits on the Seine’s flat arc, framed by hills like Montmartre at 130 meters elevation.
Fast facts
- Country
- France
- Region
- Île-de-France
- Population
- Approx. 67 million (2024)
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Known for
- Alps, Seine River, vineyards, historic architecture
France covers a diverse geographic area, from the sunny slopes (adrets) of the Alps to the extensive arable lands of the Paris Basin.
More than half the country’s land supports agriculture, while a quarter remains wooded, reflecting a landscape shaped by centuries of settlement and cultivation.
Paris, the capital, is a dense urban core of just over 2 million people, expanding to 13.2 million in the metro area. Its flat river arc along the Seine contrasts with elevated neighborhoods like Montmartre. Visitors typically spend a week in Paris and Île-de-France to grasp the region’s historical and geographic complexity.
Paris Basin Land Use
The Paris Basin features open-field agriculture marked by small boundary stones, unlike the bocage hedgerows seen in western France.
Paris Elevation Details
Paris lies mostly flat along the Seine at about 35 meters above sea level, with hills like Montmartre rising to 130 meters.
Main Gateway: Charles de Gaulle
International visitors typically arrive via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the principal entry point into France.
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Where is France?
France in context — see the neighbouring countries and the region your trip sits within. Zoom in to explore cities, regions and major roads inside the country.
Top experiences in France
A handful of the best-reviewed, instant-confirmation tours and tickets — sourced live from our partners.
Paris - Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line guided Tour
Disneyland® Paris 1-Day Ticket
Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris
From Paris: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip With Wine Tasting
Paris: 1-Hour Seine Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower
Paris: Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access
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