about France

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lets talkabout France

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France (pronounced /fræns/ or /frɑns/, French: [f�ɑ̃s]), officially the French Republic (French: République française, pronounced [�epyˈblik f�ɑ̃ˈsɛz]), is a country whose metropolitan territory is located in Western Europe and that also comprises various overseas islands and territories located in other continents.[11] Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. French people often refer to Metropolitan France as L'Hexagone (The "Hexagon") because of the geometric shape of its territory.

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France is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra, and Spain. Due to its overseas departments, France also shares land borders with Brazil and Suriname (bordering French Guiana) , and the Netherlands Antilles (bordering Saint-Martin). France is also linked to the United Kingdom by the Channel Tunnel, which passes underneath the English Channel.

France is a unitary semi-presidential republic. Its main ideals are expressed in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. In the 18th and 19th centuries, France built one of the largest colonial empires of the time, stretching across West Africa and Southeast Asia, prominently influencing the cultures and politics of the regions. France is a developed country, with the fifth or sixth largest economy depending on source

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Rome to revolution

The borders of modern France are approximately the same as those of ancient Gaul, which was inhabited by Celtic Gauls. Gaul was conquered for Rome by Julius Caesar in the 1st century BC, and the Gauls eventually adopted Roman speech (Latin, from which the French language evolved) and Roman culture. Christianity took root in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, and became so firmly established by the fourth and fifth centuries that St. Jerome wrote that Gaul was the only region "free from heresy".

In the 4th century AD, Gaul's eastern frontier along the Rhine was overrun by Germanic tribes, principally the Franks, from whom the ancient name of "Francie" was derived. The modern name "France" derives from the name of the feudal domain of the Capetian Kings of France around Paris. The Franks were the first tribe among the Germanic conquerors of Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire to convert to Catholic Christianity rather than Arianism (their King Clovis did so in 498) ; thus France obtained the title "Eldest daughter of the Church" (La fille ainée de l'Église) , and the French would adopt this as justification for calling themselves "the Most Christian Kingdom of France".

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Existence as a separate entity began with the Treaty of Verdun (843) , with the division of Charlemagne's Carolingian empire into East Francia, Middle Francia and Western Francia. Western Francia approximated the area occupied by modern France and was the precursor to modern France.

The Carolingians ruled France until 987, when Hugh Capet, Duke of France and Count of Paris, was crowned King of France. His descendants, the Direct Capetians, the House of Valois and the House of Bourbon, progressively unified the country through a series of wars and dynastic inheritance. The monarchy reached its height during the 17th century and the reign of Louis XIV. At this time France possessed the largest population in Europe (see Demographics of France) and had tremendous influence over European politics, economy, and culture. French became, and remained for some time, the common language of diplomacy in International affairs. Much of the Enlightenment occurred in French intellectual circles, and major scientific breakthroughs were achieved by French scientists in the 18th century. In addition, France obtained many overseas possessions in the Americas, Africa and Asia.

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The railway network of France, which stretches 31,840 kilometres (19,784 mi) is the most extensive in Western Europe. It is operated by the SNCF, and high-speed trains include the Thalys, the Eurostar and TGV, which travels at 320 km/h (200 mph) in commercial use. The Eurostar, along with the Eurotunnel Shuttle, connects with the United Kingdom through the Channel Tunnel. Rail connections exist to all other neighbouring countries in Europe, except Andorra. Intra-urban connections are also well developed with both underground services and tramway services complementing bus services.

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Jutting far out into the sea-green waters of the Channel , you could say that the department of Manche is off the beaten track. It is a green and pleasant Norman province that has much in common with the mild climes of the English South-West and is well away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

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As you travel the length of our peaceful country roads or walk along one our picturesque hiking trails, you will notice the startlingly varied landscape that has shaped our lives. The famous Norman bocage of deciduous woods, hedges and thickets interspersed with undulating lush green fields juxtaposes with the wide open marshes of the east and the river gorges of the south. Manche is also a maritime province (it takes its name from the French word for the English Channel) and has an extensive seaboard that covers over half its border; the Cotentin district in the north is a wild and rocky granite coast, whereas the western shore comprises the vast sandy beaches of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay.

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What else can you do in such a natural and wholesome environment other than taste the richness of its centuries-old gastronomic tradition and gently absorb the quintessential art de vivre of its inhabitants? Discover our upmarket épicerie fine, bustling town markets and no-nonsense farm shops that purvey all sorts of local delicacies for you to delight in. While you are there, stock up with some of our time-honoured specialities such as creamy Camembert cheeses , bubbling ciders, heady calvados apple brandies and fine charcuterie cooked meats - they make great gifts for family and friends. For those who just want to relax, visit one of our stylish cafés, brasseries or top-quality restaurants. There you can take time out on the terrace overlooking the sea or watch the world go by in the heart of one of our charming market towns.

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Emblem of our department and a truly exceptional monument, the distinctive form of Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey spire rise out of the bay as a beacon for curious and discerning travellers. Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, the abbey was built in the Middle Ages by a small religious community living on the mount and has since been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. For many years, the natural beauty of the mount has been undermined by the gradual advance of the shore, caused by silt borne into the bay by the River Couesnon. To reverse this process of unintentional land reclamation, a daring feat of engineering is underway to make our “Saint Michael’s Mount� an island once more.

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Mont-Saint-Michel Bay is an ever-changing complex of sandy shoals and impressive tides where the difference between high and low water can sometimes be as much as 45 feet! At low tide, the Mount loses its insularity as the sea withdraws far to the north, uncovering numerous pathways for adventurous travellers who wish to cross the vast expanse of the bay to the gates of the abbey. Whether you are crossing on foot or on horseback, make sure your traversée is a safe and enjoyable one by joining one of the many experienced and licensed Bay Guides. For those who love to travel in style, hiring a maringotte is a great option. These charming horse-drawn carriages were once the only comfortable means of transport for wealthy tourists commuting from the local train station to the foot of Mont-Saint-Michel.

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The Harbour Coast

Covering miles of luxurious sandy beaches, the Côte-des-Havres stretches far along the western edge of our province. As far as the eye can see, this golden border between land and sea remains unbroken, but for the occasional river flowing into the sea. Nestled on the seaward side of the River Sienne , Agon-Coutainville is a lively seaside town that enjoys a panoramic view of the Western Ocean. Among the beach culture of sunbathing and surfing, you may even spot a trainer out trotting his horse along the foreshore. Further north, the scenic town of Port-Bail is a small tidal harbour protected from the salty sea breeze by a complicated maze of dunes topped with sand-binding marram grass. Take a tip from the locals: go fishing for cockles and shrimps among the mussel farms during the spring low tides.

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Land’s End

Exposed to Atlantic winds and the ferocious tides of the Channel, the granite headland of Hague has developed a brutal, yet beautiful landscape on the western tip of Manche. Enjoy the exhilarating abruptness of the cliffs and steep-sided creeks of this “peninsula on a peninsula� that suddenly dissolves into the wide sandy beaches of Vauville and the rolling Biville Dunes. Picturesque minor roads bordered by dry stone walls, wind their way through the verdant valleys of its hinterland and through charming villages of typical West Country stone-tiled cottages. Hague has provided the inspiration for many illustrious artists, such as the surrealist poet Jacques Prévert and the allegorical painter Jean-François Millet. A region of extremes, Hague harbours the smallest port in France, Port Racine, and borders the most powerful tidal race in the English Channel.

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Coast of the Rising Sun


Through delightfully untouched farming villages, sheltered by woodland rich with wildlife, the River Saire meanders agreeably towards the east coast of the Cherbourg Peninsula . To the north of the valley, the tidal port of Barfleur gains its wealth from the sea and mussel dragging, whereas to the south, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue cultivates its famous oysters reputed to have a flavour akin to hazelnut. Whatever you do, do not miss the sun rise over the Isle of Tatihou, it is a magical place of exceptional 18th century architecture and infinite natural beauty. Steeped in history, which is amply described in local tourist centres, the east coast of Manche was the scene of events that were to change thrice the course of European history: in the times of William the Conqueror, Louis XIV and Winston Churchill.

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Home from Home

Imagine that you are on one of our sandy beaches that fringe our west coast. Look out to the horizon and you will see the beautiful islands of Jersey , Guernsey , Alderney and Sark lying tantalizingly close, almost within reach. Whether you are staying in Mont-Saint-Michel Bay or on the Côte-des-Havres, treat yourself to a day out in the famous Channel Islands where France meets Britain in a melting-pot of European culture. The enchanting ports of Granville, Barneville-Carteret, Port-Bail and Diélette all offer regular, fast and efficient ferry services to make your visit to the unforgettable anglo-normandes, only a few miles off the west coast of Manche, as pleasant and as care-free as possible.