France, officially the French Republic (French: République Française), is located in Western Europe and is in surface the second largest European country. France is located in between of the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay (in the west), Belgium and Luxembourg (in the north), Germany, Switzerland and Italy (east) and Spain, Andorra, Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. The island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea belongs to France and also many overseas territories. The capital of France is Paris, by far the largest city in the country.

Because France is so big and borders different seas it has several climate zones:

• Moist maritime climate, with often cool summers, for example west of the line Bayonne-Lille; 
• Semi-continental climate or intermediate climate with harsh winters and hot summers. For example in Alsace, Lorraine, along the Rhone Valley and the mountains (Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central); 
• Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, this is in the south of France.

France is in area the second largest country within Europe, and for many the ideal holiday country. In summer it is an ideal sunny destination and in winter an ideal ski and winter sports country.

Besides the famous French cuisine with its various types of French wines and cheeses, France offers a rich culture of film, theater, music, castles and other historic buildings. The country can be visited all year for a city break to Paris or Nice. In the winter months, the vast ski areas in the Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère and Les Hautes Alpes at the east of the country are ideal for a winter holiday.

Very popular summer destinations are the resorts along the Atlantic Coast and along the coast of the Côte d'Azur and Languedoc-Roussillon. For golfers, France is the Mecca. There are very many beautiful and challenging courses. After a round of golf you can enjoy the (local) a delicious culinary delights and wine from one of the many famous wine regions!