Regions

french regionsThe regions of France represent an immense diversity not common in other countries in the world. The differences between southern France and northern France, and from the west coast to the eastern villages are as vast as night and day. Two of the most well-known regions in France are the capital city of Paris and the Burgundy region.

France is divided into 25 regions, 21 of which are on the mainland. Each region has its own flag, its own capital, and of course its own regional foods, wines, dialects and customs. Some of the more popular ones can be found below.

The Alsace region is located in eastern France and borders with Germany. It is known for industry and beautiful villages, along with excellent wine and cuisine. The dialect spoken there is a mixture of French and German.

Brittany is located on the Atlantic coast of western France and offers a very spectacular landscape. The charm and gentleness of the people, fine regional cuisine, cider, traditional costumes, language and Celtic influence makes this a very special region. The dramatic coastlines, with cliffs, rock-lined beaches and emerald waters are ideal for sailors, wind surfers and divers.

Burgundy is a region rich in history, culture, and geography. Wine is one of the pillars of Burgundy, with some of the most well-known wines in the world originating in this region. The diverse geography helps the grapes introduced by the Romans and perfected by the Monks thrive. Waterways in the Burgundy region are well-used access points to the Rhone and Seine.

The Champagne Ardenne region is located in northern France, bordering Belgium. It is most known for the huge Forest of Ardenne, intense farming techniques, mass WWI gravesites, and Champagne wine.

Lorraine is located in northern France with a frontier bordering Luxembourg and is the birthplace of heavy industry, mining and steel.

Paris is the capital region of France and a city of art and romance. The famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the river Seine make it one of the most visited cities in the world. The Isle de France is also the commercial and economic center of the country.

The Rhone Alps region is a vast and varied region with the high mountains to the east — which border Switzerland and Italy — and the river Rhone valley in the middle, which produces many fine wines. The Alps are well-known for skiing and mountain climbing.