Geography of France

France is the third largest nation in Europe. For the most part the hexagon-shaped nation is bordered by mountains or water. France has a diverse coast stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. France has five major river systems: the Seine, Loire, Rhône, Garonne and Rhine.

France is a relatively mountainous nation. The French Alps—including the Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak—and the Jura range border Switzerland. The Pyrenees stretch the entire length of France’s border with Spain. In the middle of France is the Massif Central, which covers one sixth of France and is notable for its chain of extinct volcanoes.