One of the most fascinating countries in Europe is France.It is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.Due to this climate there is very nice and ideal for tourism.Now we take a closer look natural areas of France, the country's climatic characteristics and weather conditions in different regions at different times of the year.
brief geographical overview
on the territory of France and adorn the snow-capped Alpine peaks and the azure Mediterranean beaches, and broad-leaved forests and vast steppes dotted with wheat and other crops.Geographic data of this country are very diverse, each is special in its own way.Natural areas in France can not be described in two words, each of the latitudes of the story requires.In total, we can say that the country is in the area of the continental climate, and only in the south it becomes subtropical and a soft and warm.Another characteristic feature of the climate of the country is that there are rare wind.France is protected by rocks and mountains of the continental and oceanic cyclones, because a seismic point of view, there is always secure.
Steppe France
What natural area in the country the most powerful and takes most of the territory?Try to understand.As the country is predominantly flat terrain and the climate here is continental, close to the south, then, logically, the highest percentage is given to the steppes.More than half of the state - the field.Some of them are planted cultivated plants, which include wheat, corn, sunflowers, flax, and many others.In remote provinces can meet wild steppe areas, as well as small areas of forest.Note also that this natural area is more common in the north of the country - it is there for hundreds of miles stretch scenic lavender fields, lawns, which in the summer is an inspiration for many photographers and artists.
northern and southern forests
Forest natural areas in France can be divided into two categories.The first will include broad nature reserves, which are located in the center and east of the country.In the second we put forest jungle, which are characteristic of the Mediterranean coast and the south-western part of France, which is bordered by the Bay of Biscay.In total, forests cover about 27% of the territory of the state.This natural area reserve is recognized and protected by UNESCO.By the way, among the green thicket tourists find great architectural monuments - palaces, temples, fortresses, which were built in different centuries.So a walk through this area will be very interesting and exciting.
Zone altitudinal zones
Describing the natural areas of France, it is impossible to overlook the mountains, which, although they are located in the continental climate, but it's still differ in their special weather conditions.Altitude zonation in this country can be seen in two places - in the Alps and in the Pyrenees.First located in the east of the state, the second a little affect southern border.So, at an altitude of 800 meters there are oak and chestnut forests.Slightly above the mountain covered with pine forests, beech and fern.The heights of 1800-2300 meters above sea level, characterized by subalpine vegetation.This stunted spruce and pine trees, shrubs and tall lawn.The higher the climb, the less plants meet.On the impressive heights traced only low-grass meadows and rocky cliffs.
Mediterranean
We reviewed what natural areas in France can be found in most of the territory.Now, pay attention to the small plots of land, which, however, no less attractive for its natural features than the above.So, subtropical Mediterranean climate is characterized by two administrative districts - Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence.It is home to the famous Cote d'Azur, as well as many other resorts that are considered national reserve of the country.The region is characterized by the fact that there is very rarely a gloomy cloudy weather, wind and fog.Almost the whole year the sun shines, the air temperature does not drop below +5 ... + 7 ° C even in the winter months.In the summer here is hot and humid, because most tourists prefer to spend their holidays here.
Conclusion We have briefly considered, what are the natural areas in France than they are typical percentage coexist.Some experts identify additional climate and seismic zones, among which are the ocean, forest-steppe, and many so-called "passing" zones occurring at the intersection of all of the above.
