Page 40 - Key to Social Studies 5
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France is located in the west of Eurasia and the continent of Europe. The country is bordered by Belgium
and Luxembourg to the northeast; Germany, Switzerland, and Italy to the east; the Mediterranean Sea,
Spain, and Andorra to the south; the Bay of Biscay to the west; and the English Channel to the northwest.
France is separated from England by a strait, or a narrow waterway, just east of the British town of Dover.
The Mountains and Rivers of France
Like many of the countries in the continent of
Europe, France has a diverse landscape.
The Alps
The French Alps extend along the southeast
side of the nation and are covered with snow
during winter months, which attracts skiers
from around the world. During warmer months, French Alps, Menuires
the Alps have mild weather for hiking and
camping. Mont Blanc is the highest point in the
mountain range, with a height of 4,807 m.
Jura Mountains
The Jura Mountains are located to the north of
the Alps along the Swiss border in eastern
France. The range is located between two rivers,
Chateau Chalon, Franche-Comte
the Rhine and the Rhône, and extends into
Switzerland, though its highest peak is in
France.
Pyrenees Mountains
These mountains extend along the southern
border with Spain, from the Mediterranean Sea
to the Bay of Biscay. These very high mountains
have peaks that exceed 3,400 m in height. Cirque de Gavarnie, French Pyrenees
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