France |
France, major industrialized nation in western Europe. France is the third largest country in Europe, after Russia and Ukraine, and the fourth most populous. Officially the French Republic (R�publique Fran�aise), the nation includes ten overseas possessions, most of them remnants of France�s former colonial empire. Paris is the nation�s capital and largest city.
ParisParis (city, France), city in north central France, the capital and largest city of the country. It is located in France�s �le-de-France region, on the Seine River, 370 km (230 mi) upstream from the river�s outlet on the English Channel. |
Le Mans |
Le Mans, city, northern France, capital of Sarthe Department, on the Sarthe River. It is an important rail and industrial center, with factories manufacturing motor vehicles, farm and railroad machinery, chemicals, textiles, and processed food. Points of interest include the Cathedral of Saint Julien (begun 11th century) and the Church of Notre Dame de la Couture (begun 10th century). Located here is the University of Maine (1969). A noted 24-hour automobile race held annually nearby takes its name from Le Mans.
Tours |
Tours, city in west central France, capital of Indre-et-Loire Department, on the Loire River. Tours is a market center for the fertile Loire Valley region and has industries manufacturing printed materials, chemicals, machinery, processed food, and textiles. It also serves as a center for trips to the castles of the historic Loire Valley. Places of interest in Tours include the famous Gothic Cathedral of Saint Gatien, begun in the 12th century and completed in the 16th century, with a richly ornamented facade and magnificent stained-glass windows. Near the center of Tours are two towers, the only remains of the Abbey of Saint Martin, named for St. Martin, who was bishop of Tours in the 4th century, and mentioned in the 6th century by the noted Frankish historian Gregory of Tours. Other famous churches of the city include the 13th-century Notre Dame la Riche (restored 19th century) and the 15th-century Saint Saturnin. The University of Tours (1970) is here.
Orleans |
Orl�ans (city, France), city in north central France, capital of Loiret Department, on the Loire River. It is a transportation and commercial center. Major manufactures include chemicals, processed foods, textiles, and machinery. Tourism is also important to the city's economy; the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, destroyed by the Huguenots (French Protestants) in 1567 and rebuilt by Henry IV and his successors, is a principal attraction. The University of Orl�ans (1971) is in the city.