Explore diverse landscapes, travel back in time, and discover unique populations, all without leaving your chair! Start your international tour in France, land of the Eiffel tower, the Palace of Versailles, the Loire valley, world-famous cuisine, and so much more. This colorful, informative book introduces France's history, geography, culture, climate, government, economy, and other significant features. Sidebars, maps, fact pages, a glossary, a timeline, historic images and full-color photos, and well-placed graphs and charts enhance this engaging title.

Electronic reproduction.

A visit to France -- Geography: jewel of western Europe -- Animals and nature: preserving ecosystems -- History: kings, conquerors, and revolutionaries -- People: the changing face of the French -- Cultural: where historic meets chic -- Politics: the fifth republic -- Economics: in socialism's shadow -- France today.