Living in France

France is located in Western Europe and, through its overseas territories, extends into various regions of the world; around 67 million people live there. The European mainland borders the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Its landscapes range from coasts and wide plains to the Alps, the Pyrenees and low mountain ranges. The climate is often oceanic and humid in the west, Mediterranean in the south, and more continental inland; winters are colder in the mountains. Many people live in apartments in cities, while in rural areas they also live in single-family homes. Public transport, bicycles and cars shape travel depending on the region. Cafés, markets, clubs and shared meals are part of leisure time in many places. Paris and other major cities offer a different pace from smaller towns and rural areas.