France is a large country in the west of Europe covering 550 000 sq km. There is a multitude of different landscapes (mountains, forests, sea and ocean) making the country very complete and diverse. Three climates are present, an oceanic climate in the west, Mediterranean climate in the south, and a more continental climate in the centre and east of France. The country has a rich history and also contains numerous famous places for which it is renowned, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, as well as Versailles and the Mont saint Michel. France also has a very rich and varied culinary tradition enriched by the various regional dishes like leg of lamb, blaquette of veal and oysters and seafood, raclette, tartiflette, melted Savoyard and also the sauerkraut, not to mention the world-famous wines and champagne.