| GEOGRAPHIC SETTING AND ENVIRONMENT | | | | food. |
| France is the second-largest country in Europe | | | | HISTORY AND FOOD |
| (after Russia). Much of the country is surrounded | | | | The French have always been proud of their |
| by mountains. The highest mountain, Mount Blanc, | | | | sophisticated way of cooking. Fertile soil provides |
| is near France's border with Italy. The climate and | | | | fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, grains, and meat, |
| soil of France create good conditions for farming. | | | | nearly year-round. The soil is also suitable for |
| Although only four percent of the French people | | | | growing grapes, which are used for making some |
| earn their living from farming, the country is | | | | of the finest wines in the world. Food and alcohol |
| self-sufficient when it comes to growing its own | | | | play important roles in French society |