France stretches from the Mediterranean to the English Channel and is celebrated for its art, cuisine, and historic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. French culture values intellectual debate, fashion, and a strong sense of national identity, with each region offering its own unique customs and foods. Roman Catholicism has played a major role in shaping French history and architecture, though today France is a secular nation with vibrant Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities. Many French people still observe Christian holidays, and cathedrals remain central to the country’s cultural heritage.