The French Climate

France benefits from a temperate and rather agreeable climate although there are significant differences from north to south and from east to west. Naturally the weather tends to get better the further south you go and the Atlantic Ocean brings the rainfall and mildness to the western regions. From very defined seasons to mild winters and warm summers France can offer pretty much any kind of weather. It is divided into four climatic zones:

Oceanic and humid climate with warm summers and mild winters to the west of a line from Bayonne to Lille, including Normandy, Brittany, the Poitou-Charente and western Aquitaine; within this there are significant variations with the Charente-Maritime and Vendee enjoying the second highest number of sunshine hours, after the Cote d'Azur. Naturally the climate is heavily influenced by the Atlantic which not only brings humidity but also prevents the harsh cold winters from penetrating.

Semi-continental climate with harsh winters and hot summers in Alsace, Lorraine, along the Rhone corridor and in the mountainous massifs (Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central); very defined seasons with snow guaranteed for ski lovers and dominated by the mountains which can create very significant climatic differences from one valley to the next. It can be very dry in some areas in summer whilst the mountains create their own micro-climate bringing rain and snow to keep the lush green throughout the year.

Intermediate climate, with cold winters and hot summers in the Paris and central and north regions including Champagne-Ardennes, Bourgogne, Auvergne, Limousin, and the Midi Pyrenees; with very marked seasons - cold winters, mild springs, hot summers and crisp autumns. The areas have a lower annual rainfall than the west but still enough to keep everything green.

Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and very hot summers the area covers the Mediterranean south of France, through Languedoc and the coastal parts of Roussillon. Often characterised by sparse vegetation and a lack of rainfall throughout the year, some areas can suffer from sudden down pours of rain and occasional flash flooding. This usually occurs during the late summer months when they sun baked earth can't absorb the rain. The seasons are less distinct than all other regions of France but the short winters and early arrival of spring make the regions very attractive to foreign buyers.

by Grace Turner