European Regions 2: Core Socio-economic Region (The Paris Basin)
F r a n c e
Bay of Biscay
Switzerla Ita
Spain Andorra
Mediterranean Sea
Corsica
In this chapter, we will look at the economic development of the Paris Basin. The Paris Basin is a core region, and the centre of all economic activity in France. The region has a number of physical and social factors which have aided its development.
KEY WORDS
l Relief l Drainage l Climate l Transitional climate l Soil l Agriculture l Markets l Specialist l Beauce
l Normandy l Brie l Champagne l Forestry l Fishing l Communications l Decentralisation l Cosmetic Valley l TGV
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What you MUST know l Physical characteristics of the Paris Basin l Climate characteristics of the region l How to draw a map and fill in the main features of the Paris Basin
l The development of primary, secondary and tertiary activities in the Paris Basin
l Human processes of the region l Migration and cultural tensions in the region l Urban development over time: Paris
What you SHOULD know l Cosmetic Valley CASE STUDY F l Statistics that show contrast between the Paris Basin and the Mezzogiorno (covered in Chapter 23)
What is USEFUL to know l How to understand information provided in graphs as a means to contrast regions
24.1 Physical Processes
The Paris Basin is the core region of France and one of the most important core areas in the EU. The region is characterised by natural advantages such as a temperate climate, fertile soils and gently sloping relief. The Paris Basin is highly economically developed, with the large domestic market of Paris at its centre.
In this section, we will look at the following physical factors that influence the region: • Relief
