Skip to main content

WFBThe World Factbook

Countries
Maps
References
About

France

Photos

95 Photos

95 Photos

Built on marshy soil, Fort Medoc does not have tall walls. Its defenses reflect the military design principles of the 17th century, which included short, thick earthen walls impervious to cannon fire.

Built on marshy soil, Fort Medoc does not have tall walls. Its defenses reflect the military design principles of the 17th century, which included short, thick earthen walls impervious to cannon fire.

Fort Medoc was built between 1689 and 1721 on the orders of King Louis XIV to protect the seaward
approaches to Bordeaux on the Gironde estuary.

Fort Medoc was built between 1689 and 1721 on the orders of King Louis XIV to protect the seaward
approaches to Bordeaux on the Gironde estuary.

Chateau Lansessan in Cussac-Fort Medoc on the left bank of the Bordeaux wine region.

Chateau Lansessan in Cussac-Fort Medoc on the left bank of the Bordeaux wine region.

Chateau de Reignac in Saint Loubes near Bordeaux. The area is famous for its wine production.

Chateau de Reignac in Saint Loubes near Bordeaux. The area is famous for its wine production.

View of Bordeaux, the capital of the historic region of Aquitaine.

View of Bordeaux, the capital of the historic region of Aquitaine.

The 110 m-long Chaban-Delmas Bridge over the River Garonne in Bordeaux was opened in 2013. The center span can be raised to 77 m allowing tall ships to pass through. The bridge is named in honor of Jacques Chaban-Delmas, a former French prime minister and a former mayor of Bordeaux.

The 110 m-long Chaban-Delmas Bridge over the River Garonne in Bordeaux was opened in 2013. The center span can be raised to 77 m allowing tall ships to pass through. The bridge is named in honor of Jacques Chaban-Delmas, a former French prime minister and a former mayor of Bordeaux.

Statue of Dom Perignon (1638-1715) in the town of Epernay. The Benedictine monk made many important contributions to the production and quality of champagne wines.

Statue of Dom Perignon (1638-1715) in the town of Epernay. The Benedictine monk made many important contributions to the production and quality of champagne wines.

The royal Chateau d'Amboise in the Loire Valley was rebuilt in the late 15th century over a stronghold dating back to the 11th century.

The royal Chateau d'Amboise in the Loire Valley was rebuilt in the late 15th century over a stronghold dating back to the 11th century.

The Chateau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley was built in the early 16th century. It is one of France's most popular tourist attractions.

The Chateau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley was built in the early 16th century. It is one of France's most popular tourist attractions.

Page 01 of 11

Usage

Factbook photos—obtained from a variety of sources—are in the public domain and are copyright free.

View Copyright Notice

Agency

About CIA
Organization
Director of the CIA
CIA Museum
News & Stories

Careers

Working at CIA
How We Hire
Student Programs
Browse CIA Jobs

Resources

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Center for the Study of Intelligence (CSI)
The World Factbook
Spy Kids

Connect with CIA

Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Youtube Flickr

Search CIA.gov Site Policies Privacy No FEAR Act Inspector General USA.gov Sitemap