The Paris Basin

A core region of Europe.

WHY IS THE PARIS BASIN A CORE REGION?

A Core Economic Region of Europe A distinct economic core region because of its

geology, soils, agricultural productivity, thriving economy and city of Paris.

Many natural and human advantages for settlement and industrial location. (Relief, climate, soils, accessibility, population).

Over 20 million people live in the region. A centre of in-migration. Culturally mixed. Largest manufacturing centre in France. Well developed transport network. Centre of government and decision making in

France.

SKETCH MAP

Sketch Map Question Draw an outline map of a European region

– not Ireland – or a continental / subcontinental region.

Show and name the following on it: 1 – any two physical features in the

region. 2 – any two urban centres in the region. (20 marks)

Physical Characteristics

Relief and soils Drainage Climate

LAND RIVERS WEATHER SOILS

Relief and Soils Occupies nearly 25% of France.

480km from west to east. 320km from north to south.

A huge down-fold (syncline) in sedimentary rocks created over

400 million years ago. The biggest scarp is called the Falaise de

France.

Each rock type (clay, chalk, limestone, sand and gravel) has

produced different soils which have influenced the type of

farming across the basin.

The different farming areas are known as pays in French.

In the centre of the basin, very fertile limon soil lies on the sands and gravels (North European Plain).

Limon soil – a fertile stoneless soil easily worked by machinery; ideal for the growth of cereals.

Alluvium – deposited by rivers on their flood plains. Clay soils – ‘heavier’ soils and suitable for dairy farming. This central region is extremely productive and is known as the

Ile De France. Most of the area is under 200m in height and is very suitable

to agriculture.

Well known for its cereal production and is often nicknamed the Granary of France.

Varied, fertile soils allow a wide range of farming activities.

Drainage 3 rivers flow across the region.

The Seine and its tributaries (Yonne, Oise

and Marne) flow north-west through Paris and

enters the sea at Le Havre.

The River Somme flows across the north of

the Paris Basin.

The River Loire flows west across the

southern edge of the region.

Climate Changes as you travel from west to east across the

region. West – maritime climate (sea influence) keeps

summers cool (16 deg) and winters mild (5 deg), average rainfall of 800mm.

East of region – continental climate (no sea influence) with hot summers (19 deg) and cold winters (2 deg), less than 700mm of rainfall.

Between the two extremes of maritime and continental climatic regions, there is a transitional type climate.

The even distribution of rainfall and the long growing season are great advantages for agriculture.

Towns of the Paris Basin:

• Paris• Beauvais• Epernay• Reims• Rouen

Primary Economic Activities. Agriculture is influenced by factors such as:

Fertile soils Mild climate Low lying relief

2 main topics are: Agriculture Energy Production

Agriculture Fertile limon soil and climate have allowed the production of

wheat, barley and maize cereal crops throughout the region.

Spring and early summer rainfall help crop growth and the long

hours of sunshine are ideal for ripening crops.

Close to the River Seine, alluvial soils also favour intensive

farming.

Farms are big (over 400 hectares), mechanised and highly

productive.

Large consumer market – over 21 million people.

Farm production in different farming areas (pays) of the Paris Basin

Different farming regions have developed based mainly on the soil types of the region.

The Ile de France. Low lying, flat region covered with fertile limon soil. Large farms (over 400 hectares) that produce

wheat. Yields are the highest in France.

Beauce Limestone upland covered in limon soil. Large and

mechanised farms. Main wheat producing region. Sugar beet also grown.

Brie and Valois In these 2 pays, clay soils occur. This soil produces good pasture land. Farmers here are dairy farmers, famous for cheese (Brie

cheese) and butter. Being so close to the urban area of Paris, they also supply

fresh milk to the city.

The Champagne Region. The chalk ridges are infertile, well drained soils. They have

a southerly aspect and are suitable for vines. It is here around the town of Reims that the famous

champagne wine is produced. The production of wine is a specialist type of farming called

viticulture.

Types of farm:Intensive farming

Large farms (400Ha +)MechanisedHigh yields

Agriculture

Conditions:Fertile Limon SoilSedimentary rocksHours of sunshineSummer rainfall= crops grow and ripen

Ile de France:‘Granary of France’Low lying centre regionLimon soilsWheatSupply of bread

Champagne Region:(Dry area)Clay valleys between chalk ridgesWell-drainedSoutherly aspectViticulture = wine

Champagne Region:(Wet area)DairyingCattle breedingLow lying valleys

Picardy & Artois:Low lying flat areasLimon soilsBarleyWheatSugar beetDairying in coastal areas

Brie and Valois:Clay soilsPasture landDairyingBrie cheeseMilk/cream to city

Energy

Energy Production

High energy consumption.Oil and gas are imported through the

port of Le Havre where oil refining and petrochemical production form the basis of the economy.

Oil and Natural Gas France has small oil reserves at about 150 to 160

million barrels. They are located in the Paris Basin and in the

Aquitaine region. France is the 3rd greatest oil-consuming country in

Europe after Germany and Russia and 10th greatest in the world.

It has to import 95% of its oil needs. The Paris Basin does not contain any gas reserves. Gas is brought by pipeline from gas wells in the

Aquitaine Basin to the south and from the Netherlands.

CoalSmall reserves existed in the south

of the region, but in 2004 coal production was phased out completely.

France now imports its coal needs.

Coal

Nuclear EnergyFrance depends heavily on its nuclear

generating infrastructure for its electricity supply.

75% of French electricity is generated by nuclear power and its nuclear generating capacity has increased by about 10% over the past decade.

10 of its 37 power stations are located in and around the Paris Basin.

Secondary Economic ActivitiesSRP’s (Why the Paris Basin is suitable for industry):

Transport: Two international airports River Seine runs for 13km through the city from Paris port to Le Havre portChannel tunnel to London, UK.Metro train systemSNCF rail lines (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français)TGV

Population: 12 million in Paris City21 million total in region

Agri raw materials: Variety of crops grown in regionCereal crops, dairy, meat, wine etcFood processing and bottling

SRP’s (Why the Paris Basin is suitable for industry):

Industry: 20% of workforce employed in industryJewellery (Cartier)Perfume (Yves St. Laurent)Clothing (Chanel)Car manufacturing (in Canal St. Denis: Citroen)Academic printing and publishing (near Sorbonne university)Oil/Steel/iron refining (Canal St. Denis)

Tertiary Economic Activities.

Tertiary Economic Activities: TourismTourists to the Paris Basin are attracted due to a number of reasons ranging from sport to culture, history, art, architecture and a well known theme park.Tourists interested in art are provided for with the world famous Louvre museum. This old building with the modern glass pyramid is home to the ‘Mona Lisa’ by Da Vinci. Four miles north the artists’ quarter is the location for the former studio of Salvidor Dali.

Architecture also draws many visitors to the area. The Sacre Coeur Cathedral on Montmarte provides a view of the capital city. The Eiffel tower contains a restaurant and visitor viewing area. The Notre Dame Cathedral has an interactive tour for the 800,000 visitors who come each year. Out of the city the old walled town of Caen displays reminders of the medieval era. Sport is another attraction. The city of Paris and France itself was home to the 1998 World Cup (which France won) and the region includes the world famous Stade des France and Parc des Princes stadia. The Tour de France always finished under the Arc de Triomphe at the end of the Champs Elysees.

The Seine river is home to the daily open-top boat trips and night time diner cruises. This allows tourists to see the length of Paris with areas like the Military museum, La Gare station/Museum and the palaces en route. Finally, the rich agricultural practices of the region draw thousands of visitors to the world famous towns of Reims and Epernay for the annual wine tasting festivals.

Students should note that other tourist attractions not mentioned include:

• Paris Fashion week• Shopping the famous Boulevard Hausmann area• Disneyland Paris in Marne la Vallee• The ‘inside out’ museum of modern art the George Pompideau

centre• The Normady landing sites in memorial to WW2

Tourism

Transport in the Paris Basin is a key tertiary activity due to a number of

reasons.

The region has two international airports linking Paris to many countries

around the world. Charles de Gaulle airport north of Paris and Orly airport

which lies south of the capital. Combining with the airports is the Metro

system which enables tourists to freely access all areas of Paris city and it

directly links to the SNCF rail system in France. This allows over 20 million

visitors to visit sites of interest in Paris city each year and attend festivals

held in the region. The river Seine travels for 13km through the city. This

river is used for open top cruises and night time diner cruises each day.

THE PEOPLE

Human Processes.

Jean Marie Le Pen