European Region

Paris Basin

Learning Outcome
Identify key points on Paris Basin
Sketch Map (Physical features, Urban area) Climate / Soils/ Relief Primary Secondary Tertiary

Review Exam Questions on Paris Basin

Physical Characteristics

 Low-lying Syncline

in sedimentary rocks Rock layers folded in east Ridges or scarps on landscape

 Fertile Vary

depending on underlying rock Different soil types- different farming areas (pays) Limon soils- centre of region, productive agriculture (Ile De France)

 Three

Rivers

Seine Somme Loire

 Changes

from West to East

West; Maritime Summers cool Winters mild East; Continental Summers hot Winters cold Inbetween; Transitional

Paris Basin
Primary Economic Activities

Important Factors
` Fertile soil ` Mild Climate ` Low-lying relief ` Educated farmers ` Proximity to wealthy urban market

Agriculture
` ` ` ` ` ` `

Fertile limon soil Mild climate, spring rainfall, long hours of sun Cereal crops- wheat, barley & maize Alluvial soils close to Seine Intensive commercial farming Mechanised farms Easy access to wealthy market

Agricultural Produce
` ` ` ` `

Wheat Barley Sugar beet Dairy farming (cheese & butter) Viticulture

Secondary Economic Activities

Paris Basin

Attractive to Industry

yAccess / Communications yPopulation yAgricultural Raw Materials yGovernment Policy

Access / Communications
y River Seine y Ports (Le Harve) y Road & Rail networks focus on Paris y TGV rail y Metro y Two international airports y Direct link to London via Channel Tunnel

Population
y 21 million people skilled labour force y Wealthy y Market for luxury goods

Agricultural Raw Materials

y Cereals y Vines (Wine) y Cattle (Cheese, Beef, Milk) y Aromatic plants (Lavender) y These supply the food processing & cosmetic industries

Government Policy
y Eight Competitive Clusters y Bring industry, business & research together y Eg; Cosmetic Valley y 550 companies y 47,000 jobs y 11 billion turnover

Main manufactured products

y Cartier jewellery y Chanel fashion

y Yves Saint Laurent

perfume

y Citroen cars

Tertiary Economic Activities

Paris Basin

Tourism
` ` `

45 million tourists each year Paris attracts 33 million of those. Tourism accounts for 25% of jobs in Paris

Attractions
` ` ` ` `

Natural and Man-made attractions History Culture Scenery Fashion

Factors encouraging tourism

`

Easily Accessible
`

Air (3 international airports) road, rail (400 metro stations, TGV)

Range of Accommodation
`

Luxurious hotels to hostels

Variety of Attractions

Attractions in Paris City

`

Disneyland Resort Notre Dame Cathedral Louvre museum Eiffel Tower

Other attractions
` ` `

Fashion capital; Chanel, Dior,Yves Saint Laurent Boat trips on the river Seine Dance shows such as the Moulin Rouge

Attractions in the Paris Basin Region

` ` `

Medieval walled city Caen Beaches of Normandy (WW2 battle sites) Reims Cathedral

` `

Vineyards & Wine-tasting City of Versailles (history, art, architecture)

Exam Questions
`

Examine the factors that influence the development of primary / secondary / tertiary economic activities in a European region that you have studied. (30m) With reference to any one European region which you have studied, explain in detail two reasons why tourists might visit the region. (30m)