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
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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
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Wheat
Barley
Sugar beet
Dairy farming (cheese & butter)
Viticulture
Secondary Economic Activities
Paris Basin
Attractive to Industry
Access / Communications
Population
Agricultural Raw Materials
Government Policy
Access / Communications
 River Seine
 Ports (Le Harve)
 Road & Rail networks focus on Paris
 TGV rail
 Metro
 Two international airports
 Direct link to London via Channel Tunnel
Population
 21 million people – skilled labour force
 Wealthy
 Market for luxury goods
Agricultural Raw Materials
 Cereals
 Vines (Wine)
 Cattle (Cheese, Beef, Milk)
 Aromatic plants (Lavender)
 These supply the food processing & cosmetic industries
Government Policy
 Eight Competitive Clusters
 Bring industry, business & research together
 Eg; Cosmetic Valley
 550 companies
 47,000 jobs
 €11 billion turnover
Main manufactured products
 Cartier jewellery
 Chanel fashion
 Yves Saint Laurent
perfume
 Citroen cars
Tertiary Economic Activities
Paris Basin
Tourism
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45 million tourists each year
Paris attracts 33 million of those.
Tourism accounts for 25% of jobs in Paris
Attractions
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Natural and Man-made attractions
History
Culture
Scenery
Fashion
Factors encouraging tourism
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Easily Accessible
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Range of Accommodation
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Air (3 international airports) road, rail (400 metro stations,
TGV)
Luxurious hotels to hostels
Variety of Attractions
Attractions in Paris City
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Disneyland Resort
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Notre Dame Cathedral
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Louvre museum
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Eiffel Tower
Other attractions
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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
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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)