France & Benelux Countries

• 10+ million people• Center for commerce & fashion

Paris “City of Lights”

Seine River

The Louvre

Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower under construction in 1888

Other attractions in Paris

Arc de Triomphe: Memorial to those who served in the French Revolution & Napoleonic wars

Notre Dame Cathedral (example of Gothic architecture)

The Netherlands-HollandThe Hague: Seat of Dutch government (lies on the coast )-location of many famous international trials

Windmills used to drain polders, but today the Dutch use pumping stations. This is still a tourist attraction in the Netherlands.

Area that would be flooded without dikes by the North Sea.

Blue indicates area below sea level.

Pumping station

Dike

BelgiumTrains are very efficient and used by many Europeans.

Brussels is the seat of the European Union. It is sometimes called the “capital of Europe.” 28% of its population are foreigners.

Belgium is known for its waffles. Waffle vendors can be found on many street corners in Brussels.

Belgian chocolate is also recognized around the world.

Luxembourg• Only grand duchy in

the world• Home to multi-

national countries• Most people are

multilingual• 3 Official Languages:

French, German & Luxembourgish