The popularity of France as one of the most diverse and varied places in Europe is undisputable. What is so unique about France? First, France boasts one of the most varied natural environments in that part of Europe. From the countryside of Normandy and Brittany to the alphine peaks, and the varied coastline that includes the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Channel, the natural beauty of the surroundings are uniquely identified and any visitor will notice this natural beauty about France. Thousands of tourists flock to France every year to see the in-exhaustive list of National Parks, regional parks and hundreds of other areas that are protected under the European Natural 2000 programme.