France Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
375 m (1,230 ft) |
| Highest point |
Mont Blanc: 4,806 m (15,768 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Les Moëres: 2 m (7 ft) below sea level |
| Elevation range |
4,808 m (15,774 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Lyon: 173 m (568 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Bordeaux: 8 m (26 ft) |
France is renowned for its diverse topography. It is known for its rolling plateau, rugged mountain ranges and broad plains.
One of the most unique features of France's topography is the Pyrenees Mountains that form the boundary between France and Spain.
A large portion of southern France is dominated by the Massif Central, a large and highly elevated plateau with numerous rivers.
The French Alps dominate the southeast and are home to the country's highest peaks and some of Europe's most popular ski resorts.
Highest Point in France
The highest point in France is Mont Blanc, standing at an impressive height of 4,806 meters above sea level. It is located in the French Alps on the border with Italy and is a popular destination for mountaineers and skiers.
Lowest Point in France
The lowest point in France is the town of Les Moëres, located at 2 meters below sea level near the border with Belgium. This region is known for its flat landscapes and extensive wetlands.
Countries with Similar Topography to France
France's topography is similar to other European countries such as Spain, Italy and Switzerland that also feature mountain ranges, high plateaus and broad lowlands.
Highest-Elevation Cities in France
Of the 10 cities listed below, Lyon is the highest at 173 m (568 ft) above sea level, and Bordeaux is the lowest at 8 m (26 ft).
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Lyon |
173 m |
568 ft |
| Toulouse |
153 m |
502 ft |
| Strasbourg |
142 m |
466 ft |
| Paris |
35 m |
115 ft |
| Lille |
20 m |
66 ft |
| Montpellier |
17 m |
56 ft |
| Marseille |
15 m |
49 ft |
| Nantes |
15 m |
49 ft |
| Nice |
10 m |
33 ft |
| Bordeaux |
8 m |
26 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in France?
The highest point in France is Mont Blanc, at 4,806 m (15,768 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in France?
The lowest point in France is Les Moëres, at 2 m (7 ft) below sea level.
What is the average elevation of France?
The average elevation of France is 375 m (1,230 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in France?
Of the cities listed for France, Lyon is the highest, at 173 m (568 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in France?
Of the cities listed for France, Bordeaux is the lowest, at 8 m (26 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in France?
Elevation in France ranges from 2 m (7 ft) below sea level at Les Moëres to 4,806 m (15,768 ft) at Mont Blanc, a difference of 4,808 m (15,774 ft).