Dynamics and tendencies of development of recreational and tourist resources of France

Abstract

The article considers natural recreational resources as components of the natural environment that have properties favourable for recreational activities and are used to organize recreation, tourism, treatment, and rehabilitation. A group of natural tourist resources was examined in detail, including the following: climate, water resources (equatorial surface, coastal strip of the seas, lakes, rivers, reservoirs) relief; balneotherapy (mineral water, therapeutic mud, and thermal water); landscape-biotic resources (mainly forests). The factors that allow France to develop on its territory almost all types of recreational and tourist activities are analyzed. The historical and cultural resources of France are described, represented by historical and architectural monuments (castles, monasteries), a large number of museums, sacred complexes, theme and entertainment parks. An analysis of these resources allows us to conclude that their popularity is growing every year.