France is on the western edge of Europe; bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west; the English Channel and facing the United Kingdom to the northwest; Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany, Switzerland and Italy to the east and the Mediterranean Sea and Spain across the Pyrenees Mountain to the south.  France brings to mind the pleasures of sophisticated travel - Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy and other fine wines; Pâté, Bouillabaisse and culinary arts; and fashion