Map of France and Spain: Geography, Borders & Travel Highlights

Looking for a detailed and informative map of France and Spain? Whether you’re a student studying geography, a traveler planning a European road trip, or simply curious about the layout of Western Europe, understanding the map of France and Spain gives you insight into their borders, regions, major cities, and must-see landmarks.

This guide provides an overview of the geography, bordering countries, key destinations, and how to use the map of France and Spain for travel, education, or planning purposes.

Map of France and Spain: Overview

France and Spain are two of Europe’s largest and most visited countries, sharing a 505 km (314 mi) land border that runs through the Pyrenees Mountains.

Key Geographic Facts:

Feature	France	Spain
Capital City	Paris	Madrid
Area (km²)	~551,695	~505,990
Population (2023)	~67 million	~48 million
Shared Border	Pyrenees Mountains	Pyrenees Mountains
Shared Coastlines	Atlantic Ocean & Mediterranean	Atlantic Ocean & Mediterranean

A map of France and Spain will often highlight major transport routes, rail lines, regional divisions, and key cities such as Barcelona, Bordeaux, Lyon, Seville, Marseille, and Bilbao.

How France and Spain Are Positioned on the Map

France lies to the north of Spain, bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and the English Channel.
Spain is in southwestern Europe, bordered by Portugal to the west and France to the northeast.
The Bay of Biscay lies between the two countries on the west coast.
Both countries share access to the Mediterranean Sea along their southern and eastern coasts.

Using a Map of France and Spain for Travel

A France–Spain map is essential for anyone planning a road trip, train journey, or multi-city European tour.

Key Travel Routes:

High-Speed Rail (TGV/AVE): Paris to Barcelona in ~6.5 hours
Major Highways: A9/AP-7 corridor connects Montpellier to Barcelona
Scenic Drives: Drive from Bordeaux through the Basque Country into northern Spain
Airports on the Route: Paris CDG, Toulouse, Barcelona-El Prat, Madrid Barajas

Must-See Cities on the Map:

France: Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon, Marseille
Spain: Barcelona, Zaragoza, Bilbao, Madrid, Valencia, Seville

Tip: Use Google Maps or offline GPS apps to navigate rural regions or explore the Pyrenees, which serve as a natural border.

Natural Borders & Regions on the Map

The Pyrenees Mountains form the natural border between France and Spain, with notable border towns like Biarritz, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and La Seu d’Urgell.
The region of Catalonia in Spain is directly adjacent to Occitanie in southern France.
Coastal areas include Costa Brava (Spain) and Côte d’Azur (France), both Mediterranean hotspots.

Downloadable & Interactive Map Resources

Google Maps – Best for real-time navigation and trip planning
OpenStreetMap – Open-source, detailed community maps
National Geographic Atlas – Educational and high-resolution reference
Printable Maps – Available on educational websites and PDF resources

Looking for a high-resolution physical or digital map of France and Spain? Visit EuroGeographics or download free printable maps from government or tourism portals.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a geography enthusiast, student, or traveler, understanding the map of France and Spain helps unlock the cultural, historical, and natural wonders of Western Europe. From the peaks of the Pyrenees to the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean, this region is as diverse as it is connected — and a good map is the first step to discovering it all.

Start your journey with a map in hand — and let France and Spain lead the way through landscapes, languages, and unforgettable experiences.