France has a variety of mountain ranges as illustrated in the above map.






These mountains have a variety of habitats and impart different effects on the local climate patterns. Upon consulting the book: Wild France: The Animals, Plants and Landscapes by Bob Gibbons I learned that one might observe 100 or more butterfly species while hiking in the Pyrenees or Maritime Alps in week long summer visit.




Many flowers in the higher altitudes tend to be brightly colored to attract insect pollinators while others use the strategy of producing lots of nectar with a strong aroma.