The south has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. In the spring a very strong, cold wind known as Le Mistral blows down the Rh ne valley. It can make life quite unpleasant, and it is sometimes said that people living in the region are bad-tempered at this time of year. Le Mistral is so strong that people have to put stones on their roofs to stop the tiles blowing off. France has many industries, including the production of iron and steel, machinery, aircraft, and chemicals.
French people take a pride in the country's innovative achievements in technology .
France is the world's fourth-biggest car manufacturer, behind Japan, the USA, and Germany. It is also famous for its wine , perfume and fashion industries.