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France has the most extensive rail network in Western Europe stretching
31,840km (19,784 mi). There are three high speed trains in commercial
use,
the Thalys, the Eurostar and TGV which travel at speeds of 320 km/h (200
mph). Connections can be made with the United Kingdom via the Eurostar
or
Eurotunnel Shuttle through the Channel Tunnel. There are rail
connections
between all neighbouring countries in Europe, except for Andorra. France
has
well developed intra-urban connections with both underground and tramway
services complementing bus services.
There is approximately 893,000 kilometres (555,070 mi) of roadway in
France
which handles substantial international traffic, connecting with cities
in
neighbouring Belgium, Andorra, Switzerland, Monaco, Germany, Spain and
Italy.
There is no annual road tax or registration fee, however, tolls are to
be
paid on motorways. The world's tallest road bridge can be found in
France, it
is called the Millau Viaduct.
There are approximately 478 airports in France, including landing
fields. The
largest and busiest airport in the country is The Charles de Gaulle
International Airport which is located within the vicinity of Paris. It
handles the vast majority of private and commercial air traffic and
connects
Paris with virtually all major cities around the world.
France has ten major ports, the largest of which is Marseille, which is
also
the largest bordering the Mediterranean Sea. There are 14,932 kilometres
(9,278 mi) of waterways that traverse France.
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