France
France is a Knights of the Mediterranean random map based on the flat plains and gently rolling hills of northern and western France. Its layout centers on four short Trade Routes that converge in the middle, with a House of Bourbon settlement and Highwayman and Inquisitor outlaws among the recorded map features.
Map character
The map's Trading Post layout changed in update 19.18309. The standard France map now uses normal Trade Route sites, while France - Trade is the separate variant with capturable Royal Trade Sites. Older descriptions of France as a special map with Royal Trade Sites refer to the pre-update layout or to France - Trade.
What to scout
Scout the central convergence early and decide which route segments and Trading Posts your army can hold. The map is relatively open, so short routes can be contested quickly and armies can reach the center from several directions. Check which variant is selected before planning around Royal Trade Sites, and use the generated resource positions rather than assuming every match has the same opening.
Four short routes meet in the center
France's four Trade Routes converge around the center of the map. Their short length makes central control and safe Trading Post access immediate concerns: a player who waits too long may find the key positions occupied, while an early expansion can be exposed to attacks from several sides. The open plains and gentle hills offer fewer narrow passages than a map organized around a single choke. Scout route approaches and keep a force ready to protect workers building toward the center.
The Royal Trade Site update
Before update 19.18309, France was a special map with capturable Royal Trade Sites. The update reworked the standard France map to use normal Trade Route sites and added France - Trade as the map variant that retains the Royal Trade Sites. The House of Bourbon settlement and listed outlaws are other notable features of France. Confirm the selected map variant and game update before using older advice about capturable sites or route rewards.