The European nation directly south of the United Kingdom is France. The shortest distance between the two countries is across the English Channel, where the Dover Strait is located. This body of water separates the southeastern coast of England from the northern coast of France.
France and the United Kingdom have a long history of cultural exchange, trade, and even conflict. The proximity allows for easy travel and transportation between the two nations, with several ferry services operating across the Channel, as well as the Eurostar train service that runs through the Channel Tunnel.