What was the first Pokémon region based on France?

Kalos was the first Pokémon region based on France.

Kalos is the setting of Pokémon X and Y, the Generation VI games released for Nintendo 3DS in 2013. Its geography, architecture, food, fashion, and landmarks draw from France. Lumiose City, the region’s largest city, is especially associated with Paris and features a central tower inspired by the Eiffel Tower.

The region’s design reflects the games’ themes of beauty, bonds, and evolution. The legendary Pokémon Xerneas and Yveltal also draw on European and mythological imagery, while the surrounding routes and towns use French-inspired names and visual details.

Kalos is not the only Pokémon region influenced by a real place. Johto draws from the Kansai area of Japan, Sinnoh from Hokkaido, Unova from New York City and its surroundings, and Galar from the United Kingdom. Kalos is specifically the franchise’s France-inspired region.