Paul Vidal de la Blache was a prominent French geographer born in 1845 and known for his contributions to the field of geography. He is often regarded as the founder of modern geography in France and emphasized the importance of human-environment interactions. His work laid the foundation for regional geography, focusing on how landscapes are shaped by both natural and cultural factors. Vidal de la Blache's most notable concept is the paysage, or landscape, which he defined as a combination of physical features and human activities. He also played a significant role in the establishment of the Institut de Géographie in Paris, promoting geography as a scientific discipline. His ideas influenced many geographers and continue to be relevant today.