Extend the Maginot Line (build these up to level three).

Alpine Forts (build these up to level three).

Find below my recommended list of the order you should do your national focuses: The last part of the focus tree you should do is the right-side which places attention on your navy and air force. Like I said previously, keep democratic as France in Hearts of Iron due to the bonuses you get towards stability and being to ally with Britain and America.

Delete all of your colonial (apart from the ones in Indochina and Africa – in case Siam join the Axis and deal with the Italians in Libya) to free up manpower and equipment (something in which France struggle with, hence the major focus on building up your industry).Moreover, the ‘Superior Firepower’ doctrine works well against the ‘Mobile Warfare’ one – which the German’s use. Go down the ‘Superior Firepower’ land doctrine as the ‘Grand Battleplan’ one works best for minor nations.Do not go down the ‘ Aggressive Focus’ tree (albeit better sounding), as you get the much better bonuses on forts going defensive.Go down the democratic part of the focus tree as you will gain more stability making your factories more efficient.Make a compromise on with the communists (to ensure your industry is not completely crippled) and then leave the agreements in place to get a boost to stability.Less focus can be required on your air force as you will have the help of Britain (do not go to war until 1939).Building up your infrastructure in Southern France also can help. Prioritise building up your industry, as France in Hearts of Iron has a pathetic number of military factories (try and get at least 30-40 by the time Hitler invades).If you follow these key principles, the chances of restoring France in Hearts of Iron to its former glory will come ever closer. Like my other HOI4 guides, this section is where I provide some general rules that you should follow, even if you decide that my military tactics are not for you.

Hearts of iron 4 division designer