Travelers from all over the world dream of visiting at least once in their lives a country praised by numerous poets and artists as one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world, which has preserved a rich culture and centuries-old traditions. We are talking about France, a country that has become a symbol of love, beauty, sophistication and a unique historical heritage. Paris is the historical center of the country, where the most famous sights of France are located in large numbers. Don’t know what to see in France? Be sure to read this review of the most interesting places in this delightful country.
What to see in France first of all
A responsible approach to the organization of the excursion program will help to preserve exceptionally pleasant memories of a trip to the most romantic country in the world. Guides in France are exceptionally polite, professional and self-aware, so you can try to do the planning yourself, taking our list of attractions as a basis.
1. Eiffel Tower (Paris)
Eiffel Tower in Paris
If you are still thinking about what to see in France, immediately go to its capital, because there are so many attractions in Paris that even a partial study of them will not fit into one trip. The symbol of Paris, as you can already guess, has become the main attraction of France – the Eiffel Tower — one of the most visited and recognizable architectural objects in the world.
It is now the Eiffel Tower that has gained worldwide fame, and once it caused a mixed reaction among Parisians. While the guests of the city admired the monumentality of this structure, many residents, shocked by the size of the tower, were against its presence in the city and repeatedly demanded that the authorities dismantle this structure.
This architectural creation was saved from demolition only thanks to the advent of the era of radio frequency waves, when the Eiffel Tower became an ideal structure for installing radio antennas.
The history of the world-famous building began in 1886, when a competition was organized, the purpose of which was to select the best engineering and architectural projects. The best of them were to be presented at the world exhibition dedicated to the centenary of the French Revolution. At the exhibition, most of the projects presented were identical and represented a kind of Eiffel Tower. Only the designer Gustave Eiffel was able to make such changes to his project that allowed him to win permission to build his architectural masterpiece.
Official website: http://www.toureiffel.paris/en/
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2. The Louvre (Paris)
The Louvre Museum
The former fortress, once a palace, and now a museum — all these transformations have been experienced by the Louvre in Paris, which has become the most visited museum, where millions of people from all over the world come every year. The most distant past and present are intertwined here in a single whole in hundreds of thousands of exhibits, of which only 35 thousand we can see with our own eyes. The thing is that no exhibition space is enough to display all these valuables, while many exhibits also require special storage conditions.
The history of the popular attraction of France dates back to the 12th century, when King Philip Augustus ordered the construction of a defensive fortress. From century to century, with the accession of new monarchs to the throne, this structure has undergone numerous changes. For example, in the 16th century, King Francis I decided to make the Louvre his residence, ordering the construction of a palace and decorating it in the spirit of the Renaissance, and by the end of this century, under King Henry IV, the courtyard was expanded, and the Louvre and Tuileries palaces were connected. Later, for almost a century, the Louvre was abandoned and fell into disrepair. During the French Revolution of 1789, due to the change of power, the National Assembly decided that the Louvre should become a national museum.
It was only at the beginning of the 19th century that Napoleon himself breathed new life into the Louvre, ordering the resumption of construction work. He made the first significant contribution to the replenishment of the museum’s collection, demanding from each conquered nation a kind of payback in the form of numerous works of art.
Official website: http://www.louvre.fr/
3. The Palace of Versailles (Paris)
The Palace of Versailles
Having asked yourself what to see in France, without hesitation go to one of the most respectable cities, located 20 km from the capital. After all, there is a luxurious and relatively young palace and park complex, which once served as the residence of the French kings, and today has also become a famous landmark of France. This is the Palace of Versailles — an outstanding masterpiece in the history of world architecture. The layout of the Versailles Palace park is also the highest achievement in French park art.
Magnificent compositions of gardens and alleys, exquisite greenhouses full of diverse vegetation, picturesque fountains of the Palace of Versailles — all this became a real benchmark in the architecture of Europe in the 18th century.
The palace itself, also called the House of the French Kings, is the main building, which can be accessed through the gilded Royal Gate. The first floor of the palace was intended for royal subjects, and the second floor was inhabited by the royal family itself. The Throne Room was used for balls and performances, and the Mirror Gallery became the venue for the most magnificent and luxurious events of the royal court.
In addition to the palace itself, you can visit a lot of notable places in the park:
- opposite the palace is the Armory Square, from which there are three alleys separated by two stables, which housed up to 2,500 horses; just outside the fence of the palace is the first courtyard, which houses a monument to Louis XIV. Next comes the second courtyard, through which the royal carriages entered. And from the third courtyard there is access to a beautiful park; the Versailles Gardens deserve special attention — their area is about 100 hectares. Numerous ponds, pools, grottoes, fountains, sculptures here have surprisingly combined into a single excellent composition, representing an amazing fusion of nature and art.
Official website: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/
4. Cote d’Azur or French Riviera
Cote d’Azur
And a separate category of guests goes to France to soak up on the sea beach, enjoy magnificent views of nature, that is, relax in the full sense of the word. But they also have something to visit in France. The French Riviera or the Cote d’Azur is an ideal place for these purposes. This resort area is famous all over the world for its beaches, clear azure sea, high-class hotels, restaurants and a variety of entertainment.
The Cote d’Azur is not just a favorite tourist attraction of France and a place of excellent rest, but also a land of amazing contrasts. For example, the warm sunny beaches here contrast with the snow-capped maritime Alps, located just 2 hours from the coast. This resort area is also a very noisy place where millions of tourists come, and in small villages located near the cliffs, there is silence and serenity.
The climate of the Cote d’Azur is very mild. There is no scorching heat or frosty cold here. Vacationers are provided with a lot of entertainment for every taste. Gambling enthusiasts can visit the local casino, horse lovers will definitely visit the racetrack, where horse racing is regularly held, and for vacationers with children there is a large selection of entertainment parks, water parks, zoos. In short, a real expanse for everyone.
5. Pila Dune (Arkashonsky Bay)
Saw Sand Dune
In the area of the town of Arcachon, on the shore of the Bay of Arcachon, there is a “living” natural landmark of France — the Pila Dune. The highest dune in Europe is a huge sand mountain that is constantly moving and slowly growing in height. So, for example. Back in 1855, the height of the dune was recorded at 35 meters, and today its height already reaches 130 meters! Plus, according to research, this mountain of sand also moves towards the shore by about 5 meters per year. The process of formation of the sandy mountain began about 8 thousand years ago and continues unceasingly to the present day, this is facilitated by constant winds, tides and tides.
Today, the Pila Dune has become a popular tourist attraction, so there is an appropriate infrastructure around the mountain. Not far from the mountain, right among the pines, there is a car park, there are souvenir shops, cafes where you can taste oysters or mussels, and even a hotel. And a long staircase leads to the top of the mountain — however, those who wish may well conquer the mountain on their own.
Official website: https://www.dunedupilat.com/english/
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6. Chamonix Mont Blanc (Alps, Mont Blanc Mountain)
Chamonix Mont Blanc
Chamonix Mont Blanc is a valley in the Alps, which has become an iconic place for skiing. The oldest ski resort, which has a history of more than 200 years, has become the most important attraction in France for downhill skiers. After all, here you can not only enjoy the unique views of the mountain panorama, but also have an excellent, to some extent even extreme, time.
The history of the valley began in 1741, when two Englishmen went on an expedition here, and shared their impressions of the trip in periodical publications. Since then, a widespread fascination with the Chamonix Valley has begun throughout Europe.
The resort is located at an altitude of 1,035 meters, but almost all ski slopes are located at an altitude above 2,000 meters, and the highest point, from where the most difficult routes follow, is 3,842 meters above sea level.
Over the many years of Chamonix Mont Blanc’s existence, an extensive, very diverse infrastructure has been organized here. The entire valley with a length of 16 kilometers and an area of 3,000 hectares has prepared slopes, along which 69 ski trails run, divided according to the degree of difficulty into several separate areas. An electric train and free buses run to visit the valley.
Official website: http://chamonix-montblanc.ru/
7. Fontainebleau Palace (50 km from Paris)
Fontainebleau Palace
Wondering what to see in France, the list of architectural monuments should include the Fontainebleau Palace — one of the largest and most beautiful royal palaces in the country. It is located 50 km south-east of the capital, among a vast forest area. The structure includes elegant turrets and squat buildings, so the residence is often compared with glasses of different shapes and heights.
The very name of the palace translates as “beautiful fountain” and comes from the name of the spring from which Napoleon Bonaparte himself once drew strength by drinking a glass of the purest spring water in the morning.
The history of the palace began in the early 12th century, when King Louis VII decided to build his residence in these picturesque lands. Initially, the current palace rather resembled a medieval fortress, which was typical for that era. And only in the 16th century, under the then reigning King Francis I, the fortress took on the appearance of a real palace. The most famous Italian craftsmen are involved in the construction, who decorate the palace in the Mannerist style. Under the heir of King Henry II, the interior and exterior decoration of the palace continues to be brought to perfection. The ballroom is decorated with ornate monograms, and the great hall, which is also called the gallery, is decorated with frescoes of amazing beauty. The sunlight penetrating through the large window openings of the hall seems to fill it with gold.
Official website: http://www.musee-chateau-fontainebleau.fr/
8. Old Town of Carcassonne (Languedoc—Roussillon region)
The fortress city of Carcassonne
In the French province of Languedoc, there is a unique landmark of France — the fortress city of Carcassonne. This ancient city attracts thousands of tourists with its impressive size and rich history. This is a real medieval city, perfectly preserved to the present day.
As a fortified point, Carcassonne existed in ancient times — it was built in the II century BC, when there were settlements of Gauls on this site. Later, power over him passed to the Romans, Visigoths, Saracens, Saracens, Franks. In 1355, on the orders of the Prince of Wales, known as Edward the Black Prince, one of the districts of the city — the Bastide — was burned down. But already in 1359 the city was rebuilt again, and the appearance of that fortress has been preserved to this day.
Carcassonne gained worldwide fame only in the 19th century, when it was restored by the chief architect Violet de Duc, on the orders of Napoleon III.
The whole city is divided into 2 parts: old and new city. So, upon arrival at the railway station, you find yourself in a new city. Here you can find an information kiosk where you can purchase a map of the city and ask any questions regarding visiting the attraction.
9. Disneyland Paris (35 km from Paris)
Disneyland Paris
Traveling with children will not have to think about what to visit in France with the whole family, because both children and their parents dream of getting into a real Parisian fairy tale called Disneyland. This gigantic entertainment complex, which has gained worldwide fame, includes parks, hotels, fabulous “countries” and entire residential areas. In terms of attendance, Disneyland surpasses all tourist sites in the countries of the Old World.
The total area of the grandiose fairy-tale complex is 1,943 hectares, and more than 12.5 million visitors annually relax and have fun on its territory.
The territory of the Disneyland complex includes 2 theme parks — a classic one that has existed since its opening, and a park dedicated to the history and process of creating famous Disney cartoons.
The entire park, which includes 49 attractions, is divided into 5 fabulous “countries”:
- Main Street is the main street of the complex, decorated like American streets of the early 20th century; Frontierland is a theme park that reproduces the atmosphere of the Wild West, as it is represented in famous westerns; Adventureland is an exotic part of the complex, where both the oriental flavor and the atmosphere of adventurism of Indiana Jones stories, and the spirit of adventure on a desert island with Robinson Crusoe; Fantasyland is a vibrant fantasy land for the youngest visitors, based on the most famous and beloved Disney cartoons; Discoveryland is a world of adventures based on the works of famous science fiction writers of the 20th century.
Official website: http://www.disneylandparis.ru
10. The amphitheater in Nimes
Roman Amphitheater in Nimes
On the border of Provence, 35 kilometers north of the coast, at the foot of the Garrigue plateau, there is an Amphitheater in the city of Nimes — one of the preserved historical monuments of the Roman era. In ancient times, there was a settlement of Gallic tribes on the site of Nimes, which were later conquered by the Romans. Emperor Augustine founded the city of Nimes here, which became the largest in Southern France.
The amphitheater, built in Nimes at the end of the 1st century AD, has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in France. The amphitheater has the shape of an ellipse. Its dimensions are 131 m by 101 m, and the height of the walls reaches 20 meters. The dimensions of the arena itself are 69 m by 38 m. Surprisingly, already at that time, communications were connected to the structure: sewerage and water supply. And for greater convenience, an awning was stretched over the arena.
In ancient times, when Nimes had its own gladiator school, the Amphitheater often became a place for violent competitions, during which gladiators fought not only with each other, but also with dangerous animals.
At the beginning of the 5th century, violent fighting was prohibited. The amphitheater, after some time, began to serve as a fortress. The arches were partially laid with stone, while the arena was dug in with a moat. It was only by the 18th century that the Amphitheater began to return to its original appearance. In the 19th century, it began to act as a bullfight, and in the 20th century it became a favorite place for rock music performers. And if initially this colossal structure could accommodate up to 24 thousand spectators, now the number of spectators has decreased by about 3 times.
Official website: http://arenes-nimes.com/en/home
The sights of France: what else to visit while in France
There are many amazing places that tourists will be delighted with, located in small towns of the country. Excursions in France to various castles built many centuries ago are very popular. There is something to see for connoisseurs of natural beauty, as well as for those who are interested in French literature or want to experience the greatness of the monarchy.
11. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (northern France, border with Brittany)
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
The city of Mont Saint Michel, founded in 709, is located on an island surrounded by the sea and a fortress wall. This is one of the most common tourist attractions in France. Every year, the famous fortress island attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. In 1979, the abbey was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In addition to its convenient location and very interesting ancient architecture, Mont Saint-Michel is known for the strongest tides in Europe, which occur every 24 hours and 50 minutes. So, the water can move 18 kilometers from the coast of the island, as well as spread as much as 20 kilometers inland. The height of the tide can reach 14 meters.
The history of this landmark dates back to 709, when a small chapel was built on the island and an abbey was founded. In the 11th century, a Romanesque church and monastery were built on the mountain, and in the 12th century a tower was built on the northern slope.
Since the 13th century, the abbey has suffered a lot of losses. First, as a result of the capture of Normandy by France, then in the 14th and 15th centuries there was an attack by the English army, and finally in the 18th century as a result of the revolution, when the territory of the abbey was turned into a prison.
With the coming to power of Napoleon III, the prison was abolished, and the abbey regained its former glory. The monastery is being restored, and it becomes a national treasure of the country. In the middle of the 20th century, monks returned to the island again. Today, in addition to the Benedictine monks, about 70 people live on the island, there is even its own police, hospital, city hall and hotel.
Official website: http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com
12. If Castle (Marseille)
If Castle
Being in Marseille and having 2-3 hours of free time at your disposal, you can be sure that you have something to see in France. After all, 3.5 kilometers from the Old Port of Marseille, on a small island washed by the sea waters of the Mediterranean Sea, there is a place covered with real legends. This is the castle of If, the phenomenon of popularity of which lies in the famous stories of the famous writer Alexandre Dumas, whose characters were prisoners of this castle. While walking through dark interiors and narrow staircases, visiting cramped and gloomy cells, a feeling of fear, hopelessness and inevitability of fate involuntarily arises. The spirit of anxiety and danger, the menace and mystery of the castle’s strong structures attract numerous visitors again and again.
Of course, first of all, a visit to the castle is of interest to fans of Dumas’ works. Everyone who is familiar with his work, a visit to the island, which contains tragic, albeit fictional, stories of the imprisonment of famous book characters, will bring truly strong impressions. The cells in which the Count of Monte Cristo, Abbot Faria, and the mysterious prisoner of the Iron Mask were imprisoned are marked with plaques. There are also apartments in which real historical figures spent their time. Entering the narrow courtyard-well, along the perimeter you will see terraces with cells, near each of which there is a sign with the name of the prisoner and the dates of imprisonment. And after going to the observation deck, you can admire the beautiful views of Marseille and the Friuli Islands.
Official website: http://www.chateau-if.fr/en/
13. Saint-Tropez (70 km from Nice)
The resort town of Saint-Tropez
A small town in the south of France, Saint-Tropez, located on the Cote d’Azur near such prestigious recreation centers as Cannes and Nice, has become one of the most popular seaside resorts in Europe and has gained the status of a French landmark. The popularity of this fashionable town came back in the 19th century, thanks to the works of the artist Paul Signac, who glorified the beauty of these places.
A variety of infrastructure is organized for vacationers in a small area of the town.
wildlife lovers can visit the butterfly Museum, which features about 4.5 thousand representatives of these beautiful insects of different species;
those who know a lot about art are recommended to go to the art museum, where an extensive collection of works by artists captivated by the beauty of Saint Tropez is on display;
you can get into the spirit of the local places and feel their flavor by visiting the Old Port — a very lively place, with a lot of chic shops, restaurants and expensive yachts left at the pier;
fans of history should see the ancient Suffren Castle, founded in the 10th century, located directly above the port;
For those who want to relax body and soul, this seaside town has beautiful beaches — wild and private, equipped for various sports.
Saint-Tropez is also famous for a series of great French films shot here. Famous actors who starred in these films over the years included Brigitte Bardot, Louis de Funes, Romy Schneider and Alain Delon.
14. Champs-Elysees (Paris)
The central street of Paris Champs-Elysees
The Rue Chanz-Elise, known to everyone as the Champs-Elysees, stretches in the heart of Paris for 1.9 kilometers in length. Visiting this French landmark has already become a must for guests of the capital, because no one will believe that you visited Paris and did not see the famous street with your own eyes.
The walkway is divided into several squares:
The Ambassadors’ Square, which includes hotels for diplomats;
The Elysee Square, where the residence of the French president is located;
Marigny is a square with a theater and a philatelist market;
Ledoyen is a square in which the restaurant of the same name is located;
a large square, including the Small and Large Palaces.
It is difficult to imagine that once in the 16th century there was a swamp on the site of the Champs-Elysees, until Marie de’ Medici ordered the territories to be drained and alleys to be laid out here, trees planted and the road strengthened.
In the 18th century, the street was extended to the hill, now known as Charles de Gaulle Square, and its design resembled a picturesque forest with flowers, glades and houses. It was then that the street acquired its current name.
By the beginning of the 19th century, the French government handed over an order to the city authorities to improve the street, it was from this moment that large-scale construction began in these territories, in honor of Napoleon’s victory in the Battle of Austerlitz, a Triumphal Arch was erected. And since the 20th century, the Champs-Elysees have become a venue for national holidays.
15. Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris)
Notre Dame Cathedral in the center of Paris
Each country carefully preserves the sights on its lands, which become their calling card. Notre Dame Cathedral — that’s what you should visit in France among the first places in the tour plan.
For centuries, the majestic Catholic church has witnessed wars, revolutions, destruction and restorations, but to this day it has preserved the flavor of Gothic architecture, woven into the Romanesque style. The iconic building is visited annually by millions of tourists from all over the world to see this recognizable Gothic silhouette with their own eyes. In addition, it is on the site of the cathedral that the so-called “Zero kilometer” is located, from which all distances in the country are counted.
In the place where Notre Dame de Paris is located, temples have been located since time immemorial – old ones were demolished, new ones were built. Finally, in 1163, the first stone of the future Notre Dame Cathedral was laid, and its construction stretched for two centuries — until 1345.
So, in 1177 the walls of the building grew, in 1182 the altar was installed, and the construction of the eastern part of the temple was completed. In 1200, the construction of the western facade began, which is crowned by two tall towers, and a spire is being erected. The construction of the side chapels continued until the 14th century, and the formal completion dates back to 1351. In this form, the cathedral existed until the 18th century, when the French Revolution ravaged its centuries-old shrines. The revolutionaries did not spare the architecture of the cathedral – stained glass windows, expensive utensils were destroyed, and the temple itself was recognized as the center of the Cult of the Supreme Being. Later, the premises of the cathedral were used as a warehouse, and then they were completely abandoned.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon returned the temple to its former glory — the architect he hired, Viollet de Duc, literally breathes new life into the cathedral. Since then, the building has remained intact, only minor cosmetic work is carried out periodically to restore its facade.
Official website: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/ru/
16. Arc de Triomphe (Paris)
The Triumphal arch in the antique style on Charles de Gaulle Square in Paris
The most beautiful European city of Paris, surrounded by a halo of romance, has concentrated all the most symbolic sights of France: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral. Another of the most important symbols of the country is the majestic structure, erected by order of Napoleon and dedicated to military victories. This is the Arc de triomphe, an architectural monument of the 19th century in the antique style with a height of almost 50 meters, the largest among monuments of its kind in the whole world. It is located in the heart of Paris — its historical center, in the middle of Charles de Gaulle Square. 12 streets radiate from here, and the so—called “Triumphal Way” passes through the arches of the arch – a number of historical structures and monuments located on the same axis. Due to the location of the Arc de Triomphe on a hill, all the buildings of the historical center are perfectly visible from this place.
Official website: http://www.paris
17. The city of Annecy (east of France)
Buildings along the banks of the canal in Annecy
At the foot of the snow-capped Alps, on the shores of the picturesque Lake Annecy, the resort town of the same name is comfortably located. Annecy is a place seemingly far from fame and glory, but has gained unprecedented popularity among travelers around the world. The city is shrouded in an atmosphere of romance, surrounded by flowers, its numerous canals weave all the city streets. The most interesting part of Annecy is the old town, where the tourist can see medieval houses, ancient churches and fabulous castles. One of the most visited castles is called the Palace on the island — it is located right in the middle of the canal and it seems as if it grew out of the water. There are other memorable places in the town — for example, the castle of the Counts of Geneva with the Museum of Modern Art, St. Peter’s Church, the bishop’s Palace, the churches of Saint Maurice, Saint Francois and the romantic bridge of Lovers over the Vasse canal.
18. The Promenade des Anglais (Nice)
Promenade des Anglais along the Bay of Angels in Nice
The Promenade des Anglais is a symbolic place in Nice in the form of a 6-kilometer street along the Mediterranean coast. It stretches along the Bay of Angels Bay, bypassing its rounded bend. The embankment, like all its structures, was built in the 19th century at the expense of the English colony, and this was reflected in its name. The flow of tourists and locals walking along the street does not dry up even at night, when the fabulous lighting lights up here. Walking along the embankment, you can see the sights of France on English Avenue — a number of ancient hotels, villas, as well as the Mediterranean palace and the Massena Museum. In addition, the Promenade des Anglais is adjacent to such important cultural sites as the Opera House, the Chapel of Mercy, the Matisse Museum, the Valrose Palace, the Museum of Modern Art, and other historical and architectural monuments.
19. Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny (Normandy region)
Pond with water lilies in the garden of Claude Monet in Giverny Anabase4
Flower garden in the garden of Claude Monet in the small town of Giverny B@rberousse
Claude Monet’s Garden is the place where the famous painter lived. In fact, the garden itself is a work of art, no less magnificent than the paintings of this artist. There are no flowerbeds lined in strict geometry here — everything looks as if it is in the wild, in natural conditions. Numerous paths lead to different parts of the garden, and at each turn a new beautiful view opens up. Monet lived in this place for 43 years, was inspired and wrote his famous works of art. For the first time he saw the picturesque region from the train window, passing by, and literally fell in love with this place. In the middle of the garden, surrounded by lush greenery and bright flowers, is the Monet house, which has become a museum. This long and squat structure with pink walls, green shutters and a staircase has completely preserved the interior as it was during the artist’s lifetime.
Official website: http://fondation-monet
20. Chambord Castle (Loire Valley)
The facade of the XVI century Chambord Royal Castle in the Loire Valley
Of course, France is primarily a country of castles, glorious chivalric exploits, numerous fairy tales and legends. Therefore, the medieval sights of France play a special role, among which Chambord Castle occupies one of the first places — after the Louvre, it is the second most visited French palace. What is he so famous for? First of all, the fact that Leonardo da Vinci himself was its architect — for two years he prepared the project, until his death. The palace itself was conceived by King Francis I as a hunting residence — the surrounding lands occupied about 100 hectares of forests and fields, which provided excellent conditions for hunting. The fabulous architecture of the Renaissance-style structure is impressive, and the most interesting elements of the castle, perhaps, can be called a kind of double staircase designed by a famous architect, as well as an observation deck from where you can admire the picturesque surrounding lands.
Official website: https://www.chambord .
21. The Papal Palace (Avignon)
The monumental complex of the Papal Palace in the small French city of Avignon
Ancient Avignon has concentrated many medieval monuments, many of which are associated with the era when the city became the capital of the Western Christian world. One of these objects is the powerful papal palace, which is simply impossible not to notice once you get here. A huge Gothic palace, the largest among similar structures in all of Europe, proudly towers over the city buildings. This famous place at one time served as the residence of the popes of Rome — once the residence was moved here from Rome, due to the conflict between the Catholic Church and the Roman monarchs. Later, the Roman priests moved back to Rome, leaving the city with a unique landmark. The impressive area of the palace occupies 15 thousand square meters, and today a number of festive events are held here — concerts, exhibitions, as well as the famous Avignon Festival.
22. Chenonceau Castle (Chenonceau village)
View of the Chenonceau Castle or “ladies’ castle” from the Cher River in the Loire River Valley
In the Loire River valley, where the aristocratic life of France has been concentrated for many centuries, memorable architectural masterpieces have been erected, and one of them is the Chenonceau Castle. The palace in the luxurious Renaissance style rises above the waters of the Cher River, impresses with its romanticism and elegance, which is why this magnificent creation is also called the “Ladies’ Castle” or “Floating above the water”. Today, Chenonceau has been completely restored, inside you can see what the chambers of the French queens looked like, see antique furniture, rare paintings and tapestries. In addition to the castle itself, visitors are impressed by the wonderful landscaping of the surrounding areas. There are two gardens created by the favorite of King Henry II, Diana de Poitiers and his wife Catherine de’ Medici. There is a museum in one of the rooms of the palace, where wax figures of the most famous owners of this estate are presented.
Official website: https://www.chenonceau
23. The Wine Museum (Beaune)
The exposition of the Wine Museum in the Burgundian city of Bon Borvan53
In addition to architectural monuments, it is worth paying attention to the objects that form a general portrait of the country and its inhabitants — these are the cultural attractions of France. In this case, the presentation will not be complete without the Museum of Burgundy wines in Beaune. It should be noted that Beaune is one of the largest wine—growing regions of Burgundy – it is surrounded on all sides by fertile vineyards. In fact, the museum itself is a palace that was once the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. But this castle is known not so much for its architecture as for what is inside its walls. The wine museum presents the history of the development of winemaking in this region of France, reveals the technology of wine production and the culture of its consumption, demonstrates the tools of winegrowers and wine-making equipment, including a huge juice press. Guests of the museum will see expositions dedicated to wine packaging and works of art related to the theme of winemaking.
24. Pont du Gard Aqueduct (Nimes)
A three-tiered ancient Roman aqueduct across the Gardon River near the French city of Nimes
Not far from the French city of Nimes there is an unusual architectural monument — the Pont du Gard, the tallest of the preserved ancient Roman aqueducts. It was built about 2 thousand years ago, during the reign of the Roman Empire in France. The giant structure crosses the gorge of the Gardon River, has three tiers with a total height of 49 meters, while the length of the aqueduct reaches 275 meters. One can only admire how high the skill of the ancient Romans was, but it is known that the main blocks weighing 6 tons each were laid in masonry without using any mortar – using a method called “opus quadratum”. This bridge was once part of a water pipeline used to deliver water to the city of Nimes. Over time, the aqueduct stopped being cleaned, it became clogged and ceased to perform its functions, however, until the 18th century it still served as a pedestrian bridge.
Official website: http://www.pontdugard
25. Verdon Gorge (Provence)
The landscape of the Verdon Gorge in southeastern France
France is full of wonders, both man-made and natural. Covering the sights of France briefly, it is impossible to mention only the first, ignoring the second. One of the most spectacular natural places is located in the historical region of Provence. This is the Verdon Gorge, which reaches a depth of 700 meters, and one of the most impressive parts of it is located between two local villages — this is the so-called Grand Canyon of Provence. The most fascinating views open up in this place: the whiteness of the cliffs, the azure of the Verdon River and the vegetation create a panorama of incredible beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts have a place to roam in the surroundings — there are a number of hiking trails, it is suggested to master a canoe, kayak or ride part of the way on horseback. Connoisseurs of history will also find something interesting in Verdon – for example, the natural prehistoric museum of the Grotto de la Beaume Bon. In the south of France there is a country famous for bullfighting, Flamengo dancing, Puella, as well as beautiful beaches – Spain. While staying in France, think about visiting this country as well. Read about the sights of Spain and get inspired for your further journey through the countries of Europe!
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