From time immemorial, France has been considered the most romantic country in Europe. Couples in love dream of spending an unforgettable time in this corner of the earth and seeing the well-known sights of France. Unique architectural delights, famous centuries-old streets, museums containing a lot of interesting things. A captivating journey around the country awaits every visitor.
Historical landmarks of France
Ask anyone about the most famous landmark in France, rest assured, the answer will be the Eiffel Tower. It was she who became a real symbol of the country. It is unlikely that anyone will choose a more romantic place to declare their love or propose a union of hearts. The architect Gustave Eiffel worked on the creation of the iron beauty. The scale of its design is staggering. Do you dream of seeing Paris from a bird's eye view? Feel free to climb to a height of 300 meters.
Paris sightseeing offers even more stunning sites in the French capital.
The Arc de Triomphe was constructed by order of Napoleon, who was ruling at that time, and symbolizes the success of his battles. Visitors' attention is drawn to the enchanting sculptures, and the powerful bas-reliefs leave them speechless. All details of construction, ceremonies held, as well as some mysterious details can be found in the museum located inside the building.
When talking about the historical sights of France, it is impossible to ignore Notre Dame Cathedral. Notre-Dame de Paris is famous for its royal ceremonies. The cathedral is the place where weddings and funerals of members of the royal family took place. And also, all the coronations of emperors can be seen in this place. Victor Hugo played an important role in the architectural structure. It was thanks to his essays that the building was not destroyed, and it became the property of the nation.
Lovers and connoisseurs of creativity have a direct route to the most visited museum - the Louvre. The collection of world works of art, the heritage of civilizations of antiquity, is presented in the best possible way. All creations, from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century, are concentrated in the very heart of Paris. There is hardly anyone who will leave the museum indifferent. One of the architect's ideas was a glass pyramid that acts as a hall.
If you find yourself in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, do not forget to see another landmark of France, known as the Opera Garnier. This building is the main building of the Opera and Ballet Theater in Paris. It was built during the reign of Napoleon. As you approach the theatre, you will be greeted by an ornate main staircase that functions as a stage. A stunning performance awaits every visitor. The Opera Garnier is famous for its opera and ballet throughout the world.
Once upon a time, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Church of Saint Genevieve was located, but it was decided to rebuild it into the Pantheon. The “father” of the historical structure is Jacques-Germain Soufflot. He took the Roman Pantheon as the basis for the implementation of his idea. What is it famous for? The elegant and sophisticated architectural structure acts as a tomb for people who played a significant role in the country. The inscription in front of the entrance says that the Motherland is grateful to great people.
Not far from Notre Dame Cathedral lies the Luxembourg Gardens. Not only visitors to France love to spend their free time here, local residents also rush here. Walking along the paths of this paradise, you will have the opportunity to enjoy extraordinary sculptures, tall fountains, and bright flower beds. After long walks, you can relax on the neatly trimmed lawn. Architecture lovers can visit the magnificent palace located in the garden.
The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is also known as the “Miracle of the West”. It is located on a rocky area, among sandy expanses. Particular attention should be paid to the Gothic style of the building. The spiers of the building rise at a level of 155m. Legend has it that Archbishop Aubert Avranches saw the Archangel Michael in a dream, who instructed him to build the monastery, whose name it bears. A stunning view opens from the observation deck. Visiting the abbey, you will be imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages.
When mentioning the sights of France, it is worth talking about the castles of the Laura Valley. The buildings, which are considered the architectural heritage of the historical cities of France, were built on the banks of the Laura River. Once in the valley, you will find yourself in a fairy tale. Tourists will see magically beautiful castles, emerald forests, and crystal waters. The entire territory of the valley is under UNESCO protection. The most famous palaces in the area are Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Cheverny.
In the southeast of the country is the world-famous province of Provence. Countless artists came to these places to immortalize the unprecedented beauty in their works. The entire territory is permeated by the smell of lavender emanating from large fields. There are olive groves everywhere. All the elegance of the countryside is represented in Provence. When you arrive in the province, take a walk along the French streets, visit the local open-air cafes and be sure to try the cuisine based on exquisite olive oil.
It is customary to get acquainted with France from Paris - the city of romance and love, freedom and bohemia. Of course, the rest of France has many noteworthy attractions: the flowering fields of Provence, the splendor of the Alps, the luxurious castles of the Loire and Normandy, exquisite Bordeaux wines and amazing French cuisine. But this is only part of what makes it worth coming here. The list of the most visited places in France is compiled based on the number of visitors per year.
1. Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral, located in the east of the Ile de la Cité, is the geographical center and heart of ancient Paris. Previously, in its place stood the first Christian church in Paris - St. Stephen's Basilica, and it was preceded by a Halo-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter. 13.5 million people come to Notre Dame every year.
2. Palace and forest of Fontainebleau
50 kilometers south of Paris is the famous town of Fontainebleau, which, together with the castle of the same name, is surrounded by a large forest area occupying 25 thousand hectares. Wooded valleys and hills here alternate with cliffs and marshes covered with gorse and heather. The very first royal castle was built in Fontainebleau by Louis VII. The Fontainebleau Palace, built at the beginning of the 16th century, is one of the largest in the country. The forest surrounding it in former times served as royal hunting grounds for many French kings. The beauty of this place is so attractive that more than 13 million tourists come to Fontainebleau every year.
3. Disneyland
Europe's most famous Disneyland began life as a theme park in 1992, but underwent a major expansion in 2002. Tourists adore this huge park, which is one of the ten best Disneylands on the planet. It is located 32 kilometers east of Paris, in the town of Marne-la-Vallée. 12.8 million tourists come here every year.
Kazan is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities on the Volga. The capital of the current multinational Tatarstan combines Western technologies...
4. Flea market in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Ouen
This market appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, when junk dealers were forced to leave Paris to sell or exchange items found in piles of garbage. Even now, a lot of people come here every year to sell and buy unusual things: 11 million people a year.
5. Basilica of Sacré-Coeur
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the Catholic pearl of Paris. It was built in 1876-1910 according to Abadi's design on the top of Montmartre hill in a rare Roman-Byzantine style. This is the highest point in Paris (130 m). 10.5 million travelers climb here every year.
6. Louvre
This is one of the most significant art museums in the world, ranking third in area. The former royal palace stands in the center of Paris, in the 1st Parisian arrondissement, on the Rue de Rivoli, on the right bank of the Seine. The Louvre was erected in the 12th century, its building itself is an architectural masterpiece. The museum has such an abundance of exhibits that you can even briefly examine them only in a few days. Here is the famous “La Gioconda” by Leonardo da Vinci and many other world masterpieces. Every year 8.3 million people come to the Louvre.
7. Palace of Versailles
20 kilometers from the capital in the town of Versailles, the French kings built for themselves a luxurious palace and park complex. The first modest hunting lodge was built here in 1624 by Louis XIII. Later, right up to the revolution, Versailles remained a favorite royal residence. UNESCO included this palace and park complex on its World Heritage List. The luxurious layout and scale of the complex make it one of the most famous palaces in the world. Up to 7 million tourists come to Versailles every year.
Most often, statues and monuments depict people, but sometimes you can see animals, mythical creatures, or anything else instead of them. People from cave times...
8. Eiffel Tower
This is still the tallest building in France with an openwork metal frame and has long become the most recognizable Parisian landmark. It was built in 1889 by the engineer Gustav Eiffel for the World Exhibition. Since then, the flow of tourists seeking to admire the tower from below or the panorama of Paris from its observation deck has not decreased. The height of this elegant structure is 324 meters. Over 6.7 million people come here every year.
9. Center Pompidou
In the 4th arrondissement of Paris, in the Beaubourg quarter, there is a fairly modern cultural center named after the former French President Georges Pompidou. It was he who initiated the opening of this center in 1977. There is a large library, the Museum of Modern Art, exhibition and concert halls, as well as the Institute for the Coordination and Research of Music and Acoustics. Every year 6.6 million people come to the center.
10. Verdon Gorge
800 kilometers south of Paris is the 25-kilometer Canyon du Verdon, the largest in Europe. This deep rocky gorge offers wonderful scenery and bright turquoise water. If you continue your journey a little further south, you can find yourself on the French Riviera. Along the bottom of the canyon, the bed of the Verdon River follows its bends. Not only tourists come to this natural attraction to see and admire the surrounding views, but also lovers of active recreation can be found here. People can raft and kayak along the river here, swim in calmer places, and rock climbers explore the local steep cliffs.
11. Mont Saint Michel
This is the name of a rocky island in northwestern France, connected to the mainland by a special dam. This island was turned into a fortress when a Benedictine abbey in the Gothic style was built on it, merging with the city and the island into a single landscape and architectural ensemble. The fortifications erected on the island date back to the 8th century. At the top of the island there is a beautiful medieval castle, which for a long time served as a dungeon, and now travelers from all over the world love to visit it. Below the monastery there is a medieval village.
Spain is very beautiful and diverse, it seems destined for an unforgettable, eventful holiday: magnificent national architecture...
12. Cote d'Azur
The Cote d'Azur is the Mediterranean coastal strip stretching from the city of Saint-Tropez to Monaco. This place is strongly associated with elitism, fabulous wealth and luxury. Otherwise it is called the French Riviera, which then continues with the Italian Riviera. Since the 19th century, the Côte d'Azur gradually became a popular holiday and treatment destination in Europe. Thanks to the Russian tsars, Nice flourished, the film festival made Cannes famous, and it became fashionable to satisfy excitement in the Monte Carlo casino. Here everyone strives to show off their wealth, competing in the coolness of villas and yachts, and this is not considered shameful.
13. French Alps
The French Alps are home to many prestigious ski resorts. One of these is Annecy, which appeared next to a 14th-century castle. The town of Annecy has many canals, thanks to which it is called the “Venice of Savoy”.
14. Strasbourg
The subject of an eternal dispute between France and Germany is that after the last war, Strasbourg was assigned to the French. But passing from hand to hand over the centuries, it absorbed the culture of both countries - German solidity and French charm are visible in the lifestyle of the townspeople and in the architectural appearance of the city. It is especially pleasant to walk along the picturesque embankment, along rows of neat brick and wooden houses, and admire the flower beds and flowerpots that decorate the entire city.
15. Provence
This is a distinctive historical region of France, famous for its fields of blooming lavender, alluring with its enchanting aroma. Provence has many magnificent landscapes, lush green hills, on the tops of some of which ancient villages are nestled, and sharp cliffs. Provincial life in Provence is still measured and unhurried, so here you are drawn to enjoy the silence and beauty of nature.
What did wonderful Italy give the world? It is the birthplace of a huge number of famous scientists and brilliant artists, it has the most...
16. Courchevel
Deep in the French Alps lies a major ski resort catering to the cream of society. It has over a hundred descent routes with varying levels of difficulty, served by 60 lifts. The height difference of the slopes here reaches 1600 meters. In addition to the beautiful mountain scenery, here you can count on first-class service. It won’t surprise anyone here if you see a world movie or sports star in the queue for the lift. The area around Courchevel is one of the most beautiful areas in France.
17. Loire Valley
In the valley of this French river there are many magnificent castles and gardens that are under the protection of UNESCO. Forests here alternate with rural landscapes, vineyards with mansions reflected in the mirrors of lakes. Particularly popular among tourists are castles such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny, which are not only fabulously beautiful, but also have an interesting history.
18. Marseille
Marseille is the main port of France. It has an incredibly rich history. Due to the fact that it is an international port, there has long been a multicultural atmosphere here. In 2013, it was its turn to become the cultural capital of the European Union. Historians, artists and poets happily wander through the ancient streets of Marseille. Tourists love to visit local museums and look at city architecture. Gourmets can enjoy the variety of Marseille cuisine in local restaurants.
19. Corsica
This island in the Mediterranean Sea now belongs to France and lies between it and Italy. On this unique island you can find many wild beaches, perfect for relaxing with your family. The most famous Corsican was Napoleon Bonaparte.
The palace is associated by the common man with luxury and wealth that aristocratic or royal dynasties can afford. Sometimes two...
20. Biarritz
On the shores of the Bay of Biscay in France is the city of Biarritz. Once upon a time, Emperor Napoleon III rested here, who built a villa here for Empress Eugenie in the style of architecture from the times of the Third Republic. In the 20th century, various presidents and celebrities vacationed at this resort. The famous opera bass Fyodor Chaliapin also had his own villa there. In recent years, the magnificent waves of the Atlantic have attracted surfers from all over the world to Biarritz.
21. Champagne
This region of France has become famous as the birthplace of sparkling wines, namely champagne. It is not surprising that the area is dominated by numerous vineyards. But in addition to these, there are also places where you can taste local wines such as Epernay, as well as the historical cities of Troyes and Reims.
22. Saint-Tropez
The small but very famous and revered town of Saint-Tropez, especially in Western Europe, is filled with crowds of vacationers every summer. But even in the off-season it’s worth a visit. It is here that numerous yachts compete in their luxury. Here you can leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets, moving from beach to beach, admiring the surrounding scenery. It is interesting to at least look from the outside at the luxurious La Ponche hotel, where famous guests usually stay.
23. Chamonix
This alpine French city hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. Since then, winter sports have flourished there, among the magnificent mountains: cross-country and alpine skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. Professional athletes come to Chamonix; it is no coincidence that it has become the European capital of extreme entertainment. But even less daring slalom skiers or experienced climbers will find it interesting here, for example, to take a ride on the cable car and take in the magnificent landscape from a bird's eye view.
Located in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is a small but very beautiful country. Georgians themselves love their homeland very much and glorify it in wonderful...
24. Normandy
This historical region of France is located on its northern coast. It’s as if two worlds collide here: the stormy waters of the English Channel and the bright greenery of the coast. Normandy has a long and very interesting history, which is very interesting to study. It is here that the wonderful island city of Mont Saint-Michel, the Gothic temples of ancient Rouen are located, here you can taste real Neuchâtel and Norman Camembert. There are also consonant Channel Islands, but they belong to Great Britain.
25. Chateau de Chambord
Perhaps Chambord is the most recognizable castle in Europe. This unique building has features of Renaissance architecture. This castle was built during the time of Francis I. Some researchers suggest that Leonardo da Vinci himself, who at that time was at the court of the French monarch, could have taken part in the design of the castle. He designed a staircase that takes you to the very top of the castle, from where you can see all the details of the castle's roof and the surrounding estate.
The Republic of France is one of the most popular and visited countries in the world. More than two million tourists from all over the world come here every year. Many people are attracted here by the azure sunny beaches, mild climate and many attractions. Briefly presented information with descriptions and titles.
Article information:
Wikipedia describes the country as follows:
France (French, File information listen), official name French Republic (French République française, [ʁe.py.blik fʁɑ̃.sɛz] File information listen) is a transcontinental state, including a main territory in Western Europe and a number of overseas regions and territories. The capital is Paris. The motto of the Republic is “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”, its principle is government of the people, by the people and for the people
But besides resort areas, France has many historical attractions. These are the castles of the Loire Valley, delightful Normandy, Brittany, a large number of ancient cities and beautiful nature. Also, while traveling in France, you should definitely try traditional cuisine and aged wine. So where should you start? Next, you will find out which are the most important historical sights in France that you should visit first.
To get acquainted with the sights in more detail, click on the image.
Loire Valley
The Gardens of France, also known as the Loire Valley, are a protected area and are listed on the World Heritage List. The valley area occupies an area of 280 kilometers, which is located along the entire Loire River in the central part of the country. The majestic architecture of the grand mansions and castles, as well as the stunning landscapes, make this place one of the most visited in all of France. Castles of the Loire Valley without leaving our site!
If you don’t visit this rocky island while traveling around France, you will be missing out on a lot. First of all, this place is remembered for its grandiose Benedictine Abbey, built in the Gothic style. Below the abbey are medieval villages, as well as many shops and souvenir shops. The island can be visited at any time of the year except during periods of high tides. Be sure to make time for these attractions!
The structure is located in the small town of Chartres, 95 km southwest of the capital. The cathedral is rightfully considered one of the most outstanding buildings built in the Gothic style. In many ways, the building has retained its original appearance. Since 1979, the cathedral has been under the protection of UNESCO.
Papal Palace
This building is considered one of the most ancient landmarks in France. Also, the Papal Palace is one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in the world. The Pope's Palace was built during the migration of Clement V to Avignon from Rome (1308). The building is surrounded by thick three-meter walls, as well as massive watchtowers.
Grand Opera
The Opéra Garnier, also known as the Parisian Grand Opera, is the world-famous center of the country's theatrical culture. The State Opera House was built in 1669, and its founders were the poet P. Perrin and the then famous composer R. Camber. Performances with opera singers and ballet are regularly held here, as well as excursions.
Provence
Provence is an entire region that, in addition to many architectural structures, is remembered for its amazing nature. The visiting tourist can expect picturesque countryside landscapes, which are rich in numerous lavender fields, olive groves, ancient trees and grassy hilltops. It is especially important to travel around France in the Provence region by car, which you can rent here. Read the white paper Provence without leaving our website!
Eiffel Tower
There is probably no person in the world who has not heard about the main attraction of Paris - the Eiffel Tower. The structure was erected in 1889 according to the design of the architect Gustave Eiffel. Moreover, the tower was originally planned as an ordinary entrance arch to the international exhibition that was taking place at that time in the capital. The Eiffel Tower is considered the most popular paid attraction in the world. Since its construction, it has been visited by more than 210 million tourists from all over the world. Read the white paper Eiffel Tower without leaving our site!
Strasbourg
The next famous attraction in France is the entire city of Strasbourg, which is located right on the border with Germany. The city is a World Heritage Site and combines the characteristics of the two countries with Old World charm. Residential buildings in the city are built primarily from wood and bricks. Strasbourg also has many majestic Gothic cathedrals. Read the white paper Strasbourg without leaving our website!
Notre Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral, a legendary landmark of France, overwhelming in its grandeur and towering many tens of meters above the island, was built over two centuries. There are not many places in the world where religious buildings have been built from millennium to millennium, century to century. And very few of them have been glorified for centuries in human history. But, precisely in such a place, in the eastern part of the Parisian island of Cité, on the ruins of first a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter, and then the first Parisian Christian church of St. Stephen, the famous Notre-Dame de Paris was erected in the Middle Ages, or, as we it is also called Notre Dame Cathedral. Read the white paper Notre Dame Cathedral - Notre Dame de Paris without leaving our website!
Marquessac Gardens
The French commune of Verzac, which belongs to the Dordogne department in Aquitaine, can proudly boast of the presence of such a wonder of the world as the Marquessac Garden. The list of “Outstanding Gardens of France” gladly accepted this attraction into its ranks. It is located on the estate of the same name of the highest aristocracy, which has belonged to the same family for four centuries. Read the white paper Marquessac Gardens without leaving our website!
Chapel on a volcanic slope
The uniqueness of this chapel is that it is located on the slope of a volcanic rock. This rock stands alone above the village of Le Puy, being a natural landmark of France. Holy places are constantly visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world every day. Some seek consolation in them, others strive to find something that will fascinate them with the mystical history of the past. There are also those who are only interested in original architecture or historical aspects. Regardless of who is interested in what, there is a place in France that will definitely appeal to all tourists - the Church of Saint-Michel d'Aigille. This church attracts no less tourists than the Champs Elysees in Paris. Read the white paper Chapel on a volcanic slope: Le Puy En Velay without leaving our website!
The beautiful city of Annecy
France is not only Paris, the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. There are major cultural attractions in this country that any self-respecting traveler should visit. Let's talk about the beautiful city of Annecy, which is located near Geneva, in the French Alps. This small picturesque town with a population of 51 thousand inhabitants is the capital of the Haute-Savoie department.
The Henri Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, the Episcopal Palace with a beautiful view of the Tarn River and the huge Church of St. Cecilia. Castle of Carcassonne.
West of France
Province of Champagne, Poitou-Charente region, Touraine region, the city of Angers, Orleans, Vienne, La Rochelle - a port city on the shores of the Bay of Biscay, the ancient fishing town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Cognac - an ancient city, Saint-Emilion. Bordeaux is the center of the historical region of Aquitaine. the city of Bayonne is one of the most picturesque cities on the coast, the capital of the Basque Country. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a cozy resort town on the west coast. Biarritz is the most famous fashionable resort on the Atlantic coast. Clermont-Ferrand is the capital of the Auvergne region and the Puy-de-Dôme department.
Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Croix, Place Martrois, center and house of Joan of Arc, Hotel Groslot, castles of Amboise and Clos Luce, Fontevraud Abbey, Saint-Maurice Cathedral, Notre-Dame-la-Grande, Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the oldest Christian temple in France - the Baptistery of Saint-Jean, the Cathedral of Saint-Marie, the town hall, the Basque Museum, the town hall of the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Lourdes - the most famous place of apparitions of the Virgin Mary, the city on the Gave de Pau river, the temple Notre-Dame de Lourdes, Basilica of Rosere and Imacule-Concepcion, source of "miraculous" water, Esplanade of Processions, Basilica of Souterin-Saint-Pi-X, Cathedral of Saint Cecilia, Church of Saint-Salvy,
East of France
The largest and most famous cities in this region include Strasbourg, Lyon, the capital of the Rhone-Alpes region, Dijon, and Grenoble. Regions of Alsace and Burgundy. The city of Annecy, Obernai, Celeste, Valence, Eguisheim is a picturesque town in eastern France, located in the heart of Alsace near Colmar and Strasbourg. Gurdon,
In Alsace, many people speak the Alsatian language, which is quite similar to German.
Konigsbourg Castle, Chateauneuf-en-Auxois Castle, Berze Castle,
North of France
The northern part of France is formed by three regions: Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy and Picardy. Lille is the capital of the northern region. Le Havre - Etretat cliffs. The Normandy coast is a concentration of resorts and seaports. The three historical regions of Hainaut, Artois and Flanders. Dunkirk is a city and port on the English Channel. Granville, Vernon,
Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, bay of the town of Honfleur, tomb of Jean Bart,
Documentary film: the elegant and unique country of France. In Russian.
France is one of the most romantic countries in the world, where many travelers dream of visiting. It is known for its numerous cultural and historical attractions: medieval castles and magnificent classical palaces.
This country really has something to show, and something to surprise the most spoiled tourist. Today we have collected the TOP 15 best attractions in France that are definitely worth seeing and visiting.
This is the name of the southern coast of France from Toulon to the border with Italy. It is also called the French Riviera. And the name “Côte d'Azur” appeared with the light hand of a little-known writer of the 19th century. The microscopic Principality of Monaco is also located here.
The Côte d'Azur is a real landmark of France, because... considered one of the best holiday destinations in the world. Here you can sunbathe on amazingly beautiful beaches, admire the unique subtropical nature, and enjoy the comfort and level of tourist infrastructure. The only negative is the prices.
2. Notre Dame Cathedral (Notre Dame de Paris)
We learned about this famous Catholic cathedral in childhood from the book of the same name by Victor Hugo. It was built in the Gothic style in the 12th-14th centuries on the site of the very first Parisian Christian church. The cathedral was partially destroyed by rebels in 1793 and was restored after the French Revolution.
Notre Dame de Paris is truly a symbol of Paris, its cultural, historical and religious monument. Those who visit this city should definitely see the magnificent stained glass windows in the Cathedral, and most importantly, the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ kept there.
The Palace of Versailles and the surrounding park are a monument to the royal era in French history, symbolizing the period of absolute monarchy. This palace and park ensemble was built in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV, and then for more than a hundred years it was the official residence of the kings.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Versailles became a museum, and today its doors are open to tourists from all over the world. This landmark of France is a symbol of luxury and unlimited power of the monarch. And the magnificent Versailles Park with its fountains, waterfalls and ponds became the prototype of our Peterhof.
This is a small town in the east of the country, located on the shores of the lake of the same name. In its very center, on a hill, there is a famous medieval castle, which was built around the 8th century. Now this castle houses a museum with exhibits from the history of the early Middle Ages.
Another ancient attraction in Annecy is the Insular Palace, which was built in the middle of the Tew Canal, which crosses the city, in the 12th century. For centuries it was the residence of the leader of Annecy, the city court, and then a prison. Now it is a cultural and historical monument of the city.
This is a real ancient Roman amphitheater, resembling the Colosseum, and was built in the 1st century. AD During Antiquity, there was a gladiator school in Nîmes. They fought in the amphitheater among themselves, with prisoners sentenced to death, with bulls, and wild animals.
Later, during the Middle Ages, the amphitheater was used as a castle. People lived in it, they built their houses and temples. Later, all these new buildings were demolished, and the amphitheater itself was restored. Today it recalls the history of France during the greatness of Ancient Rome. Rock concerts are sometimes held here.
6. Old town of Carcassonne
And this is another wonderful city in the south of France, famous for its medieval buildings. The old city, standing on a rocky hill, is surrounded by two ancient, wide, powerful walls built in the 5th and 13th centuries. Today they are included in the UNESCO list.
In the old town there are small old, even ancient houses in which people still live to this day. You can wander along its pedestrian streets and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, remembering the famous novel “The Castle” by Franz Kafka. In general, Carcassonne has been known to historians and scientists since Neolithic times.
This city was founded by the ancient Greeks, who fell in love with this Mediterranean paradise. Nice is truly beautiful. But its most interesting and famous attraction is the Promenade des Anglais, which has its own history, beauty, elegance and even charisma.
Visiting France and not visiting the Promenade des Anglais in Nice is simply unforgivable. It is on the Promenade des Anglais that you can see tourists from all over the world, feel both holiday and idleness, feel the exquisite taste of local pleasures, and merge with this truly French city.
If you want to see an impressionist garden, visit Claude Monet's famous garden in Giverny. This is not just a landmark of France, but a real work of art. Giverny is just a cute village that this talented artist fell in love with and glorified it throughout the world.
One of the oldest states in Western Europe has a rich history and culture. From the Middle Ages until the 20th century, France was the center of political, military and cultural events in Europe. She set fashion and tone, shaped public tastes and tried to assert her power.
For more than the last 20 years, France has been one of the undisputed leaders in the list of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This popularity is due to the wealth of historical and artistic heritage, natural beauty and a huge number of attractions. Among them are numerous architectural monuments - palaces, castles, majestic Gothic cathedrals, fortresses, as well as modern boutiques and shops, amusement parks, museums, galleries and exhibitions, famous resorts and picturesque natural places of recreation and recreation.
A well-developed tourism infrastructure is considered an important component of France's great attractiveness. Any department or region of this country will offer guests not only a lot of interesting places, but will also easily satisfy the tastes of the most capricious travelers with high-quality service, convenient transport links, and exquisite hotels and restaurants.
Sights of France - PHOTO
The Louvre is the most popular museum in the world. It is located in the center. The museum building is an old royal palace. The Louvre was opened on August 10, 1793. Since then, he has managed to collect a magnificent collection of exhibits reflecting the culture of ancient (Greece, Rome, Egypt) and modern (Islamic, European) civilizations.
Nearest hotels: Louvre Museum
The Papal Palace in Avignon is a unique architectural monument. Built in the 14th century, it served for a long time as a residence for popes who fled to calm France from unsafe Rome. The Papal Palace stands on a hill located on the northern outskirts of the city. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the National Museum has been operating there.
Hotels: Avignon city
Formed about eight thousand years ago, the Pyla dune is the largest sand formation in Europe. Every year it moves five meters deep into French soil, sweeping away centuries-old coniferous forests under the weight of snow-white sands. From the height of the dune, amazing views open up, attracting a lot of local and foreign tourists.
Nearest hotels: Arcachon
Galeries Lafayette is located on Boulevard Haussmann, in the center of the shopping district of Paris. The seven-story department store, built in Art Nouveau style, was opened at the end of the 19th century. Today, Galeries Lafayette consists of three buildings: the Main (it sells mainly women's and children's goods), the Men's and the Home Store. The central building "Lafayette Coupole" has nine levels (seven regular, zero and minus the first floor).
Nearest hotels: Galeries Lafayette
Founded in the first half of the 16th century, Chambord Castle is part of the system of the longest and most beautiful French river. There is a version that the magnificent architectural palace in the Renaissance style was created according to the design of Leonardo da Vinci himself. The Chateau de Chambord consists of 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces.
Nearest hotels:
The Verdon Gorge is the deepest in Europe. With a length of nineteen kilometers, its depth is seven hundred meters. The Verdon Gorge is located in Provence, near the town of Castellane. The river of the same name flowing through it is fed by waters from the surrounding mountains. The edges of the gorge are formed by majestic rocks covered with green vegetation.
Nearest hotels:
The fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel is located on the northwestern coast of France. The abbey located on it appeared thanks to Archangel Michael, who appeared in 708 to Bishop Saint Aubert and ordered the construction of a church on this site. Occupying an area of 55 thousand square meters, the architectural structure has the appearance of a classic medieval French fortified monastery.
Nearest hotels: Mont Saint Michel
The palace and park ensemble of Versailles has long been the favorite residence of French kings. The majestic architecture of the palace, made in the style of classicism, is a symbol of the era of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King”. The park around the palace was created by the famous landscape designer Andre Le Nôtre.
Nearest hotels: Palace of Versailles
Built for the 1889 World Exhibition, the three-hundred-meter tower by engineer Gustave Eiffel did not immediately take root in Paris. The local intelligentsia was outraged by the ugly design for a long time. It was assumed that after the exhibition the tower would be dismantled, but it began to enjoy such love from tourists that no one raised their hand to deprive Paris of its new symbol.
Nearest hotels: Eiffel Tower
Located in Haute-Savoie, Lake Annecy is the second largest lake in the country. It was formed about eighteen thousand years ago. The area of the lake is 27.59 square kilometers, the greatest depth is 82 meters. Annecy is surrounded to the east and west by the De Born and Bauges mountain ranges. On the northern shore of the lake is the city of Annecy.
Hotels: Lake Annecy
Standing in the center of Paris, on the Seine River, the Ile de la Cité is the oldest district of the French capital. It is divided into two parts by the Boulevard du Palais and is connected to the neighboring Ile Saint-Louis and the main part of the city by nine bridges. In the east is the Cité, in the west is the Palace of Justice.
Nearest hotels: Cité metro station
Chenonceau Castle was built in the 15th century on the Cher River. The palace-like structure received its second name “Ladies' Castle” thanks to its beautiful owners - Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici, Louise Dupin. Today the castle is privately owned, but is open to tourist visits. It houses the Wax Museum and contains great works of painting.
Hotels:
Since the 12th century, the forest in the vicinity of Fontainebleau belonged to the French crown. Under Francis I, a magnificent palace in the Renaissance style was erected here. Over time, a city of the same name was formed around the royal residence. There are three beautiful gardens around the Fontainebleau Palace - the English Garden, the Grand Parterre and the Garden of Diana.
Nearest hotels:
The bridge over the Gardon River (the ancient name is Gar) is the highest of the Roman aqueducts that have survived to this day. Its length is 275, height – 47 meters. The Pont du Gard aqueduct was built in the middle of the 1st century. AD Consisting of three tiers and a large number of arches, increasing vertically, it was part of a fifty-kilometer water pipeline connecting Uzès with Nimes.
Nearest hotels:
Disneyland Paris opened on April 12, 1992. The children's entertainment complex consists of five theme parks located around the Sleeping Beauty Castle: pirate Adventureland, Frontierland, made in the spirit of the Wild West, Julierne's Land of Discovery, fairytale Land of Fantasy and the adult part of Disneyland - Disney Village.
Nearest hotels: Disneyland Paris
Situated in a limestone hill on the left bank of the Vézère River, the Lascaux Cave is the oldest historical monument in France. The rock paintings covering its walls date back to the late Paleolithic era: it was made 18-15 thousand years BC. The small size of the cave (250 meters in length) is compensated by unique drawings and ancient objects found on its territory.
Hotels: Lascaux
One of the most famous cemeteries in the world is located in the east of Paris. Buried on an area of 48 hectares are: philosopher Auguste Comte, writers - Honore de Balzac, Marcel Proust, Oscar Wilde, poets - Guillaume Apollinaire, Paul Eluard, singer Edith Piaf, actresses - Sarah Bernhardt, Annie Girardot, ballerina - Isadora Duncan.
Nearest hotels: Pere Lachaise metro station
18. Reims Cathedral
Built in the 13th century, Reims Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic “lanceolate” style architecture. Its towers reach a height of 80 meters, its lancet windows and portals are decorated with openwork finials made of stone. On the central portal there is a traditional Gothic rose - a large round window in the shape of a flower.
Hotels: city of Paris
The Carcassonne fortress has a history of two and a half thousand years. Initially it was a primitive site, then a Gallo-Roman city, then a fortress of the ancient Germanic Visigoth tribe. The fortress standing on the right bank of the Aude River served as the basis for the formation of the French city of Carcassonne.
Hotels: Carcassonne
