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Travelers from all over the world dream at least once in their lives to visit the country, praised by numerous poets and artists, as one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world, which has preserved the richest 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.
First things to see in France
Responsible approach to the organization of the excursion program will help to keep extremely pleasant memories of a trip to the most romantic country in the world. Guides in France are exceptionally polite, professional and knowledgeable, so you can try to do your own planning based on our list of attractions.
1. Eiffel Tower (Paris)
< img title="France Attractions: Top 25" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/dostoprimechatelnosti-francii-top-25-46f7da5.jpg" alt="France Attractions: Top 25" />< /p> 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 sights of Paris that even a partial study of them will not fit in one trip. The symbol of Paris, as you might guess, has become the main attraction of France – the Eiffel Tower – one of the most visited and recognizable architectural sites 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 building, many residents, shocked by the size of the tower, were against its presence in the city and more than once demanded that the authorities dismantle this building.
Only this architectural creation was saved from demolition thanks to the advent of the era of radio frequency waves, when the Eiffel Tower became an ideal building 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 were 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/
2. Louvre (Paris)
Louvre Museum
A former fortress, once a palace, and now a museum – all these reincarnations have gone through the Louvre in Paris in its lifetime, 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 into 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 there will not be enough exhibition space to display all these values, 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 protective fortress. From century to century, with the accession of new monarchs to the throne, this building 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, in connection with the change of power, the National Assembly decided that the Louvre should become a national museum.
And only at the beginning of the 19th century, 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 ransom in the form of numerous works of art.
Official website: http://www.louvre.fr /
3. Palace of Versailles (Paris)
Palace of Versailles
Having wondered what to see in France, without hesitation go to one of the most respectable cities located 20 km from the capital. After all, here 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 park of the Palace of Versailles is also the highest achievement in the park art of France.
Magnificent compositions of gardens and alleys, exquisite greenhouses full of diverse vegetation, picturesque fountains of the Palace of Versailles – all this became a real standard 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 entered through the gilded Royal Gate. The first floor of the palace was intended for the 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 remarkable 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 2500 horses; just outside the palace fence 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 an exit to a beautiful park; Versailles gardens deserve special attention – their area is about 100 hectares. Numerous ponds, pools, grottoes, fountains, sculptures are wonderfully combined into a single excellent composition, representing an amazing fusion of nature and art.
Official site: 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 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 Côte d'Azur is the perfect place for these purposes. This resort area is famous all over the world for its beaches, clear azure sea, upscale hotels, restaurants and a variety of entertainment.
The Côte d'Azur is not just a tourist attraction in France and a place of great relaxation, but also a land of amazing contrasts. For example, warm sunny beaches here contrast with the snow-capped 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 rocks, silence and serenity reign.
The climate of the Cote d'Azur is very mild. There is neither scorching heat nor frosty cold here. Vacationers are given a lot of entertainment for every taste. Gambling enthusiasts can visit the local casino, horse lovers will definitely visit the hippodrome, where horse races are regularly held, and for vacationers with children there is a large selection of amusement parks, water parks, zoos. In a word, a real expanse for everyone.
5. Pyla Dune (Arcachon Bay)
Pila Sand Dune
In the area of the town of Arcachon, on the shores of the Arcachon Bay, there is a “living” natural landmark of France – Dune Pyla. The highest dune in Europe is a huge sandy mountain that is constantly moving and slowly growing in height. 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 coast by about 5 meters per year. The process of formation of the sandy mountain began about 8 thousand years ago and continues unceasingly to this day, this is facilitated by constant winds, sea tides.
Today, Pyla 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 parking lot, there are also souvenir shops, a cafe 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/
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about France!6. Chamonix Mont Blanc (Alps, Mount Blanc)
Chamonix Mont Blanc
Chamonix Mont Blanc is a valley in the Alps that has become a cult 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 ski lovers. After all, here you can not only enjoy the unique views of the mountain panorama, but also have a great, to some extent even extreme, time.
The history of the valley began in 1741, when two Englishmen went on an expedition here, and the impressions of the trip shared in periodicals. Since then, a widespread passion for the Chamonix Valley began throughout Europe.
The resort is located at an altitude of 1035 meters, but almost all ski slopes are located at an altitude above 2 thousand meters, and the highest point from where the most difficult routes follow is 3842 meters above sea level.
Over the many years of Chamonix's existence Mont Blanc has an extensive, very diverse infrastructure. The entire valley, which is 16 kilometers long and covers an area of 3,000 hectares, has prepared slopes along which 69 ski slopes pass, divided into several separate areas according to the degree of difficulty. To visit the valley, an electric train and free buses run.
Official website: http://chamonix-montblanc.ru/
7. Fontainebleau Palace (50 km from Paris)
Fontainebleau Palace
Having wondered what to see in France, one cannot but include the Fontainebleau Palace, one of the largest and most beautiful royal palaces in the country, in the list of architectural monuments. It is located 50 km southeast of the capital, among a vast forest. The structure includes both graceful turrets and squat buildings, so the residence is often compared to wine glasses of different shapes and heights.
The name of the palace itself is translated as “beautiful fountain” and comes from the name of the spring from which Napoleon Bonaparte himself was once I drew strength by drinking a glass of the purest spring water in the morning.
The beginning of the history of the palace was laid at the beginning of the 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 takes on the appearance of a real palace. For the construction, the most famous Italian masters are involved, who decorate the palace in the Mannerist style. Under the heir of King Henry II, the internal and external decoration of the palace continues to be brought to the ideal. The ballroom is decorated with fanciful monograms, and the large hall, which is also called the gallery, is decorated with frescoes of amazing beauty. 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)
Fortified city of Carcassonne
In the French province of Languedoc, there is a unique landmark of France – the fortified 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 this day.
As a fortified point, Carcassonne existed in ancient times – it was erected in the 2nd century BC, when there were settlements of the 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 – Bastide – was burned. But already in 1359, the city was rebuilt again, and the appearance of that fortress has survived to this day.
Carcassonne gained world 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: the old and the 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 buy a map of the city and ask any questions regarding visiting the sights.
9. Disneyland Paris (35 km from Paris)
Travelers with children do 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 giant entertainment complex, which has gained worldwide fame, includes parks, hotels, fairy-tale “lands” 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 the opening, and a park that has been 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 – the main street of the complex, designed like American streets of the early 20th century; Frontierland – a theme park that reproduces the atmosphere of the Wild West, as it is presented in famous westerns; Adventureland – an exotic part of the complex, which reproduces both 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 adventure based on the works of famous science fiction writers of the 20th century.
Official website: http://www.disneylandparis.ru
10. Nimes Amphitheater
Nimes Roman Amphitheater
On the border of Provence, 35 kilometers north of the coast, at the foot of the Garrig plateau, in the city of Nimes, there is an Amphitheater – one of the surviving historical monuments of the Roman era. In ancient times, on the site of Nimes, there was a settlement of Gallic tribes, which were later conquered by the Romans. Emperor Augustine is here and founded the city of Nimes, 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 of 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, communications were already connected to the building at that time: sewerage and water supply. And for greater convenience, an awning was stretched over the arena.
In ancient times, when Nimes had its own school of gladiators, the Amphitheater often became a venue for fierce competitions, during which gladiators fought not only with each other, but and dangerous animals.
At the beginning of the 5th century, fierce fighting was prohibited. The amphitheater, after some time, began to serve as a fortress. The arches were partially filled with stone, while the arena was dug in with a moat. Only by the 18th century the Amphitheater began to return to its original appearance. In the 19th century, it began to play the role of bullfighting, and in the 20th century it became a favorite place for rock music performers. And if initially this colossal building 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
Things to do in France: what else to visit while in France
Many amazing places that tourists will be delighted with are 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 beauties, as well as for those who are fond of French literature or want to feel the greatness of the monarchy.
11. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (northern France, border with Brittany)
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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 island-fortress attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. In 1979, the abbey was added to the UNESCO heritage list.
In addition to its good location and very interesting old architecture, Mont Saint-Michel is known for the strongest tides in Europe, which occur every 24 hours and 50 minutes. So, water can move 18 kilometers from the coast of the island, and also spread as much as 20 kilometers inland. The height of the tide can reach 14 meters.
The history of this attraction dates back to 709, when a small chapel was erected on the island and an abbey was founded. In the 11th century, a Romanesque church and monastery were built on the mountain, in the 12th century a tower was built on the northern slope.
Starting from the 13th century, the abbey suffered a lot of losses. First, due to the capture of Normandy by France, then in the 14th-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 is abolished, the abbey regains its former glory. The monastery is restored, and it becomes the national treasure of the country. In the middle of the 20th century, the monks returned to the island again. Today, in addition to the Benedictine monks, about 70 people live on the island, they even have their own police, hospital, city hall and hotel.
Official website: http://www.ot- montsaintmichel.com
12. Chateau d'If (Marseille)
Chateau d'If
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. Indeed, 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 fanned by true legends. This is the Chateau d'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 stairs, visiting cramped and gloomy cells, a feeling of fear, hopelessness and the inevitability of fate involuntarily arises. The spirit of anxiety and danger, the menacingness and mystery of the strong structures of the castle again and again attracts numerous visitors.
Of course, first of all, visiting the castle is of interest to fans of the works of Dumas. Anyone who is familiar with his work, a visit to the island, which contains the tragic, albeit fictional, stories of famous book characters being imprisoned, will bring truly strong impressions. Here are marked with tablets the cells in which the Count of Monte Cristo, the Abbot Faria, the mysterious prisoner of the Iron Mask whiled away the conclusion. There are also apartments in which real historical figures spent their time. When you get into the narrow inner courtyard-well, along the perimeter you will see terraces with cells, next to 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 beautiful views of Marseille and the Frioul Islands.
Official website: http://www.chateau-if.fr/en/
13. Saint-Tropez (70 km from Nice)
Saint Tropez resort town
A small town in the south of France, Saint-Tropez, located on the Cote d'Azur next to such prestigious holiday 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 on a small area of u200bu200bthe town for vacationers.
Wildlife lovers can visit Butterfly Museum, which presents about 4.5 thousand representatives of these beautiful insects of different species;
those who know a lot about art are advised to go to the art museum, which exhibits an extensive collection of works by artists captivated by the beauty of Saint-Tropez;
you can feel the spirit of these places, feel their flavor by visiting the Old Port – a very lively place, with a mass of chic shops, restaurants and expensive yachts left at the pier;
history fans should see the ancient castle of Suffren, 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 practicing various sports.
Saint-Tropez has also become famous for a whole series of magnificent French films filmed here. Among the famous actors who starred in these films over the years were Brigitte Bardot, Louis de Funes, Romy Schneider and Alain Delon.
14. Champs Elysees (Paris)
The central street of Paris Champs Elysees
Shanz-Elysee, known to everyone as the Champs Elysees, stretches in the heart of Paris for 1.9 kilometers in length. A visit to this landmark of France 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 promenade is divided into several squares:
Ambassadors Square, including hotels for diplomats;
Champs Elysees, where the residence of the French president is located;
Marigny – a square with a theater and a philatelic market;
Ledoyen is a square that houses a restaurant of the same name;
a large square that includes the Small and Grand Palaces.
It is hard to imagine that once in the 16th century there was a swamp on the site of the Champs Elysees, until Maria Medici ordered to drain the territories and break alleys here, plant trees and strengthen the road.
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 gave the order to the city authorities to improve the street, from that moment large-scale construction began in these territories, in honor of Napoleon's victory in the Battle of Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe was erected. And since the 20th century, the Champs-Elysées have become a venue for national holidays.
15. Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris)
Notre Dame Cathedral in the center of Paris
Each country carefully stores sights on its lands that become their calling card. Notre Dame Cathedral – that's what you should visit in France among the first places in the excursion plan.
For centuries, the majestic Catholic church has been an eyewitness to wars, revolutions, destruction and restoration, but to this day it has retained the flavor of Gothic architecture woven into the Romanesque style. The iconic building is annually visited 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 “Kilometer Zero” is located, from which all distances in the country are measured.
On the site where Notre Dame de Paris is located, temples have been located since time immemorial – the 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 over two centuries – until 1345.
So, in 1177, the walls of the building grew, in 1182, an altar was installed, so the construction of the eastern part of the temple was completed. In 1200, the construction of the western facade began, which is crowned with two high towers, a spire is erected. The construction of the side chapels continued until the 14th century, and is formally dated to 1351. In this form, the cathedral existed until the 18th century, when the French Revolution devastated 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 returns the temple to its former glory – the architect Viollet-de-Duc, hired by him, 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/en/< /p>
16. Arc de Triomphe (Paris)
Arc de Triomphe in antique style on Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris
The most beautiful European city of Paris, covered with 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 a majestic building erected by order of Napoleon and dedicated to military victories. This is a triumphal arch – an architectural monument of the 19th century in antique style, almost 50 meters high, the largest among the 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. From here, 12 streets diverge like rays, and the so-called “Triumphal Way” passes through the vaults of the arch – a number of historical buildings 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 viewed from this place.
Official website: http://www.paris
17. City of Annecy (East of France)
Buildings along the banks of the canal in the city of 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 it has gained unprecedented popularity among travelers around the world. The city is shrouded in an atmosphere of romance, immersed in flowers, its numerous canals entwine all the city streets. The most interesting part of Annecy is the old town, where medieval houses, ancient churches and fairy-tale castles appear before the eyes of tourists. One of the most visited castles is called the Palace on the Island – it is located right in the middle of the canal and seems to have grown out of the water. There are other memorable places in the town – for example, the castle of the Counts of Geneva with a museum of modern art, St. Peter's Church, the Bishop's Palace, the churches of Saint Maurice, Saint Francois and the romantic Lovers' Bridge over the Vasse Canal.
18. 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, 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 is reflected in its name. The flow of tourists and locals walking along the street does not dry out even at night, when the fabulous lighting lights up here. Walking along the embankment, you can see the sights of France on the English Avenue – a number of old 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)
Water Lily Pond in Claude Monet's Garden at Giverny Anabase4
Flower garden in Claude Monet's garden in the small town of Giverny B@rberousse
The Claude Monet Garden is the place where the famous painter lived. In fact, the garden itself is a work of art, no less magnificent than the canvases of this artist. Here you will not find flowerbeds lined in strict geometry – everything looks as if it is in wildlife, 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, inspired and wrote his famous works of art. For the first time he saw the picturesque region from the window of the train, passing by, and literally fell in love with this place. In the middle of the garden, in lush greenery and bright flowers, Monet's house is buried, 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 life of the artist.
Official website: http://fondation-monet
20. Chambord Castle (Loire Valley)
Facade of the 16th-century royal castle of Chambord in the Loire Valley
Of course, France is primarily a country of castles, glorious feats of chivalry, numerous fairy tales and legends. Therefore, a special role is played by the medieval sights of France, among which Chambord Castle occupies one of the first places – after the Louvre, this is the second most visited French palace. Why is he so famous? First of all, the fact that its architect was Leonardo da Vinci himself – 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 land occupied about 100 hectares of forests and fields, which provided excellent conditions for hunting. The fabulous architecture of the building in the Renaissance style 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. Papal Palace (Avignon)
The monumental complex of the Papal Palace in the small French city of Avignon
Ancient Avignon 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 mighty papal palace, which is simply impossible not to notice once you are here. A huge Gothic palace, the largest among such structures in all of Europe, proudly rises above the city buildings. This well-known place at one time served as the residence of the popes – 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. 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 castle of Chenonceau or “ladies' castle” from the Cher river in the Loire valley
In the valley of the Loire River, where the aristocratic life of France was concentrated for many centuries, memorable architectural masterpieces were erected, and one of them is the castle of Chenonceau. The palace in luxurious Renaissance style rises above the waters of the Cher River, impresses with its romance and grace, thanks to which this magnificent creation is also called the “Lady's Castle” or “Soaring 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 landscape design of the surrounding areas. There are two gardens here, created by the mistress of King Henry II, Diana de Poitiers and his wife Catherine de Medici. In one of the rooms of the palace there is a museum with wax figures of the most famous owners of this estate.
Official website: https://www.chenonceau
23 Wine Museum (Beaune)
Exposition of the Museum of Wine in the Burgundian city of Beaune Borvan53
In addition to architectural monuments, it is worth paying attention to objects that form a general portrait of the country and its inhabitants – these are the cultural attractions of France. The presentation in this case will not do without the museum of Burgundy wines in Beaune. It should be noted that Beaune is one of the major wine 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 within 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 winemaking equipment, including a huge juice press. Museum guests will see expositions dedicated to wine packaging and works of art related to the theme of winemaking.
24. Pont du Gard Aqueduct (Nimas)
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 highest surviving ancient Roman aqueduct. 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 were laid in masonry without the use of any mortar – according to a method called “opus quadratum”. Once this bridge was part of the aqueduct used to deliver water to the city of Nîmes. Over time, the aqueduct was no longer cleaned, it became clogged and ceased to fulfill the functions assigned to it, but until the 18th century it still served as a pedestrian bridge.
Official website: http://www.pontdugard
25. Verdon Gorge (Provence)
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, leaving the second without attention. One of the most spectacular natural sites is located in the historical region of Provence. This is the Verdon Gorge, which reaches a depth of 700 meters, and one of its most impressive parts is located between two local villages – this is the so-called Grand Canyon of Provence. This place offers the most bewitching views: the whiteness of the cliffs, the azure of the Verdon River and the vegetation create a panorama of incredible beauty. Fans of outdoor activities have a place to roam in the vicinity – there are a number of hiking trails, it is proposed to master a canoe, kayak or ride part of the way on horseback. History buffs will also find something interesting in Verdon – for example, the natural prehistoric museum of the Grotto de la Baume Beaune. In the south of France is a country famous for bullfighting, Flamengo dance, Puella, as well as beautiful beaches – Spain. While in France, consider visiting this country as well. Read about the sights of Spain and get inspired for your next trip to Europe!
