Best Places To Visit in France - France Tourist Attractions

Travelers from all over the world dream at least once in their life to visit a country sung by numerous poets and artists, as one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world, preserving the rich culture and centuries-old traditions. We are talking about France - a country that has become a symbol of love, beauty, sophistication and unique historical heritage. Paris is the historical center of the country, where the most famous sights of France are located in large numbers. Not sure what to see in France? Be sure to read this overview of the most interesting places in this exciting country.

What to see in France first

A responsible approach to organizing an excursion program will help preserve exceptionally pleasant memories of a trip to the most romantic country in the world. Guides in France are extremely polite, professional and know their worth, so you can try to do your own planning, based on our list of attractions.

1. Eiffel Tower (Paris)


France Landmarks - Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower in Paris

If you are still considering 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 already guessed, 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 that the Eiffel Tower has gained worldwide fame, and once it caused an ambiguous reaction among Parisians. While visitors to 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 required the authorities to dismantle this building.
This architectural creation was saved from demolition only thanks to the advent of the era of radiofrequency waves when the Eiffel Tower became the ideal building for the installation of 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 designer Gustave Eiffel was able to make such changes in his project that allowed him to win permission to build his architectural masterpiece.
Official website:  http://www.toureiffel.paris/en/

2. The Louvre (Paris)


Sights of France - Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum

The former fortress, once a palace, and now a museum - all these reincarnations were 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 interwoven here in a single whole in hundreds of thousands of exhibits, of which only 35 thousand can be seen with our own eyes. The thing is that to display all these values ​​no exhibition space will be enough, while many exhibits also need special storage conditions.
The history of the popular sights of France dates back to the 12th century when King Philippe Augustus ordered the construction of a defensive fortress. From century to century, with the accession to the throne of new monarchs, this building has undergone numerous changes. For example, in the 16th century, King Francis I decided to make the Louvre his residence, ordering to erect the palace and decorate it in the spirit of the Renaissance, and by the end of this century, even under King Henry IV, the courtyard was expanded and the palaces of the Louvre and Tuileries were connected. Later, for almost a century, the Louvre was abandoned and desolate. 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 peculiar repayment in the form of numerous works of art.
Official website:  http://www.louvre.fr/

3. Palace of Versailles (Paris)


Sights of France - Palace of Versailles
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 French kings, and today it 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 also represents the highest achievement in park art in 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 European architecture in the 18th century.
The palace itself, also called the House of French Kings, is the main building, which can be reached through the gilded Royal Gate. The first floor of the palace was intended for royal subjects, and the royal family occupied the second floor. 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, in the park you can visit a lot of noteworthy places:
  • opposite the palace is located the Armory Square, from which there are three alleys, separated by two stables, which housed up to 2500 horses;
  • right behind the fence of the palace is the first courtyard, which houses the monument to Louis XIV. Next is the second courtyard through which the royal carriages entered. And from the third courtyard there is access to a beautiful park;
  • Versailles gardens deserve special attention - their area is about 100 hectares. Numerous ponds, pools, grottoes, fountains, sculptures here surprisingly combined into a single excellent composition, representing an amazing fusion of nature and art.
Official website:  http://en.chateauversailles.fr/

4. French Riviera or Cote d'Azur


Sights of France - Cote d'Azur or French Riviera
Cote d'Azur

A separate category of guests travels 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 FranceThe French Riviera or 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, upscale hotels, restaurants and a variety of entertainment.
The Cote d'Azur is not just a tourist attraction in France and a place of excellent relaxation, but also a land of amazing contrasts. So, for example, the warm sunny beaches here contrast with the snowy coastal 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 reigns.
The climate of the Cote d'Azur is very mild. There is no scorching heat, no frosty cold. Vacationers are given plenty of entertainment for every taste. Fans of gambling can visit the local casino, horse lovers will definitely visit the hippodrome, where horse racing is regularly held, and for families with children there is a large selection of amusement parks, water parks, zoos. In a word, a real expanse for everyone.

5. Dune Saw (Arcachon Bay)


Sights of France - Dune Saw
Sand Dune Saw

In the area of ​​the town of Arcachon, on the shore of the Gulf of Arcachon, there is a "living" natural attraction of France - Dune Saw. The highest dune in Europe is a huge sand mountain that constantly moves and slowly grows in height. For example. Back in 1855, the height of the dune was 35 meters, and today its height is already 130 meters! Plus, according to research, this mountain of sand also moves toward the coast by about 5 meters per year. The process of formation of a sandy mountain began about 8 thousand years ago and continues unceasingly to the present day; this is facilitated by constant winds, sea tides.
Today, Dune Pyla has become a popular tourist attraction, so the corresponding infrastructure is located around the mountain. Near the mountain, right among the pines, there is car parking, 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 can well conquer the mountain on their own.
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about France!

6. Chamonix Mont-Blanc (Alps, Mont Blanc Mountain)


Sights of France - Chamonix Mont Blanc
Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix Mont-Blanc is a valley in the Alps, which has become a cult place for skiing. The oldest ski resort, whose history has 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 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, widespread fascination with the Chamonix Valley has begun throughout Europe.
The resort is located at an altitude of 1035 meters, but almost all ski slopes are located at an altitude of over 2 thousand meters, and the highest point, from which the most difficult routes follow, is 3842 meters above sea level.
Over the many years of the existence of Chamonix Mont Blanc, an extensive, very diverse infrastructure has been organized here. The entire valley with a length of 16 kilometers and an area of ​​3000 hectares has prepared slopes along which 69 ski slopes pass, divided by 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)


Sights of France - Fontainebleau Palace
Fontainebleau Palace

Having wondered what to see in France, one cannot fail to include the Fontainebleau Palace in the list of architectural monuments - one of the largest and most beautiful royal palaces in the country. It is located 50 km southeast of the capital, among the vast forest. The structure includes graceful turrets and squat buildings, so the residence is often compared with glasses of different shapes and heights.
The very name of the palace is translated as “a beautiful fountain” and comes from the name of the spring, from which Napoleon Bonaparte himself once drew strength, drinking in the morning a glass of pure spring water.
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 present palace was more like a medieval fortress, which was characteristic of that era. And only in the 16th century, when King Francis I ruled then, did the fortress take the form of a real palace. The most famous Italian masters are involved in the construction, who design the palace in the manner of Mannerism. Under the heir to King Henry II, the internal and external decoration of the palace continues to be ideal. The ballroom is decorated with elaborate monograms, and the large hall, which is also called the gallery, is decorated with amazingly beautiful frescoes. Sunlight, penetrating through the large window openings of the hall, as if fills it with gold.

8. The old city of Carcassonne (Languedoc-Roussillon region)


Sights of France - Old Town Carcassonne
The walled city of Carcassonne

In the French province of Languedoc, a unique attraction of France is located - the walled 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 II century BC when there were Gaul settlements on this site. Later, power over him passed to the Romans, Visigoths, Saracens, Saracens, Franks. In 1355, by order 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 the present day.
Carcassonne gained world fame only in the 19th century when it was restored by the chief architect Viollet 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 train station, you find yourself in a new city. Here you can find an information kiosk where it is possible to purchase a map of the city and ask any questions regarding visiting attractions.

9. Disneyland Paris (35 km from Paris)


Sights of France - Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris

Travelers with children will not have to think about what to visit with their whole family in France, because both children and their parents dream of getting into a real Parisian fairy tale called Disneyland. This gigantic entertainment complex that has gained worldwide fame includes parks, hotels, fabulous "countries" and entire residential areas. In terms of attendance, Disneyland surpasses all tourist sites in 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 dedicated to the history and process of creating famous Disney studio cartoons.
The entire park, including 49 attractions, is divided into 5 fabulous "countries":
  • Main Street - the main street of the complex, decorated like American streets of the early 20th century;
  • Frontierland - a theme park that reproduces the atmosphere of the Wild West, as it is represented in famous westerns;
  • Adventureland - an exotic part of the complex, which reproduces 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 - a vibrant fantasy land for the youngest visitors, based on the most famous and beloved Disney cartoons;
  • Discoveryland is an adventure world based on the works of famous science fiction writers of the 20th century.
Official website:  http://www.disneylandparis.ru

10. Amphitheater in Nimes


What to see in France - Amphitheater in Nimes
Roman amphitheater in Nimes

On the border of Provence, 35 kilometers north of the coast, at the foot of the Garrigues plateau, in the city of Nimes is the Amphitheater - one of the surviving historical monuments of the Roman era. In ancient times, on the site of Nîmes, there was a settlement of Gallic tribes, which were later conquered by the Romans. Emperor Augustine 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 sights in France. The amphitheater is elliptical. 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 construction: sewage and water supply. And for greater convenience, an awning was pulled 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 also with 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 laid with stone, while the arena was dug in by a moat. It was not until the 18th century that the Amphitheater began to return to its original appearance. In the 19th century, he began to play the role of bullfighting, and in the 20th century, he 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

Sights of France: what else to visit while in France

A lot of amazing places from which tourists will be delighted are in the small towns of the country. Excursions in France to various castles built many centuries ago are very popularThere is something to see for connoisseurs of natural beauties, as well as those who are fond of French literature or want to experience the greatness of the monarchy.

11. Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel (northern France, the border with Brittany)


Sights of France - Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel
Abbey of Mont Saint Michel

The city of Mont Saint-Michel, founded in 709, is located on an island surrounded by the sea and the 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 planet. In 1979, the abbey is listed as a UNESCO heritage site.
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, water can go 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 erected on the mountain; in the 12th century, a tower was built on the northern slope.
Since the 13th century, the abbey suffered a lot of losses. First, due to the capture of Normandy by France, then in the 14-15 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 being restored, and it becomes the national treasure of the country. In the middle of the 20th century, the monks returned to the island. Today, in addition to Benedictine monks, about 70 people live on the island, there is even a police force, a hospital, a city hall and a hotel.
Official Website:  http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com

12. If Castle (Marseille)


France Landmarks - If Castle
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 FranceIndeed, 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 If castle, the phenomenon of popularity of which lies in the famous stories of the famous writer Alexander Dumas, whose characters were prisoners of this castle. When walking through dark interior rooms and narrow stairs, visiting cramped and gloomy chambers, a feeling of fear, hopelessness, and inevitability of fate involuntarily arises. The spirit of anxiety and danger, the menacing and mysteriousness of the castle’s fortifications attracts many visitors again and again.
Of course, first of all, visiting the castle is of interest to fans of the works of Dumas. Everyone who is familiar with his work, a visit to the island, which contains the tragic, albeit fictional, stories of the imprisonment of famous book heroes, will bring truly strong impressions. Here cameras are marked, in which Count Monte Cristo, Abbot Faria, the mysterious prisoner Iron Mask, were imprisoned. There are also apartments in which real historical figures passed the term. Getting into the narrow patio-well, along the perimeter you will see terraces with cameras, near each of which there is a plate with the name of the prisoner and the dates of the conclusion. And going to the observation deck, you can admire beautiful views of Marseille and the Friulian Islands.
Official website:  http://www.chateau-if.fr/en/

13. Saint-Tropez (70 km from Nice)


Sights of France - Saint-Tropez
The spa town of Saint-Tropez

A small town in the south of France, Saint-Tropez, located on the Cote d'Azur near prestigious recreation centers such as Cannes and Nice, has become one of the most popular seaside resorts in Europe and gained the status of a landmark in France. The popularity of this fashionable town came back in the 19th century, thanks to the work of the artist Paul Signac, who glorified the beauty of these places.
In a small area of ​​the town for vacationers, a diverse infrastructure is organized.
wildlife lovers can visit the butterfly museum, which presents 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 exhibited;
you can feel the spirit of these places, you can feel their color by visiting the Old Port - a very busy place, with a lot of chic shops, restaurants and expensive yachts left at the pier;
history buffs should see the ancient Suffren Castle, founded in the 10th century, located directly above the port;
Those who want to relax in body and soul, this seaside town has beautiful beaches - wild and private, equipped for various sports.
Saint-Tropez also became famous for a series of magnificent French films made here. Among the famous actors who starred in these films over the years were Bridget Bardot, Louis de Funes, Romy Schneider, and Alain Delon.

14. Champs Elysees (city of Paris)


What to see in France - Champs Elysees
The central street of Paris Champs Elysees

The street of Chanz-Elise, known to all as the Champs Elysees, stretches 1.9 kilometers in the heart of Paris. A visit to this attraction of France has already become mandatory 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 walk alley is divided into several squares:
Ambassadors Square, including hotels for diplomats;
Champs Elysees, where the residence of the French president;
Marigny - a square with a theater and a philatelist market;
Ledoyen - the square in which the eponymous restaurant is located;
a large square, including the Small and Big 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 set up alleys here, plant trees and strengthen the road.
In the 18th century, the street continued to the hill, now known as Charles de Gaulle Square, and its design resembled a picturesque forest with flowers, clearings and houses. It was then that the street acquired its current name.
By the beginning of the 19th century, the French government had ordered 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, the Arc de Triomphe was built. And since the 20th century, the Champs Elysees has become the venue for national holidays.

15. Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris)


What to see in France - Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral in the center of Paris

Each country carefully stores the sights on their lands, which become their hallmark. Notre Dame Cathedral - this is what to visit in France should be among the first places in the excursion plan.
For centuries, the majestic Catholic church was an eyewitness to wars, revolutions, destruction, and restoration, but to this day has retained the color of Gothic architecture, interwoven in the Romanesque style. The cult 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 at the site of the cathedral that the so-called “Zero Kilometer” is located, from which all distances in the country are counted.
At the place where Notre Dame de Paris is located, from time immemorial, temples have been located - old ones were demolished, new ones were erected. Finally, in 1163, the first stone of the future Notre Dame Cathedral was laid, and its construction stretched as much as two centuries - until 1345.
So, in 1177 the walls of the structure 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 by two high towers, a spire is erected. The construction of the side chapels continued until the 14th century, and formally the completion of the construction 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 cathedrals were used as a warehouse, and then they were completely abandoned.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon restored the temple to its former glory - the architect Viollet de Duc hired by him literally breathes new life into the cathedral. Since then, the construction remains intact, only minor cosmetic work is carried out periodically to restore its facade.
Official website :  http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/

16. Arc de Triomphe (Paris)


Arc de Triomphe in France
Antique Triumphal Arch in Charles de Gaulle Square in Paris

The 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 magnificent building erected by order of Napoleon and dedicated to military victories. This is a triumphal arch - an architectural monument of the 19th century in the antique style with a height of almost 50 meters, the largest among the monuments of this 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 in rays, and through the arches of the arch passes the so-called “Triumphal Way” - a series of historical buildings and monuments located on the same axis. Due to the location of the Arc de Triomphe, all the buildings of the historical center are perfectly viewed from this place.
Official website: http://www.paris

17. Annecy city (east of France)


Annecy city in France
Buildings along the banks of the canal in Annecy

At the foot of the snowy Alps, on the shores of the picturesque Lake Annecy, the eponymous resort town 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, immersed in flowers, its many channels surround all the city streets. The most interesting part of Annecy is the old city, where the gaze of a tourist appears medieval houses, ancient churches, and fairytale 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 a museum of modern art, the church of St. Peter, the palace of the bishop, the church of Saint Maurice, Saint Francois and the romantic bridge of the Lovers over the Canal Basset.

18. Promenade des Anglais (Nice)


Promenade des Anglais in France
Promenade des Anglais along Angels Bay in Nice

Promenade des Anglais is a symbolic place in Nice in the form of a 6-kilometer street along the Mediterranean coast. It extends 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, this was reflected in its name. The flow of tourists and locals walking along the street does not dry up even at night when fabulous lights come on here. Walking along the promenade, you can see the sights of France on the English Avenue - this is a series 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 Valros Palace, the Museum of Modern Art, and other historical and architectural monuments.

19. Claude Monet's Garden in Giverny (Normandy Region)


Claude Monet's Garden at Giverny in France
Water lily pond in the garden of Claude Monet in Giverny Anabase4
Claude Monet's Garden at Giverny in France
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. Here you can not meet flower beds lined in strict geometry - everything looks as if it is in living nature, in natural conditions. Numerous paths lead to different parts of the garden, and at each of their turns 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 a picturesque region from the train window, passing by, and literally fell in love with this place. In the middle of the garden, in lush greenery and bright colors, Monet's house is buried, which has become a museum. This long and squat structure with pink walls, green shutters, and a staircase completely preserved the interior as it was during the artist’s lifetime.
Official website: http: // fondation-monet

20. Chambord Castle (Loire Valley)


Chambord Castle in France
Facade of the royal castle of Chambord of the 16th century in the Loire Valley

Of course, France is primarily a country of castles, glorious knightly deeds, numerous tales, and legends. Therefore, the medieval sights of France play a special role, among which Chambord Castle is one of the first places - after the Louvre Museum, 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 his 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 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 perhaps the most interesting elements of the castle are a kind of double staircase designed by the famous architect,
Official website: https: //www.chambord.

21. Papal Palace (Avignon)


Papal Palace in France
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 powerful papal palace, which is simply impossible not to notice when you are here. The huge Gothic palace, the largest among similar structures in all of Europe, proudly rises above the city buildings. This famous 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, Roman priests moved back to Rome, leaving the city a unique attraction. The impressive area of ​​the palace occupies 15 thousand square meters. meters, and today there are a number of celebrations - concerts, exhibitions,

22. Chenonceau Castle (Chenonceau Village)


Chenonceau Castle in France
View of Chenonceau Castle or the "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 a luxurious renaissance style rises above the waters of the Cher River, impresses with its romance and grace, due to which this magnificent creation is also called "Ladies' Castle" or "Hovering over the Water". Today, Chenonceau is completely restored, inside you can see how the chambers of the French queens looked, see antique furniture, rare paintings, and tapestries. In addition to the castle itself, visitors are impressed by the wonderful landscape design of the surrounding territories. Here 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,
Official website: https: //www.chenonceau

23. Wine Museum (Bon)


Wine Museum in France
Exposition of the Wine Museum in the Burgundian city of Bon Borvan53

In addition to architectural monuments, it is worth paying attention to objects that form a common portrait of the country and its inhabitants - these are cultural sights of France. The presentation, in this case, will not do without a museum of Burgundy wines in Bonn. It should be noted that Bon is one of the largest wine regions of Burgundy - it is surrounded on all sides by fertile vineyards. In fact, the museum itself is a palace, once the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. But this castle is known not so much for the architecture as for what is located within its walls. The wine museum presents the history of the development of winemaking in this region of France, discloses the technology of wine production and the culture of its consumption, demonstrates the tools of winegrowers and wine-making equipment, including a huge press for juice. Museum guests will see the expositions,

24. Aqueduct of Pont du Gard (Nimes)


Pont du Gard aqueduct in France
Three-tiered ancient Roman aqueduct across the Gardon River near the French city of Nimes

Not far from the French city of Nimes is an unusual architectural monument - Pont du Gard, the highest surviving ancient Roman aqueducts. It was erected about 2 thousand years ago, during the rule of the Roman Empire in France. The giant structure crosses the Gardon River Gorge, 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 square”. Once this bridge was part of the water supply used to deliver water to the city of Nimes. Over time, the aqueduct ceased to be cleaned, it clogged and ceased to fulfill the functions assigned to it,
Official website: http: //www.pontdugard

25. Verdon Gorge (Provence)


Verdon Gorge in France
Verdon Gorge landscape in southeast 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 area of ​​Provence. This is the Verdon Gorge, the depth of which reaches 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 fascinating views: the whiteness of the cliffs, the azure of the Verdon River and vegetation create a panorama of incredible beauty. Fans of outdoor activities have places to walk around in the vicinity - there are a number of hiking routes, it is proposed to master a canoe, kayak or ride part of the way on horseback. History lovers will also find for themselves something interesting in Verdon - for example,
In the south of France is a country famous for bullfighting, Flamengo dance, Puelia, as well as beautiful beaches - Spain. When you are in France, think about visiting this country. Read about the sights of Spain and be inspired for your further journey through the countries of Europe!

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