17 Well-known French Landmarks That You Should not Miss
As essentially the most visited vacationer vacation spot on the planet, France is brimming with historic and cultural gems that dazzle vacationers from all corners of the globe. From the majestic Eiffel Tower in Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel’s spectacular abbey on its rocky island off Normandy’s coast, France has one thing for everybody with regards to awe-inspiring structure. On this article, we’ll discover a number of the most well-known French landmarks – every as distinctive as it’s stunning!
Most Well-known French Landmarks
France is thought for its putting structure and pure wonders. From the Eiffel Tower to Mont Saint Michel and Versailles, listed here are essentially the most well-known French landmarks that you just shouldn’t miss.
Put these iconic French buildings and scenic spots in your bucket listing.
17. Centre Pompidou
The Pompidou Centre is likely one of the most putting sights within the French capital. Located within the Beaubourg space of Paris, close to Les Halles, it’s an fascinating instance of Brutalist structure.
Development began in 1971 and the inside contains the Bibliothèque publique d’data (Public Data Library) and the Musée Nationwide d’Artwork Moderne. That is the biggest museum of recent artwork in Europe.
Designed by well-known architects Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, this progressive constructing has the escalators, water pipes and air-conditioning ducts on the surface. The centre will shut for renovations from September 2025 till 2030.
Outdoors there are a number of artworks together with the Stravinsky Fountain with 16 sculptures by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle.
16. Château de Chenonceau
Chenonceau is likely one of the most well-known castles in France. Positioned within the Loire Valley on the river Cher, that is usually generally known as the Girls’ Chateau.
That’s as a result of a number of girls have been instrumental in shaping the historical past of this iconic monument. One in all these was Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henry II.
She created the Backyard of Diane Poitiers, with a “floating” parterre constructed excessive sufficient to keep away from river flooding. The garden is split into a number of triangles and has many flower beds.
15. Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile was designed by Jean Chalgrin. It stands on the centre of 12 avenues forming a star form or étoile in French.
This iconic Paris monument is a well-liked place for many who have simply handed their driving check to navigate round! The arch commemorated Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz and the Grande Armee because the French Military was known as on the time.
It was impressed by the Arch of Titus in Rome and was the tallest arch on the planet as much as 1938. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies beneath the Arch and honors those that fought in the course of the wars.
In 1919, the aviator Charles Godefroy managed to fly via the arch, a feat that was repeated by different pilots in 1981 and 1991.
Since 1923 when the everlasting flame of remembrance was first lit by Andre Maginot, it has by no means been extinguished. The flame is rekindled at 6.30 pm every day by conflict veterans. A large French flag normally hangs from the arch.
14. Arles Ampitheatre
Inbuilt 90 AD, the Roman ampitheatre in Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. This well-known French landmark within the Languedoc area seated round 20,000 spectators who got here to look at its gladiatorial fights.
There have been initially three tiers, of which two stay. The ampitheatre has over 120 arches and measures 136 meters by 109 meters.
Within the fifth century, homes and chapels have been constructed contained in the ampitheater. They have been eliminated between 1826 and 1830 and since then, public occasions corresponding to live shows have taken place there.
13. Basilique du Sacre Coeur
Some of the well-known monuments in Paris, Basilique du Sacre Coeur stands proud on the Butte Montmartre hill. The realm has been a sacred website since pagan occasions – druids are thought to have worshipped right here, and the Romans constructed a number of temples on this spot.
The title Sacre Coeur means Sacred Coronary heart in English. The Basilica was consecrated in 1919 and designed within the Romanesque-Byzantine fashion.
Sacre Coeur Basilica attracts greater than 10 million guests every year. The distinctive white color of the basilica is because of the travertine stone utilized in its development.
Sacre Coeur is the second highest level in Paris, after the Eiffel Tower. There’s a good higher panoramic view of Paris for those who head up the 300 steps to the dome. Contained in the basilica, you’ll discover the biggest mosaic in France, which measures 480 m².
The bell tower homes the biggest bell in France, generally known as La Savoyarde because it was a present from the Savoie dioceses. It weighs 18.835 kilograms and is 3 meters vast.
12. Carcassonne Walled Metropolis
This well-known France landmark isn’t just one constructing, however an entire city. Actually, the Carcassonne complicated is likely one of the largest castles on the planet. The fortified metropolis of Carcassonne dates from medieval occasions and was rigorously restored within the nineteenth century by Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. As we speak, the Cité de Carcassonne is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Guests flock to see the town’s 52 medieval towers, Gothic Basilica and cobbled streets. The partitions are 3 kilometers lengthy, with an interior part courting in elements from the third and 4th century and an outer part courting from the thirteenth century.
Don’t miss Chateau Comtal, a medieval fort inside Carcassonne outdated city, constructed by Raymond V, Depend of Toulouse. The views over Mont-Ventoux and the encircling space are implausible.
11. Louvre Museum
The biggest artwork museum on the planet, The Louvre is a former residence of French kings. Positioned on the Proper Financial institution of the Seine, this well-known Paris landmark is the house of the Mona Lisa portray by Leonardo da Vinci.
There are numerous different Louvre highlights together with The Lacemaker by Johannes Vermeer and The Coronation of the Virgin by Fra Angelico.
The Louvre Pyramid is a murals in itself. Created by famend architect I. M. Pei, this glass and metallic pyramid is the primary entrance to The Louvre.
10. Chateau de Chambord
This stunning French fort is likely one of the greatest examples of Renaissance fashion and the biggest chateau within the Loire Valley. Initially the searching lodge of Francis I, Chambord fort was constructed from 1519-1547.
Some imagine that Leonardo da Vinci could have been concerned with the design, though it’s attributed to Domenico da Cortona. Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the fort of Chambord is legendary for its double helix staircase.
There are 426 rooms within the Château de Chambord, of which 60 are open to the general public. Look out for the salamander carvings on the ceilings and partitions.
The salamander was the symbol of Francis I and there are over 300 representations of those amphibians within the fort. Depart loads of time to discover the grounds – Chateau de Chambord park is the biggest enclosed park in Europe at 5,440 hectares.
9. The Eiffel Tower, Paris
Arguably essentially the most well-known landmark in Paris, The Eiffel Tower was meant to be a brief construction. Positioned on the banks of the River Seine, it was constructed for the 1889 Paris Exposition, the World’s Honest.
The Tour Eiffel was on account of be dismantled in 1909 however proved to be so standard that it turned a everlasting fixture. Many suppose that it was designed by Gustave Eiffel, but it surely was truly created by Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, who labored in Eiffel’s design studio. It’s the most visited paid monument on the planet.
This Parisian tower has the nickname, the Iron Girl because it’s produced from latticed wrought iron. It’s repainted roughly each 7 years, and grows as much as 6 inches taller on heat days. It’s the tallest constructing in Paris, at 324 meters.
Should you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower, you may select to stroll up the steps to the second flooring or take the elevate from the underside. The highest flooring can solely be reached by elevate.
There are a number of eating places, together with 58 Tour Eiffel, a up to date restaurant on the primary flooring. You’ll discover Le Jules Verne, a positive eating institution on the second flooring, in addition to a Macaroon Bar. On the highest flooring, benefit from the views on the Champagne Bar.
8. Gorges du Verdon
Throughout your vacation in France, make time to go to the Gorges du Verdon in Provence. Nicknamed the French Grand Canyon, it’s one of many largest in Europe at 25 kilometers lengthy.
The canyon is as much as 700 meters deep in elements, and it’s a well-liked space for white water rafting, kayaking and canyoning. The water has an unbelievable turquoise shade, while the encircling rock cliffs play host to all kinds of fauna and flora.
A part of the Regional Park of Verdon, additionally it is a great place for aerial sports activities corresponding to paragliding. There’s an fascinating Museum of Prehistory positioned within the village of Quinson, which is definitely one of many largest museums of prehistory in Europe.
7. Millau Viaduct
Guests to the South of France shouldn’t miss a drive over Millau Bridge. Some of the well-known landmarks in France, the viaduct is the tallest bridge in Europe and measures 343 meters.
With 4 lanes, it opened in 2004 and connects Clermont-Ferrand to Béziers via the Massif Central. Designed by Michel Virlogeux and Foster + Companions, it has 8 majestic spans.
There’s a great viewing space on the Aire du Viaduc, or why not see the bridge from beneath on a canoe. You’ll discover an data centre and Explorer’s Backyard on the base of the viaduct. Close by, Peyre is taken into account to be one of the crucial stunning villages in France.
6. Mont Blanc
The best mountain within the Alps, Mont Blanc is a well-known landmark in France. The title interprets as White Mountain, and it’s usually lined with snow.
Mont Blanc’s peak is 4,810 meters excessive, and you may see the mountain from as far-off as Geneva and Grenoble.
Mont Blanc is taken into account to be the birthplace of recent mountaineering. In mild of its particular significance, efforts are being made to get it listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. In 2007, a brief scorching tub was arrange on the summit!
The realm is standard with outside fanatics, particularly for mountaineering, biking, horse using and white water rafting. There are some pretty accommodations close to Mont Blanc, corresponding to Membership Med’s Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon Resort. At 1,600 meters excessive, it’s identified for its ski-in ski-out amenities and Carita spa.
5. Mont Saint-Michel
This monument in Normandy, France is likely one of the most visited websites in France with round 2.5 million guests every year. One other UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it turns into an island when the tides are excessive.
It’s sensible to test the tidal calendar earlier than visiting. There’s a small entrance charge to go to Mont Saint Michel Abbey, nevertheless entry to Mont Saint Michel itself is free. You’ll be able to attain the island by way of a tidal causeway.
Should you’ve labored up an urge for food, attempt the omelettes at La Mere Poulard restaurant, however e-book upfront to keep away from queuing. Butter cookies from La Mere Poulard are a great memento to take dwelling.
4. Notre Dame de Paris
This medieval Catholic cathedral is doubtless among the finest examples of Gothic structure on the planet. Immortalized within the basic of French literature, Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, it’s over 800 years outdated.
Sadly Notre-Dame Cathedral was broken by fireplace and is at present being renovated. For that cause it isn’t at present attainable to go to the inside of this vacationer attraction.
Positioned on the Ile de la Cite within the centre of Paris, it was one of many first buildings to make use of flying buttresses. These arched constructions assist to help the outer partitions.
Contained in the Cathedral de Notre Dame, there’s an attractive array of stained glass home windows, in addition to the Holy Crown of Thorns and the Emmanuel bell which weighs over 13 tons.
Whilst you’re within the capital, try these secret locations in Paris too.
3. Palace of Versailles
This royal chateau in Versailles on the outskirts of Paris is likely one of the most well-known landmarks in Europe. Constructed for the Solar King Louis XIV within the seventeenth century, it was the seat of French political energy till the start of the French Revolution.
Essentially the most well-known Chateau de Versailles room is the Corridor of Mirrors, measuring 73 meters lengthy and containing 21 mirrors. The positioning extends to 2,014 acres, the world’s largest royal area.
Throughout the grounds, there are 50 fountains with 620 jets. Guests can even discover the Hameau de la Reine, a hamlet constructed for Marie Antoinette, in addition to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, two smaller palaces.
2. Palais des Papes, Avignon
The biggest Gothic palace on the planet, the Palais des Papes is positioned inside the charming medieval city of Avignon in Southern France. It’s unfold over 15,000 sq. meters and was constructed by Pope Benedict XII and his successor Pope Clement VI.
After ceasing to be a papal residence, the Palace was utilized by the French Napoleonic state as a jail and barracks. The palace turned a nationwide museum in 1906.
As we speak, you may go to over 20 rooms, together with the Nice Chapel and the wine cellar. Why not take a Secret Palace tour, to discover personal flats and hidden stairways. There are additionally common artwork exhibitions.
1. Pont du Gard
This Roman viaduct is essentially the most visited monument in France that dates from antiquity. Located close to the city of Vers Pont du Gard, it was constructed to hold water from a spring to the Roman settlement of Nemausus (now Nimes).
Round 1,000 staff constructed the viaduct, which delivered 35,000 cubic meters of water to Nimes each day. It’s astonishing to suppose that this 50 kilometer viaduct was constructed within the first century AD.
The viaduct has three tiers of arches, standing 160 toes excessive. The Pont du Gard Guests’ Centre provides some fascinating background data on the monument and the encircling space.
These are essentially the most well-known French landmarks that you just actually shouldn’t miss on a visit to France. Are there any that you just really feel we must always add to the listing?
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