France serves to delight the romantically inclined with fairy-tale castles, picture-perfect villages, soaring cathedrals, and still, the country manages to impress realists together with its progressive and yet contemporary styling.
Whilst perusing the streets of Paris, be sure to take in the delights of the Eiffel Tower, which represents the modernized emblem of France. Then, venture to the Louvre Museum and witness famous masterpieces aplenty. Enjoy a day at the most elegant Palace of Versailles. Be sure to save some time for traditional French gastronomic delights and leisurely gourmet meals.
Nevertheless, it’s not merely about Paris. Each individual region in France comes with its own distinctive culture and cuisines. From the quaintest of fishing villages in Brittany that specialize in seafood and crêpes, to the cozy chalets dotted around within the French Alps, where hearty cheese-based fondues and charcuterie is the indulgence of every day. Savor it all, and take gratification from the irresistible charms that France has to offer.
Paris: Musee de Louvre
Even the main entrance way to the Musee de Louvre is an artistic dream, as is befitting to the world’s most visited museum. But there’s not much time to linger gazing up at the glassy pyramid. For inside awaits the fantasy of the most ethereal collection of art the world has seen, with everything from the Code of Hammurabi, to Egyptian mummies, to Leonardo’s Mona Lisa, and the Venus de Milo.
The museum has endured the centuries-old political and social transformations of France, while still maintaining the vastness and beauty of the human mind under a single roof, and thereby becoming a potent symbolization of French finesse and sensitivity.
Paris: Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
As a way to commemorate the French Revolution’s centennial celebration, the Eiffel Tower, which is the world’s most visited paid monument, was constructed in 1889 by a company owned by Gustave Eiffel the acclaimed bridge builder.
If you’re out on the Champs de Mars during the evening, you’ll see the tower twinkle with its millions of multicolored lights, at which point you’ll realize exactly why it’s such a popular spot for marriage proposals. Irrespective of the time of day, however, it represents a very strong symbol to the French peoples, serving to not only commemorate but to unite and stir strong emotions.
Versailles: Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)
When Louis XIV relocated to the court of Versailles back in 1682, he certainly made a good choice. These days, the amazing Hall of Mirrors, the gilded royal apartments, the glittering enfilade throughout the bedrooms, and the intimacy of the works on the furnishings, are all masterpieces fit for a king.
Not to mention the meticulously manicured lawns and quintessential landscaping which is keenly suited to a world of fairy-tales. It all comes together as a symbol of unconditional monarchy, while simultaneously functioning as one of the foremost tourist attractions in France.
Not to mention the meticulously manicured lawns and quintessential landscaping which is keenly suited to a world of fairy-tales. It all comes together as a symbol of unconditional monarchy, while simultaneously functioning as one of the foremost tourist attractions in France.
Chartres: Cathedrale de Chartres
The beautiful soaring spires, the porches which are elaborately adorned with detailed sculpture works, and the stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries, conjure up the realization that the Cathedrale de Chatres symbolizes the front runner of the echelon in French Gothic art.
Although in 1134 much of the town of Chartres was destroyed by fire, the cathedral miraculously survived and became a major pilgrimage destination as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It truly is a masterpiece of French architecture.
Although in 1134 much of the town of Chartres was destroyed by fire, the cathedral miraculously survived and became a major pilgrimage destination as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It truly is a masterpiece of French architecture.
Mont Saint-Michelle: Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel
On the border between Brittany and Normandy lies the Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel, a legendary abbey that brings the artistry of medieval architecture and the forces of nature together. Sitting atop a tidal island, the abbey was given the accolade of a UNESCO World Heritage listing in 1979, and marks the symbol of French heroic resistance to the English during the Hundred Years’ War.
The fortified walls encompass a picturesque Middle Ages village which flourished from the 11th century on. Its unique position of being only 600 meters from land made it easily accessible to pilgrims during low tide. More latterly, during the reign of Louis XI, the Mont was converted into a prison, though now it has been revitalized into one of France’s most visited tourist attractions.
The fortified walls encompass a picturesque Middle Ages village which flourished from the 11th century on. Its unique position of being only 600 meters from land made it easily accessible to pilgrims during low tide. More latterly, during the reign of Louis XI, the Mont was converted into a prison, though now it has been revitalized into one of France’s most visited tourist attractions.
Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris)
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris became ever-more popular on the publication of Victor Hugo’s novel in 1831, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Nevertheless, the church reflects the capital city’s prestige all too well with its sizable lofty archways, ornate spires, rose-colored stained glass windows, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and not least, the indispensable Gargoyles, all of which emanate the essence of Gothicism at its finest. Notre Dame de Paris certainly deserves a place in the itinerary of every visitor to the capital city of France.
The Loire Valley (Le Val de Loire)
The River Loire twists and turns as it makes its way throughout the rolling hills of the valley, offering a naturally soothing spectacle, and setting the stage for something akin to heaven on Earth. This beautiful area of blooming flowers and grandiose vineyards is dotted on both sides with over 1,000 charmingly elaborate chateaus.
Follow the 174 mile (280 km) river from Sully-sur-Loire in Loiret to Chalonnes-sure-Loire in Anjou, and you’ll certainly agree that the valley truly deserves its UNESCO recognition.
Reims: Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims
Although acting as a runner-up to the Cathedral in Chartres in terms of sculpting and ornamentation, Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims still represents a wonderful display or architectural artistry and royal history. Here you will witness the synthesis of Gothic elements in harmony, unity, and remarkable balance.
Although the subtle contrast between formal classicism and realism may not be so noticeable to the layperson, the overall grandness of the cathedral will no doubt make a lasting impression. It comes as no surprise that Reims Cathedral was drawn on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1991.
Paris: Arc de Triomphe
Today, the Arc de Triomphe, which is the largest monument of this kind in the world, links both old and new Paris together, thereby forming a spectacular backdrop for the urban ensemble. It was Napoleon I who commissioned Jean Chalgrin to conceptualize and design the triumphal archway, which was then dedicated to the imperialism and glory of his armies.
French artistic sensitivity is epitomized through the adornment of impressive sculptural reliefs which grace the pillars on either side. All Napoleon’s major victories and some 660 names of army generals who served during the First French Empire and throughout the French Revolution are engraved within the arch as a way to symbolize the French pride towards their military history. Below the arch is the tomb of France’s Unknown Soldier, while the terrace way at the top offers panoramic views of Paris. It perpetuates as one of France’s most visited sites
Lourdes: Pèlerinage de Lourdes (The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes)
Year on year, millions of Christians ensemble in the sanctuary – Pèlerinage de Lourdes – where the most sacred site is that of the Cave of Apparitions. Irrespective you are devout or otherwise, you will likely be moved as you witness people absorbed in reverence, and then immersing themselves in one of the grotto’s 17 pools, where the waters are said to be healing and righteous.
Originally a tranquil market town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Lourdes emerged as a major pilgrimage destination upon the news that Our Lady of Lourdes had appeared several times in front of one of the regular parishioners. Thus, it is now said to have more hotels in France than any other city besides Paris.
Languedoc-Roussillon: Pont du Gard
Over 2,000 years ago, Pont du Gard, which is an amazing compilation anthology of stones weighing as much as 6 tons, was constructed over a period of more than 5 years. The structure makes up a sizable part of an aqueduct which is almost 31 miles (50 km) in length, manufactured to convey water from the Gardon River valley over to Nemausus in Nîmes.
Nevertheless, from the 4th century onwards, maintenance was neglected, and despite the structure falling into complete oblivion, people now flock by the thousands in order to witness an exceptional piece of Roman legacy. There’s plenty to do in the area, and the site represents a highlight for anyone who wishes to visit France.
Chamonix, Mont-Blanc: La Valle de Chamonix (Chamonix Valley)
With its backdrop being the monumental wall of Mt. Blanc, you’ll understand exactly why La Valle de Chamonix is a year-round paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts as well as anyone who marvels at heart-melting vistas.
Visitors are transported to the heart of the massif via lifts, while endless trails divulge incredible panoramas, mountain torrents, and cozy hotels. Furthermore, with the addition of a continual calendar of events within the downtown area, you have here a packed holiday experience in the most comprehensive manner.
Carcassonne: Carcassonne Medieval City
There are in fact two Carcassonnes: One is the famed walled city, and the other being the adjacent town which spreads out at its base (ville basse). A stopover to the fortified settlement makes for a real step back in time. The medieval buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and little squares which are packed with atmospheric restaurants, provide for an altogether unique experience for everyone.
Throughout the day, tourists descend in the hundreds, though in the late evening, the designation becomes quietly enchanting. Well worthy of a nighttime stay, though perhaps not an option for those on a tightly reigned budget.
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence: Gorge du Verdon
For those with a predisposition towards the world of water sports, the Gorge du Verdon in south eastern France ought to be on your list of venues to visit. The canyon, which stretches some 15 miles (25 km) in length, rises up in spectacular fashion from the Verdon River situated some 2,300 ft. (700 m) below.
The river, which takes its name after the beautiful green emerald hue of the waters, is among the Gorge du Verdon’s most attractive features. Included in the water sports on offer are sailing, kayaking, rafting, and water skiing. Certainly not a holiday locale for the feint-of-heart.
Alsace: Route des vins d’Alsace
Extending from Marlenheim to Thann, the Alsace Wine Route is an experience not to be missed. As it winds its way seemingly endlessly through flower-decked villages, passing vineyard after vineyard and a plethora of medieval castles, the wine route may not be situated in such spotlight regions as Burgundy or Bordeaux. But nevertheless, it still boasts of two millennia of vinification history, and serves to continually enchant its visitors with both the wonderful setting in which it resides as well as the sheer quality of the flag product.
Even for those who rarely indulge in alcoholic beverages, a tour along the Route de vins d’Alsace is well and truly worthy of the effort.
Marne-la-Vallée, Paris: Disneyland Resort
Though every Disneyland Resort represents a paradise for the kids, it also provides the opportunity for adults to make a return to those bygone years. As you and the family make an entrance to the “Happiest Place on Earth”, there’s an immediate sense of being possessed with the kind of magic you’ve likely never experienced since your younger years.
Chant your favorite Disney songs while you shuttle your way between Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and Captain Hook’s Private Ship. Together with a retail park, entertainment area, and dining district, two theme parks, and no less than seven Disney-owned hotels, you’ll be in for so much fun that even the die-hard grouches will be laughing continuously while their hearts melt with pleasure.
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