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17 FAMOUS FRENCH LANDMARKS THAT YOU SHOULDN’T MISS

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Famous French Landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Mont St Michel, Chateau de Chambord and more | #France | #Architecture | #Europe

Whether or not you want historic points of interest or pure wonders, there are lots of well-known French landmarks. Put these iconic French buildings and scenic spots in your bucket record.

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 below are essentially the most well-known French landmarks that you simply shouldn’t miss.

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The most famous French landmarks for your bucket list
Probably the most well-known French landmarks in your bucket record

17. Centre Pompidou

The Pompidou Centre is among 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.

Building began in 1971 and the inside consists of the Bibliothèque publique d’data (Public Info Library) and the Musée Nationwide d’Artwork Moderne. That is the most important museum of contemporary artwork in Europe.

Designed by 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 late 2023 till 2027.

Outdoors there are a number of artworks together with the Stravinsky Fountain with 16 sculptures by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle.

The Pompidou Center in Les Halles, Paris
The Pompidou Centre, Paris

16. Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceau is among the most famous castles in France. Positioned within the Loire Valley on the river Cher, that is typically referred to as the Women’ Chateau.

That’s as a result of a number of girls have been instrumental in shaping the historical past of this iconic monument. One among 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.

The Most Beautiful Castles in France
Chenonceau Citadel

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 individuals who have simply handed their driving take a look at 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 through the wars.

In 1919, the aviator Charles Godefroy managed to fly by means of 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 battle veterans. An enormous French flag often hangs from the arch.

Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe

14. Arles Ampitheatre

Inbuilt 90 AD, the Roman ampitheatre in Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. This well-known French landmark within the Languedoc region 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 comparable to concert events have taken place there.

Arles ampitheater in France dates from Roman times
Arles Ampitheater

13. Basilique du Sacre Coeur

Probably the most well-known monuments in Paris, Basilique du Sacre Coeur stands proud on the Butte Montmartre hill. The world 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 identify Sacre Coeur means Sacred Coronary heart in English and this Roman Catholic basilica is devoted to the Sacred Coronary heart of Jesus. 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.

Basilique du Sacre Coeur, Paris
Basilique du Sacre Coeur

There’s a terrific panoramic view of Paris from the surface. For an excellent higher view, head up the 300 steps to the dome.

That is the second highest level in Paris, after the Eiffel Tower. Contained in the basilica, you’ll discover the most important mosaic in France, which measures 480 m².

The bell tower homes the most important bell in France, referred to as La Savoyarde because it was a present from the Savoie dioceses. It weighs 18.835 kilograms and is 3 meters huge. After visiting the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, get pleasure from a stroll round Montmartre and the Abbesses district.

12. Carcassonne Walled Metropolis

This well-known France landmark isn’t just one constructing, however a complete city. The fortified metropolis of Carcassonne dates from medieval occasions and was fastidiously restored within the nineteenth century by Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. Right now, the Cité de Carcassonne is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guests flock to see town’s 52 medieval towers, Gothic Basilica and cobbled streets. The partitions are 3 kilometers lengthy, with an internal part relationship in elements from the third and 4th century and an outer part relationship from the thirteenth century.

Don’t miss Chateau Comtal, a medieval citadel inside Carcassonne previous city, constructed by Raymond V, Depend of Toulouse. The views over Mont-Ventoux and the encircling space are unbelievable.

Landmarks of France - Carcassonne Castle
Carcassonne Citadel

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 steel pyramid is the primary entrance to The Louvre.

Well-known French landmarks – The Louvre Pyramid

10. Chateau de Chambord

This beautiful French castle is among the finest examples of Renaissance fashion and the most important chateau within the Loire Valley. Initially the searching lodge of Francis I, Chambord citadel was constructed from 1519-1547.

Some consider that Leonardo da Vinci might have been concerned with the design, though it’s attributed to Domenico da Cortona. Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website, the citadel 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 logo of Francis I and there are over 300 representations of those amphibians within the citadel. Go away loads of time to discover the grounds – Chateau de Chambord park is the most important enclosed park in Europe at 5,440 hectares.

Chambord Royal Palace, France
Chateau de Chambord

9. The Eiffel Tower, Paris

Arguably essentially the most well-known landmark in Paris, The Eiffel Tower was meant to be a short lived 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 because of be dismantled in 1909 however proved to be so fashionable that it grew to become a everlasting fixture. Many suppose that it was designed by Gustave Eiffel, however it 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 Woman 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 ground or take the elevate from the underside. The highest ground 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 ground. You’ll discover Le Jules Verne, a positive eating institution on the second ground, in addition to a Macaroon Bar. On the highest ground, benefit from the views on the Champagne Bar.

Famous Landmarks in Paris - the Eiffel Tower
Well-known Landmarks in Paris – the Eiffel Tower

8. Gorges du Verdon

Throughout your holiday 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 meters 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 an excellent place for aerial sports activities comparable 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.

France famous landmarks - Gorges du Verdon, France
Gorges du Verdon

7. Millau Viaduct

Guests to the South of France shouldn’t miss a drive over Millau Bridge. Probably the most 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 by means of the Massif Central. Designed by Michel Virlogeux and Foster + Companions, it has 8 majestic spans.

There’s an excellent 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 probably the most lovely villages in France.

Millau Viaduct - one of the most striking French landmarks
Millau Viaduct

6. Mont Blanc

The very best mountain within the Alps, Mont Blanc is a well-known landmark in France. The identify interprets as White Mountain, and it’s typically lined with snow.

Mont Blanc’s peak is 4,810 meters excessive, and you may see the mountain from as distant as Geneva and Grenoble.

Mont Blanc is taken into account to be the birthplace of contemporary mountaineering. In mild of its particular significance, efforts are being made to get it listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website. In 2007, a short lived sizzling tub was arrange on the summit!

The world is fashionable with outside lovers, particularly for mountain climbing, biking, horse driving and white water rafting. There are some beautiful hotels near Mont Blanc, comparable to Membership Med’s Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon Resort. At 1,600 meters excessive, it’s recognized for its ski-in ski-out amenities and Carita spa.

Famous French landmarks - Mont Blanc
Well-known French landmarks – Mont Blanc

5. Mont Saint-Michel

This monument in Normandy, France is among the most visited websites in France with round 2.5 million guests every year. One other UNESCO World Heritage Website, it turns into an island when the tides are excessive.

It’s sensible to verify the tidal calendar earlier than visiting. There’s a small entrance price 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, strive the omelettes at La Mere Poulard restaurant, however e book upfront to keep away from queuing. Butter cookies from La Mere Poulard are an excellent memento to take residence.

Mont Saint Michel - famous French landmarks
Mont Saint Michel

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 previous.

Sadly Notre-Dame Cathedral was broken by hearth and is at present being renovated. For that motive it isn’t at present doable 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 assist 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.

When you’re within the capital, take a look at these secret places in Paris too.

France landmarks - Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral in Paris
Notre Dame de Paris

3. Palace of Versailles

This royal chateau in Versailles on the outskirts of Paris is among 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.

Probably 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.

Inside the grounds, there are 50 fountains with 620 jets. Guests may also discover the Hameau de la Reine, a hamlet constructed for Marie Antoinette, in addition to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, two smaller palaces.

Chateau de Versailles, near Paris, France
Palace of Versailles

2. Palais des Papes, Avignon

The biggest Gothic palace on the planet, the Palais des Papes is positioned throughout 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 grew to become a nationwide museum in 1906.

Right now, 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 residences and hidden stairways. There are additionally common artwork exhibitions.

France landmarks - Palais des Papes
France landmarks – Palais des Papes

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 employees constructed the viaduct, which delivered 35,000 cubic meters of water to Nimes on daily basis. 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 ft excessive. The Pont du Gard Guests’ Centre offers some fascinating background data on the monument and the encircling space.

Famous landmarks of France - the Pont du Gard
Pont du Gard

These are essentially the most well-known French landmarks that you simply actually shouldn’t miss on a visit to France. Are there any that you simply really feel we should always add to the record? Tell us within the feedback beneath!

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Famous French landmarks for your bucket list, including the Eiffel Tower, Chateau de Chambord and many more
Well-known French landmarks

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