Beautiful in France. Top things to do in France: the most beautiful places to see
France is the most charming and beautiful country Europe. Here is a collection of rare cultural heritage, mountain landscapes of the snow-white Alps coexist with flowering valleys and vineyards, magnificent beaches of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic attract many tourists, medieval castles and magnificent palaces captivate with their beauty. Each city or place in France is beautiful and unique in its own way.
Paris
Paris has been the capital of France since the 10th century, its heart and focus of French charm and romance. Beautiful places and historical monuments are found in Paris literally at every step, and you can list them endlessly:
The Ile de la Cité is the center of the city, on which the famous Notre Dame Cathedral stands - a masterpiece gothic architecture, sung in his creations by many writers and artists.
The main attractions of Paris are concentrated on the right bank of the Seine. most famous and major museum world - the former royal residence of the Louvre, which has collected within its walls more than 300 thousand works of different eras and styles. Arc de Triomphe on Charles de Gaulle Square, the most beautiful street in France and the world - the Champs Elysees with the Champs Elysees (the residence of the President), Place de la Concorde with the ancient Egyptian Luxor Column, Opera theatre Garnier is the world's largest, delightfully beautiful Tuileries Garden.
The left bank of the Seine sheltered the symbol of Paris - the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon Temple of Glory with the tombs of Voltaire, Curie, Hugo and other great people of France, the Sorbonne University of Paris built in 1215, on whose territory the Sorbonne Church and the burial place of Cardinal Richelieu are located.
It is impossible to ignore another beautiful place in Paris - its highest point Montmartre or the Hill of Martyrs, which has become a symbol of French culture, a refuge for musicians and artists. The symbol of Montmartre is the magnificent Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Versailles
This is a world-famous suburb of Paris, one of the most beautiful places in France. A magnificent example of palace and park art has long been the residence of the French kings. The Palace of Versailles, rebuilt by Louis XIV from an ordinary hunting lodge into a luxurious residence, is one of the largest in the world, its length is 680 m, and the park spreads over almost 100 hectares. The fountains of the Versailles park, which became the prototype of the fountains of Peterhof, gardens and lakes, numerous lawns, artificial grottoes and secluded places, the plant architecture of bosquets (cut bushes and trees), sculptures and the Royal House form a real masterpiece.
Burgundy
One of the historical provinces of France in the Seine River basin is famous for its vineyards and lakes, pastures and meadows, ancient castles, churches, winemaking and culinary traditions.
The historical monuments of Burgundy are scattered throughout its territory - Fontenay Abbey (since 1981 under the protection of UNESCO), the majestic fortress - Cochet Castle (XI century), Sainte-Pointe Castle and many others medieval monuments architecture.
The main value of Burgundy is winemaking, the centers of which are considered to be the ancient Beaune and Chablis, known for a long time, where the Abbey of Sieto is located, the monks of which supplied Chablis wine to the royal table.
Provence
Provence is considered the most beautiful province of France - it combines magnificent beaches and beautiful bays, verdant Alpine slopes, hills and vineyards, olive groves and charming villages, famous castles. Provence is especially beautiful in summer, when its famous lavender fields.
Historical sites of Provence - the medieval port of Vieux Port in Marseille, the papal palace in Avignon and the Sainte-Benezet bridge. The Côte d'Azur also attracts tourists, including the famous resort cities of Nice, Saint-Tropez, Cannes and the Principality of Monaco. There are many villas of celebrities from all over the world and family estates of many royal families of Europe.
Camargue
The Camargue is a famous biosphere reserve in France. Its salty lakes are home to pink flamingos and over 300 species of migratory birds, water turtles and beavers. The famous white horses grazing in the flood meadows of the Camargue also live in this place.
Here is another interesting place- salt fields, which became the center of salt mining in antiquity and the Middle Ages. This region of untouched nature attracts creative people with its inhospitable but charming landscapes - salt marshes and reed marshes, deserted beaches and windswept gorges.
Reims - city of kings
Reims is one of the main historical centers France and her place of birth. It was in this place in 496 AD. converted to Christianity and was crowned on the throne of the first king of the Franks Clovis. After that, 25 French kings were anointed to the throne in Reims. Here is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Reims (1210-1275), in which the coronation took place. The cathedral, together with the archiepiscopal palace of Tho, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Loire Valley
The Loire River Valley in France is often called the Valley of Castles. There are about 60 beautiful architectural creations from different centuries on its territory: the gloomy citadels of Langeais and Chinon; the castles of Chenonceau (Castle of the Ladies), Chambord (originally built under the leadership of Leonardo da Vinci, the largest architectural complex in the valley) and Azay-le-Rideau of the Renaissance; classic Villandry; majestic the Royal Castle Blois (its four wings symbolize 4 epochs and 4 styles - gothic, late gothic, renaissance and classic); medieval royal castle of Amboise and other historical places.
Corsica island
The island of Corsica is known to the whole world primarily as the birthplace of Napoleon. But besides this, the island is magnificent in its natural beauty in unique combinations: rivers with multi-colored pebbles, granite rocks of the Gulf of Porto, quiet bays and underwater grottoes, the Agriata desert and walnut groves on the Castagniccia ridge, the mountainous oak valley of Guizzani and mountain lakes Agriat will be remembered for a long time by the guests of France.
France is by far the most romantic country in the world, famous for its history, culture, cuisine, numerous sights, ancient castles and excellent opportunities for relaxation.
You can come to France for a variety of reasons. Newlyweds tend to spend here, if not all Honeymoon, but at least one romantic weekend; couples with children - show kids wonderful world Disneyland Paris; shopping lovers - walk through the numerous boutiques with a wide selection of designer items; and fans of history - to appreciate the elegance ancient castles and palaces.
What is included in the mandatory list of a tourist who decides to visit France? Of course, a trip to Paris, with its Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. However, this is the most popular route, which is already familiar to many. It is worth visiting quiet provinces, for example, Bordeaux, famous for its vineyards, driving all over the Cote d'Azur, seeing the picturesque Chamonix Valley and other corners of this beautiful country that are not yet so crowded with tourists.
Be sure to take a closer look at French cuisine! Start breakfast with traditional croissants and coffee, try a light and delicious onion soup with baguette or croutons for lunch, and complete dinner with an obligatory glass of wine, without which the French do not sit down at the table, complement with snails, frog legs or oysters. Why not treat yourself, because French cuisine is truly the most popular and famous on our planet!
Believe me, France has something to surprise even the most spoiled and pretentious tourist. We will try to tell you about its most famous sights.
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What to see in France?
The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.
This is one of the best vacation spots in the world. The Cote d'Azur or the French Riviera stretches from the border with Italy to the city of Toulon and is incredibly famous all over the world. beautiful beaches, pleasant climate and comfortable conditions for recreation. The only negative of this coast mediterranean sea 300 kilometers long - very high prices for recreation and real estate.
Describing this cathedral, famous in the novel and musical Notre Dame de Paris, as well as in dozens of films and cartoons, is a thankless task. It is better to visit the most famous temple of France once and see its luxurious stained-glass windows, light vaults and the main relic - the Crown of Thorns of Jesus Christ. You will be one of the 14 million people who visit Notre Dame Cathedral every year.
A symbol of royalty, luxury and wealth. It is precisely such associations that Versailles evokes, without any doubt - the most popular and famous palace in the whole world. It is perfectly preserved, along with its French park, fountains, chic stucco and elegant furniture. So it seems that now Marie Antoinette will come out from behind the turn of the alley with the ladies-in-waiting, and the retinue of Louis the Sixteenth will burst into the huge hall.
This small town, where only about 50 thousand people live, is located very close, 60 kilometers south of Geneva. It is known for its lake, on the shore of which, in fact, it is located, as well as medieval castle, which has been turned into a museum right in the city center. There is also a Gothic church in Annecy and a palace on an island in the middle of the lake.
Yes, France has its own Colosseum! This arena is located, built in the first century AD in the city of Nimes, which is known for a huge number of old buildings that have survived from the time ancient rome. The amphitheater in Nimes is well preserved and is still used as a stage for concerts and other events.
This medieval ensemble is included in the UNESCO list. Behind the powerful walls, on a rocky hill, there is a real bastion with towers and old houses, which, however, are perfectly preserved and are still used for their intended purpose. The narrow streets of old Carcassonne are difficult to navigate, and some of them are entirely pedestrian.
The largest sand dune in Europe. From above, it looks like a huge sandy wave surging onto the green shore. Dune is located in Pyla, in Aquitaine, on the shores of the Arcachon Gulf. It is noteworthy that this giant shaft of sand moves five meters deep into the continent every year, displacing houses, trees and roads.
The pearl of the Cote d'Azur, the favorite place for exercise for all vacationers in Nice. This embankment got its name due to its popularity among tourists from England. Known for its luxury hotels, Mediterranean Palace, local university and wide beach. A walk along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice is an obligatory end to the day of every visitor to Nice.
The small town of Giverny in Upper Normandy became famous thanks to one of its natives - the artist Claude Monet. He lived here for more than 40 years, laid out a beautiful garden with a pond where lilies float and Japanese bridges. Today, Giverny hosts several festivals dedicated to painting and art, and the house with a garden has become a museum of Claude Monet.
Fans of snowboarding and skiing seek to get into the Chamonix valley. This is a relatively affordable vacation spot among the picturesque Alpine peaks. In addition, Mont Blanc is nearby, so the Chamonix Valley is also popular with climbers and rock climbers. A great place to stay almost on the border with Italy.
This monument commemorated the victories of the army of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Arc de Triomphe is located on Charles de Gaulle Square and is one of the business cards Paris. The arch is decorated with numerous bas-reliefs depicting winged maidens with fanfares. In the lower part, four sculptural groups are installed on both sides.
Initially, the Parisians took this too brutal, too metal, too modern building literally with hostility. They said that the Eiffel Tower simply disfigures the appearance of the city. And where are these critics now? But the tower stands in the center of the city, and has managed to become a symbol of Paris, the most photographed object in the world, the heroine of films and television shows.
This is the highest of all the surviving ancient Roman aqueducts, thrown across the Gardon River. Included in the UNESCO list, consists of three tiers with an increasing number of arches. It is assumed that the aqueduct was previously used to provide the city of Nimes with water, and today it is an interesting historical site that attracts crowds of tourists.
One of the most recognizable castles in France, a real masterpiece of the architectural art of the Renaissance. It is not known who exactly became the chief architect of Chambord Castle, but it is proved that Leonardo da Vinci himself took part in the development of the project. Today, on the second floor of the castle is the Museum of Hunting and Nature. The park around Chambord, surrounded by the longest wall in the country, is also perfectly preserved.
One of the largest European castles, which today has become the venue for the theater festival. Today, tourists can walk through almost all the numerous rooms of this castle, declared national museum. In addition, there is an archive of the local department and a quite modern conference room.
Another one of the castles of the Loire. This graceful building rightfully bears the second name "Lady's Castle", as it is distinguished by a very romantic aura and elegant turrets. In addition, Henry the Second presented this castle to his favorite Diane de Poitiers, and after the death of the king, his widow Catherine de Medici settled here, so there are enough famous mistresses near the castle. All the premises of the Chenonceau castle are perfectly preserved and accessible to tourists.
This is a very picturesque abbey located on an island off the northwest coast of France. Mont Saint-Michel is a real walled city perched on the rocks of a small island. Today, several dozen people live here, but the number of visitors reaches 3.5 million a year. This area is also known for the highest tides in Europe.
One of the largest, famous, oldest and famous museums in the world. The Louvre has a rich collection of masterpieces of art, both historical, from the time of Antiquity, and more modern. It is almost impossible to go around all the halls of the Louvre in one day, especially if you stop near each interesting exhibit.
In fact, these are not fields at all, but the central street of Paris, one of the most beautiful, greenest and, of course, famous in the city. The Champs-Elysées is traditionally divided into two parts - a shopping area, with boutiques, offices, banks, publishing houses of major newspapers, car dealerships and retail outlets, and a walking, park area.
At the same time, the longest and deepest gorge in France. Located in the Alps, in the southeastern part of the country. Usually people go to the Verdon Gorge by car to take pictures against the backdrop of incredible beautiful view, walk along the tourist paths with a backpack to the river of the same name that flows along its bottom.
France is a country that can be visited all year round, in any season. In summer, these are the beaches of the Cote d'Azur, in winter - ski resorts on the slopes of the Alps. In blooming spring you can visit various ancient towns and fortresses, and in rainy autumn you can hide in the halls of museums, palaces and art galleries.
Lovers can get lost in the Champs Elysees, walk through the Arc de Triomphe and take pictures against the background eiffel tower. And couples with children plunge into fairy world Disneyland.
France starts from Paris and Paris starts from the Eiffel Tower. It is hard to imagine that when it was first built, many criticized the tower for its terrible appearance and believed that the tower disfigures the general view of the city with its appearance.
Now it is difficult to imagine Paris without this world-famous symbol. Each visiting guest considers it his duty to capture himself against the background of it, as well as climb to its height and view the surroundings of the city from a bird's eye view.
Location: 5 - Avenue Anatole France.
No less popular among tourists is the Notre Dame Cathedral. Even if you have not read the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, you are unlikely to be familiar with at least one aria from the musical based on this work. Many are attracted by the place of this romantic and at the same time tragic history lovers.
However, even without literary fiction, the cathedral is shrouded in many legends and mystical stories. No wonder many tourists note that being near the building you experience inexplicable excitement.
Location: 6 - Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II.
No less popular in Paris are the Champs Elysees. This is a wide street stretching for two kilometers from Freedom Square to the Arc de Triomphe. Once upon a time there was an ordinary swamp and favorite place duck hunting kings. During the time of Marie de Medici, the surroundings were equipped and subsequently extended and ennobled more and more. And now it is a favorite place for walking, as for guests. French capital as well as for local residents.
Along the way you can admire historical buildings, shop in trendy boutiques, or drink coffee in restaurants where various historical figures spent their time. However, it is worth remembering that the prices there are far from low.
Location: 10 Avenue des Champs Elysées.
The Champs Elysees ends with the famous Arc de Triomphe. It is located on the so-called Star Square. It got its name due to the fact that 12 direct avenues of the capital depart from here in different directions of the city.
It was erected by order of Napoleon Bonaparte, who longed to conquer the world and laid the arch in honor of his military greatness.
The arch itself is decorated with bas-reliefs dedicated to various historical battles and is the greatest monument architecture. At its top there is an observation platform from which you can see the surroundings of Paris.
Location Place Charles de Gaulle.
Initially, the Louvre was a medieval castle founded in the 12th century, and later a palace for the French kings. It is currently global museum complex with a huge historical collection that is constantly updated. Here you can find paintings and drawings by famous artists, beautiful sculptures and decorative works, antiquities of various nationalities from different countries and many other cultural values.
Location Rue de Rivoli.
The famous coast stretches for several hundred kilometers and is the most famous French resort, which attracts both celebrities and ordinary citizens. Vacationers here find a pleasant mild climate and comfortable hotels. True, due to its popularity, prices here are not the cheapest.
From Paris, you can get here by high-speed train in 3-4 hours.
This is the most famous in the world and the greatest palace of the French kings, which still amaze with its scope and beauty. Most surprisingly, such beauty was born on swampy lands. Initially, it was a small village in the vicinity of which Henry IV hunted.
Many craftsmen and architects participated in the creation of the palace and the park, but the integrity of the complex does not suffer from this. On the contrary, it is saturated with elements of different eras over the course of two centuries, which betrays its diversity.
It was this palace that Peter I was inspired to create Peterhof.
It is a small town known for its the purest lake amazing turquoise color. Many tourists come here as a resort to relax and heal.
The city itself has retained its medieval spirit, which can be felt by walking along its narrow lanes and bridges and visiting the local castle.
There is a version that it was this amphitheater that served as the prototype for the famous Colosseum in Rome. It's not the best large building of the amphitheaters that have come down to our times, but one of the best preserved. Even on the backs of the chairs, the engraved names of the regular visitors who owned these places have been preserved. They can be seen in the local museum.
Location of the Boulevard des Arenes.
This is one of the largest and best preserved fortresses in France. Carcassonne is listed by UNESCO. Old city surrounded by three lines of walls. You can get inside through the central or lower gates. Entrance to the fortress is free, since all this is an ordinary urban area. But you will have to pay to visit the castle, which houses the city museum.
Surprisingly, in France, there is a piece of real desert, and quite large. The sand dune is 3 kilometers long and 1.5 meters wide, and its height is about 100 meters. She lies between the waves Atlantic Ocean and pine forest. In making this amazing scenery nature itself took part with the help of waves and winds.
Chamonix Valley - old and quite large ski resort located on the slopes of the Alps. Here is located the most high mountain Europe - Mont Blanc. For fans of conventional tourism, it is proposed to climb on a high-altitude cable car. For fans of extreme sports - to test their own strength and walk, albeit along the beaten path, but on their own for 4807 meters.
One of the largest and best preserved aqueducts from ancient Roman times passes through the Gardon River. The building is under the protection of UNESCO. It was built in the 1st century AD. It took five years to build this great building with the help of a thousand people. For a time, the aqueduct served as a bridge over the river, but for safety it was closed, and now it is a tourist place.
Location 400 - Route du Pont du Gard.
The magnificent castle, surrounded by a protected forest, with numerous towers and spiers, looks like a toy town from the outside. Its halls are not richly furnished, but you can admire its architecture. Leonardo da Vinci himself took part in the design of its tower stairs. Their design provides for several helical spans, along which two guests can climb without noticing each other.
In the middle of the 14th century, the city of Avignon was acquired by the Catholic Church to house the popes during their exile from Rome. At that time, a real war began against the Catholic priests in Italy, and the popes had to temporarily leave the borders of the Vatican.
The Avignon Palace looks like a real fortress, with many towers and intricate labyrinths of rooms. Therefore, an independent tourist is advised to purchase a guide with maps so as not to get lost.
Location of Place du Palais.
Chenonceau Castle, although it looks like a defensive structure, has never been one. It was built already during the Renaissance, so the nobility boasted in every possible way of their wealth and prosperity. With its beauty, it competed only with the Palace of Versailles.
Along the banks of the Loire river is located beautiful park with various ornamental and fruit plants and trees. The castle itself rises like a majestic ship, right on the river.
Despite the fact that the castle was in decline for some period, it retained its former beauty. And today it is one of the most popular places among tourists.
The Verdon Gorge is a beautiful combination of forests, sheer limestone cliffs and a river with the purest mountain water. The gorge is the largest canyon in Europe. There are no beaches here, but you can rent a boat and enjoy the amazing nature from its side. Or take a license in the town and go fishing. Extreme lovers can go climbing on steep walls or ride a bike on mountain paths. The beauty of nature is especially added by lavender fields blooming in spring on one side of the canyon.
Not only children, but also adults enjoy visiting the famous Disneyland in Paris. It occupies a very large territory and it is unlikely that it will be possible to run around everything in one day. Therefore, hotels have been built here for the most enthusiastic guests, and you can dedicate magical journey to Disneyland for a few days.
Also, for convenience, the territory is divided into thematic zones. And you can visit the Wild West, for example, or plunge into the world of cinema and animation. Here you will find unimaginable rides, exciting shows, and numerous shops where you can buy memorable souvenirs.
Thanks to the work of Alexandre Dumas, the Chateau d'If has its fans who are eager to see the cell where Edmond Dantes languished in prison for so many years. However, the castle itself has its dark history. It is located in the south of France on a separate island. At the beginning of its history, it was a haven for pirates and smugglers. Later, a ford post was built to protect against attacks from the sea. But throughout its history, the castle has never been attacked, thanks to which it has been well preserved.
The castle also had to visit a prison. Politically unreliable people were brought here, those who expressed their dissatisfaction with the existing government.
This is currently tourist place. Here you can see real cameras, just admire the surroundings sea views and overlooking the city of Marseille, sitting in a cafe.
France and its sights are known in every corner of the planet. This country has everything: unique architectural monuments, modern buildings, as well as picturesque natural corners. Comfortable hotels have been created for tourists in France, exclusive tourist routes accompanied by a professional guide. This article presents the main attractions in France. This information will help you make optimal route during tourist trip to this beautiful country.
1. Versailles
In the suburbs of Paris, in the small city of Versailles, one of the most popular attractions in France is comfortably located - a palace and park ensemble that bears the name of its city. It all started with a small hunting palace, which grew into the pinnacle of French architecture of the 17th century. Famous French architects Louis Leveau and Jules Hardouin-Mansart worked on the construction of the palace, and the court park was created under the strict guidance of the French landscape architect Andre Le Nôtre.
Versailles for many years remained the residence of the French monarchs. World Organization UNESCO in 1979 included this place in the World Heritage List.
2. Opera Garnier
In the 9th arrondissement of Paris, at the end of the Opera Avenue, there is a unique architectural structure which is now known as the Opéra Garnier. This is the main building of the Paris Opera and Ballet Theatre. The building was built in the era of the reign of Napoleon III and is made in the Beaux-Arts style.
The Opéra Garnier is one of the most famous opera and ballet theaters in the world. The theater building consists of a large front staircase, which is part of the stage, library, dance and theater foyer, theater hall, as well as a beautiful ceiling.
3. Disneyland Paris
32 kilometers east of Paris, in a beautiful and picturesque city Marne-la-Vallee is home to the famous entertainment complex - Disneyland, which was inaugurated in 1992. Disneyland Paris is made up of five themed sections that are comfortably arranged around the symbol of Disneyland, the Sleeping Beauty Castle. There are many attractions that attract fans of Disney cartoons from all over the world. More than 12 million people pass through the parks and attractions of Disneyland Paris every year. This the best place in France to visit with children.
4. Champs Elysees
The Champs Elysees is the central street of Paris and one of the most famous sights in France. Every day, more than one hundred thousand residents and guests of Paris pass along this street. The street originates at the Place de la Concorde and continues to the Arc de Triomphe.
The origin of the street is associated with ancient Greek mythology, according to which people pleasing to the gods live on the Champs Elesee after death. There is neither sorrow nor sickness here.
For the inhabitants of France, almost all military parades are associated with the Champs Elysees. The annual Tour de France cycling race ends on the Champs Elysees. Every tourist must visit here.
5. Louvre
The Louvre is the most famous Art Museum not only in France, but also abroad. It is excellently located in the center of Paris on the right bank of the Seine River. The museum is based on the building of the castle-fortress - the Great Tower of the Louvre, built in the 12th century. Over the centuries, the building of the modern Louvre has been repeatedly reconstructed and altered.
The grand opening of the doors of the Louvre to visitors took place on August 10, 1793. Within the walls of this famous landmark of Paris, expositions from almost all over the world are stored. All museum exhibits are divided into thematic sections.
6. Musee d'Orsay
Another popular attraction in France among lovers of art and culture is the museum. fine arts d'Orsay, which is excellently located opposite its "big brother" Louvre. This is the third most popular museum in Paris. The works of European masters of the era of impressionism and post-impressionism are stored here.
The Musée d'Orsay is located in the former building of the Gare d'Orsay. In 1986, the grand opening of the museum doors for the first visitors took place. Within its walls, in addition to visiting exhibitions, you can get to a performance or a concert. In addition, an annual festival is held here in honor of the origin of cinema.
7 Luxembourg Gardens
The palace and park ensemble of the Luxembourg Gardens is perfectly located in the heart of Paris. Previously, this garden was royal, but now it has become state. The building of the Luxembourg Palace houses the Senate and the second chamber of the French Parliament.
The Luxembourg Gardens is one of the most striking sights not only in Paris, but throughout France. Residents and guests of the city gather here every day to unwind and take a break from city worries. For lovers of miniatures, the Guignol theater was built in the park. Here you can also play various sports games and let the boats in the fountain in front of the palace facade.
8. Pantheon in Paris
The Pantheon is located in the Latin Quarter of the 5th district of Paris, in the former building of the Church of Saint Genevieve. This architectural monument was made in the style of French classicism by the architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, who took the Roman Pantheon as a model of work.
The Paris Pantheon is a kind of tomb of prominent people of France. At the entrance to the tomb, you can read the inscription, which translates as "Great people - a grateful Motherland." This is a very beautiful building, which is a must-see for a tourist while traveling in France.
9. Sacré-Coeur Basilica
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of the most recognizable religious sites in France. The temple is located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris on the highest mark of the city - Montmartre hill. The Russian name of the basilica is interpreted as "Church of the Heart of Christ".
Sacré-Coeur is a Roman-Byzantine-style Catholic church designed by French architect Paul Abadie. On the bell tower of the basilica, whose height is about 100 meters, is the largest bell in Paris - Savoyard, weighing just under 20 tons. Inside, the basilica is decorated with patterns of multicolored stained glass and monumental mosaics, made by the French artist Luc-Olivier Merson.
10. Abbey Saint-Victor
The Abbey of Saint Victor is located in French city Marseille at the burial place of the holy martyr Victor of Marseilles. This place is a monastery erected in the 5th century by St. John Cassian. He founded two monasteries of St. Victor - male and female. From these monasteries, only part of the wall, the script and the church remained. In 1840, the abbey received the status of a historical landmark and today is a popular tourist destination in France.
In 1968, the Abbey of Saint-Victor received a large collection of sarcophagi from the Museum of the Castle of Borely to be stored in a script, thanks to which it turned into a museum of Christian art.
11. Longchamp Palace and Park Ensemble
The palace and park ensemble of Longchamp is one of the main attractions of Marseille. For many years the city needed fresh water. And so, in honor of the completion of a large project for the construction of a water canal in the 19th century, this beautiful place appeared. The symbol of the complex is a fountain, about 10 meters high, one of the ten most beautiful fountains in the world. The Longchamp Palace is surrounded by museums on both sides: the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History.
12. Chateau d'If
Chateau d'If is located on the island of the same name in the Mediterranean Sea, just 4 kilometers from Marseille. The building was erected in the 16th century to defend the city and had the status of a fort. However, before the end of the century, the fort turned into a state prison in France. Only in the 19th century the fortification was turned into a national museum. An endless stream of tourists from all over the world brought this place the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo", which tells about the long years of the protagonist's life within the walls of the Chateau d'If.
13. Marseille Cathedral
Cathedral Marseille, or the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, is one of the oldest and largest cathedrals not only in France, but throughout Europe. The temple is made in a combination of several architectural styles at once: Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic.
The interior of the cathedral attracts the eye from the very first minutes of your stay in it. There are decorative patterns in marble, porphyry, and mosaics. The dimensions of the building are breathtaking; more than three thousand people can be accommodated here at the same time. This cathedral was built to emphasize the importance of Marseille for France, as the country's second city.
14. Verdon Gorge
The natural attractions of France amaze with their beauty, and the proof of this will be the Verdon Gorge, which is located in a heavenly place in Upper Provence. It combines bright colors of greenery and the purest emerald water. The gorge is the largest in Europe. Its depth is over 700 meters. Sheer cliffs are another decoration of the Verdon Gorge. To admire such beauties, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock here every year - romantics and extreme sports. The former find inspiration here, while the latter can shine in the conquest of sheer cliffs and improve their climbing skills.
15. Lavender fields
The symbol of French Provence is lavender, or rather, entire fields of this decorative purple plant. Lavender blooms from mid-June to late August. Therefore, if you plan to visit this incredibly beautiful place in France, you should choose the time of the trip within the indicated time intervals. Landscapes of lavender fields have always attracted a large number of connoisseurs beautiful nature. The city of Sol is official capital lavender fields. Here they stretch for several tens of kilometers, and it seems that this purple plantation goes straight to heaven.
16. Papal Palace in Avignon
In the south-east of France, in the commune of Avignon, there is a beautiful architectural monument - the Papal Palace. Avignon in medieval times was a papal city, and the palace was papal residence. This was due to the vague unrest in Rome. During the reign of Emperor Napoleon, military barracks and prisons were located in the palace building. At the beginning of the 20th century, the palace was renovated and made a national museum, and UNESCO included it in the World Heritage List.
17. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Fontaine de Vaucluse is located in the southeast of France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is a small settlement with about 700 people. The commune of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is named after the Vaucluse fountain, which in turn is the source of the river Sorgue, on whose banks the village is spread. The most famous attraction of the village is the source of the river Sorgue. Since ancient times, it has been considered divine. Fontaine de Vaucluse is a place little explored by tourists. That is why this French attraction attracts travelers from all over the world.
18. Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is an island fortress on the northwest coast of France. The Benedictine abbey located on the island annually attracts scenic spots about 2 million tourists from all over the world, which makes Mont Saint-Michel one of the most visited attractions in France. On the coast of the island there are ebbs and flows, unique in their beauty and grandeur. Many travelers come here to enjoy this breathtaking sight. In 1874, Mont Saint-Michel was recognized historical monument, and in 1979 UNESCO declared it a world heritage of mankind.
It is customary to get acquainted with France from Paris - the city of romance and love, freedom and bohemia. Of course, in the rest of France there are many noteworthy sights: flowering fields Provence, the splendor of the Alps, the luxurious castles of the Loire and Normandy, fine Bordeaux wines and amazing French cuisine. But this is only part of what makes it worth coming here. The list of the most visited places in France is based on the number of visitors per year.
1. Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral, located in the east of the Ile de la Cité, is the geographical center and heart of ancient Paris. Previously, in its place stood the first Christian church in Paris - the Basilica of St. Stephen, and it was preceded by a Halo-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter. 13.5 million people visit Notre Dame every year.
2. Palace and Forest of Fontainebleau
50 kilometers south of Paris is the famous town of Fontainebleau, which, together with the castle of the same name, is surrounded by a large forest area, occupying 25 thousand hectares. Wooded valleys and hills are interspersed with rocks and swamps overgrown with gorse and heather. The very first royal castle was built in Fontainebleau by Louis VII. Fontainebleau Palace, built at the beginning of the 16th century, is one of the largest in the country. The surrounding forest in former times served as royal hunting grounds for many French kings. The beauty of these places is so attractive that more than 13 million tourists come to Fontainebleau every year.
3. Disneyland
The most famous European Disneyland appeared in 1992 as a theme park, but in 2002 it underwent a significant expansion. Tourists love this huge park, which is one of the ten best Disneylands on the planet. It is located 32 kilometers east of Paris, in the town of Marne-la-Vallee. 12.8 million tourists come here every year.
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4. Flea market in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Ouen
This market appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, when junk dealers were forced to leave Paris to sell or exchange things found in piles of garbage. A lot of people come here and now a year to sell and buy unusual things: 11 million people a year.
5. Sacré-Coeur Basilica
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the Catholic gem of Paris. It was built in the years 1876-1910 according to the project of Abadi on the top of the Montmartre hill in a rare Roman-Byzantine style. This highest point Paris (130 m). Every year, 10.5 million travelers climb here.
6. Louvre
This is one of the most significant art museums in the world, taking the third place in terms of area. Former Royal Palace stands in the center of Paris, in the 1st Parisian arrondissement, on Rue Rivoli, on the right bank of the Seine. The Louvre was erected in the 12th century; its building itself is an architectural masterpiece. The museum has such an abundance of exhibits that you can even see them briefly in just a few days. Here is the famous "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci and many other world masterpieces. 8.3 million people visit the Louvre every year.
7. Palace of Versailles
20 kilometers from the capital in the town of Versailles, the French kings built for themselves a luxurious palace and park complex. The first modest hunting lodge was erected here in 1624 by Louis XIII. Later, until the revolution itself, Versailles remained a favorite royal residence. UNESCO included this palace and park complex in its list world heritage. The luxurious layout and scale of the complex make it one of the most famous palaces in the world. Up to 7 million tourists come to Versailles every year.
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8. Eiffel Tower
This is still the tallest building in France with an openwork metal frame has long been the most recognizable Parisian landmark. It was built in 1889 by world exhibition engineer Gustav Eiffel. Since then, a stream of tourists seeking to admire the tower from below or the panorama of Paris from its observation deck, does not decrease. The height of this elegant structure is 324 meters. More than 6.7 million people come here every year.
9. Center Pompidou
In the 4th arrondissement of Paris, in the Beaubourg quarter, there is a rather modern Cultural Center named after former French President Georges Pompidou. It was he who initiated the opening of this center in 1977. There is a large library, the Museum of Modern Art, exhibition and concert halls, as well as the Institute for the Coordination and Research of Music and Acoustics. 6.6 million people visit the center every year.
10. Verdon Gorge
800 kilometers south of Paris is the 25-kilometer Canyon du Verdon, which is the largest in Europe. In this deep rocky gorge, you can see wonderful scenery and bright turquoise water. If you continue your journey a little further south, you can find yourself on the French Riviera. Along the bottom of the canyon, the bed of the Verdon River repeats its bends. Not only tourists come to this natural attraction to see and admire the surrounding views, but no less can be found here and lovers active rest. On the river, kayaks and kayaks are arranged here, in more quiet places bathe, and climbers master the local sheer cliffs.
11. Mont Saint-Michel
This is the name of a rocky island in the north-west of France, connected to the mainland by a special dam. This island was turned into a fortress when a Benedictine abbey in the Gothic style was built on it, merging with the city and the island into a single landscape and architectural ensemble. The fortifications erected on the island date back to the 8th century. At the top of the island there is a beautiful medieval castle, which served as a dungeon for a long time, and now travelers from all over the world love to visit it. Below the monastery is a medieval village.
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12. Cote d'Azur
The Cote d'Azur is a coastal Mediterranean strip stretching from the city of Saint-Tropez to Monaco. This place is strongly associated with elitism, fabulous wealth and luxury. Otherwise, it is called the French Riviera, which then continues with the Italian Riviera. Since the 19th century côte d'azur gradually became a popular destination in Europe for recreation and treatment. Thanks to the Russian tsars, Nice flourished, the film festival made Cannes famous, and it became fashionable to satisfy the excitement in the Monte Carlo casino. Here everyone strives to puff out their wealth by competing in the coolness of villas and yachts, and this is not considered shameful.
13. French Alps
In french alps ah there are many prestigious ski resorts. One of these is Annecy, which appeared next to the castle of the XIV century. The town of Annecy has many canals, thanks to which it is called the "Venice of Savoy".
14. Strasbourg
The subject of the eternal dispute between France and Germany - Strasbourg after the last war was assigned to the French. But passing from hand to hand over the centuries, he absorbed the culture of both countries - in the lifestyle of the townspeople and in the architectural appearance of the city, German solidity and French charm are visible. It is especially pleasant to walk along the picturesque embankment, along the rows of neat brick and wooden houses, admire the flower beds and planters that adorn the whole city.
15. Provence
This is a distinctive historical region of France, famous for its fields blooming lavender, enticing enchanting aroma. There are many magnificent landscapes in Provence, juicy green hills, on the tops of some of which old villages shelter, sharp sheer cliffs. The provincial life of Provence is still measured and unhurried, which is why it is so tempting to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature here.
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16. Courchevel
In the depths of the French Alps is a major ski resort designed for the cream of society. It has over a hundred slopes of descent with different levels of difficulty, which serve 60 lifts. The height difference of the slopes here reaches 1600 meters. In addition to the most beautiful mountain landscapes, here you can count on first-class service. It will not surprise anyone here if you have to see a world movie or sports star in the queue for the lift. The surroundings of Courchevel are among the most beautiful places in France.
17. Loire Valley
In the valley of this French river there are many magnificent castles and gardens, which are taken under the protection of UNESCO. Forests here alternate with rural landscapes, vineyards with mansions reflected in the mirrors of the lakes. Especially popular among tourists are castles such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny, which are not only fabulously beautiful, but also have an interesting history.
18. Marseille
Marseille is the main port of France. He has incredible rich story. Due to the fact that this is an international port, a multicultural atmosphere has long been felt here. In 2013 it was his turn to become cultural capital European Union. Historians, artists and poets roam the old Marseille streets with pleasure. Tourists love to visit local museums and look at urban architecture. Gourmets can enjoy the variety of Marseille cuisine in local restaurants.
19. Corsica
This island in the Mediterranean now belongs to France and lies between her and Italy. On this peculiar island you can find many wild beaches great to relax with family. The most famous Corsican was Napoleon Bonaparte.
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20. Biarritz
On the coast of the Bay of Biscay in France is the city of Biarritz. Emperor Napoleon III once rested in it, who built a villa here for Empress Eugenia in the style of architecture from the times of the Third Republic. In the 20th century, various presidents and celebrities rested at this resort. The famous operatic bass Fyodor Chaliapin also had his own villa there. IN last years the magnificent waves of the Atlantic attract surfers from all over the world to Biarritz.
21. Champagne
This region of France has become famous as the birthplace of sparkling wines, namely champagne. Not surprisingly, numerous vineyards predominate here. But besides them, there are also places where you can try local wines, such as Epernay, as well as historical cities Troyes and Reims.
22. Saint-Tropez
Small, but very famous and revered especially in Western Europe the town of Saint-Tropez is flooded with crowds of vacationers every summer. But even in the off-season, it is worth a look here. It is here that numerous yachts compete with their luxury. Here you can leisurely walk along the cobbled streets, moving from beach to beach, admiring the surrounding landscapes. It is curious to look at the luxurious La Ponche hotel, at least from the outside, where famous guests usually stay.
23. Chamonix
In this Alpine French city in 1924, the Winter Olympic Games were held for the first time. Since then, there, among the magnificent mountains flourish winter views sports: cross-country skiing and skiing, snowboarding, climbing. Professional athletes come to Chamonix, it is no coincidence that it has become the European capital extreme entertainment. But even not dashing slalomists or experienced climbers will find it interesting here, for example, to ride a funicular and take in the magnificent landscape from a bird's eye view.
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24. Normandy
This historical area France is located on its northern coast. Here, two worlds seem to collide: the stormy waters of the English Channel and the bright green of the coast. Normandy has a long and very interesting story which is very interesting to study. It is here that the wonderful city-island of Mont Saint-Michel is located, the Gothic temples of ancient Rouen, here you can try a real Neuchâtel and Norman Camembert. There are also consonant Channel Islands, but they belong to Great Britain.
25. Chambord Castle
Perhaps Chambord is the most recognizable castle in Europe. This unique building has features of Renaissance architecture. This castle was built during the time of Francis I. Some researchers suggest that Leonardo da Vinci himself, who at that time was at the court of the French monarch, could take part in the design of the castle. He designed a staircase that allows you to climb to the very top of the castle, from where you can see all the details of the roof of the castle and the estate surrounding it.