Historic sites in France
1. Palace of Versailles
Few historic sites in France showcase the opulence and grandeur of King Louis XIV as the Palace of Versailles, once the residence of this famous monarch and former seat of the French Government.
Photo by zoonabar (cc)
An imposing rocky outcrop in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is the site of a stunning Romanesque Abbey, medieval church and historic battlements. It is one of the more picturesque historic sites in France.
Photo by misotonnkotu (cc)3. Nimes Arena
Nimes Arena is amongst the best preserved Roman historic sites in France, if not the world and is arguably better preserved than even the Colosseum in Rome.
Photo by Wolfgang Staudt (cc)4. Somme battlefields
The Somme battlefields are one of the most tragic historic sites in France. They are made up of a series of sites where the Battle of the Somme was fought during World War I.5. Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral is a gothic cathedral originally built in the 12th century in Paris and one of the most iconic historic sites in France.
Photo by Henry_Marion (cc)6. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is on pretty much any list of top attractions in France. This vast iron monument was completed in 1889 and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Photo by Omarukai (cc)7. Abbaye Saint-Victor
Marseille is home to many medieval historic sites in France including Abbaye Saint-Victor, an 11th century abbey with a fascinating crypt.
Photo by acor-cannes (cc)8. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a fortified town in France with a history dating back to before the Roman era. It is one of the UNESCO listed historic sites of France.
Photo by lorentey (cc)9. La Maison Carrée
The Maison Carrée in Nîmes is a staggeringly well preserved Roman temple, and one of the best-preserved examples of Roman historic sites in France or anywhere in the world.
Photo by bani 31 (cc)10. The Catacombs of Paris
Among the creepier historic sites in France are the Paris Catacombs, a set of underground quarries housing around six million human skeletons dating back to the 18th century.11. Chateau d’If
Chateau d’If was a sixteenth century island fortress turned notorious prison. Like many historic sites in France and around the world, it is the setting for a novel, in this instance The Count of Monte Cristo.12. Grotte de Font de Gaume
One of several prehistoric sites in France granted World Heritage status, Grotte de Font de Gaume is a prehistoric cave in Les Eyzies containing a series of paintings from this period.
Photo by Tracey and Doug (cc)13. Schoenenbourg Maginot Line fort
The Schoenenbourg Maginot Line fort was one of a network of forts built on the French-German border after World War I. It is among the most fascinating military historic attractions in France.
Photo by janebelindasmith (cc)14. Arc de Triomphe
This iconic 19th century Parisian landmark commemorates those who fought for the nation and is one of the top landmarks in France.
Historical sites in France: Site Index
Abbaye aux Hommes
The Abbaye aux Hommes is an 11th century Romanesque abbey church in Caen, Normandy, known for being William the Conqueror’s gravesite.
Photo by @lain G (cc)Agincourt Battlefield
Agincourt Battlefield is one of the most famous historic sites in France relating to the Hundred Years’ War, when it was the site of an important English victory over the French.
Photo by openroads.com (cc)Aisne-Marne American Cemetery
This is a US World War I cemetery and the site of the Battle of Belleau Wood. It is one of many historic places in France commemorating this period in history.
Photo by jinterwas (cc)Alesia
Amongst the most important Roman historic sites in France is Alesia, the place where Julius Caesar defeated the Gauls in 52 BC.
Photo by carolemadge1 (cc)Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls
Whilst not the best preserved of historical sites in France, the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls was a 1st century Roman amphitheatre in Lyon.
Photo by austinevan (cc)Arch of Germanicus
The Arch of Germanicus was built in 19AD to honour Emperor Tiberius, his son Drusus and his adopted son Germanicus. It is one of the many historic sites in France dating to the Roman period.Arenes de Lutece
One of the lesser known but relatively important historic sites in France is Arenes de Lutece, an ancient Roman amphitheatre in Paris. Sadly, it is not as well preserved as other such sites.
Photo by burge5k (cc)Arles Amphitheatre
Arles Amphitheatre is a UNESCO listed Roman built sports arena and among the best preserved historic sites in France from this period. In fact, it is still in use today.
Photo by M_WalzEriksson (cc)Arles Archaeological Museum
The Arles Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of prehistoric and Ancient Roman artefacts, particularly from historical sites in France located in this region.
Photo by ellevalentine (cc)Arles Roman Theatre
Arles Roman Theatre is one of many historic sites in France constructed during the reign of the Emperor Augustus.
Photo by Carlton Browne (cc)Autun Cathedral
Autun Cathedral is a medieval church renowned for its decorations by famous French sculptor, Gislebertus.
Photo by chelmsfordblue (cc)Avenue des Champs Elysees
The Avenue des Champs Elysees is a famous Parisian route dating back to the 17th century and one of the most popular tourist sites in France.
Photo by buggolo (cc)Basilica of St Denis
The Basilica of St Denis was the site where French monarchs were buried until the French Revolution and a stunning example of the ecclesiastical historic sites in France.
Photo by kyllercg (cc)Basilica of St Sernin
The Basilica of St Sernin in Toulouse is a medieval church on a famous pilgrimage route and among the illustrious list of UNESCO-listed historic sites in France.
Photo by chantrybee (cc)Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouviere
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouviere is an iconic 19th century basilica in Lyon.
Photo by Rob Alter (cc)Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
The Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum traces the events of this famous World War II battle and is a good place to discover the background of many of the historic sites in France relating to this historic episode.
Photo by iamkaspar (cc)Big Red One Assault Museum
The Big Red One Assault Museum looks at the history of the US First Infantry Division in this conflict and is one of many World War II historic sites in France located in Normandy.Bordeaux Amphitheatre
These spectacular ruins are all that remain of what was once a grand amphitheatre; the centre of entertainment in a bustling Roman town.
Photo by GFreihalter (cc)Chateau de Chambord
Chateau de Chambord is a beautiful French Renaissance palace situated on the Loire river, which is now one of France’s most popular historic homes.
Photo by bortescristian (cc)Chateau de Malmaison
Chateau de Malmaison was once the home of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is among the tourist sites in France located near Paris.
Photo by Joaquín Martínez Rosado (cc)Chateau-Thierry American Monument
The Chateau-Thierry American Monument is an American memorial and one of the best known commemorative World War I historic sites in France.
Photo by NorthJoe (cc)
Cimetière Chinois de Nolette is among the lesser known World War I commemorative historic sites in France and stands in honour the Chinese workers who contributed to the war effort.Constantine Baths - Arles
The Constantine Baths in Arles are a good example of the Roman historic attractions in France. Built in the 4th century, they remain well preserved.
Photo by PhillipC (cc)Crypte Archeologique - Paris
The Crypte Archeologique is a subterranean museum housing the remains of Gallo-Roman Paris. It is a fascinating place yet among the more hidden historic sites in France.Douaumont Ossuary
One of the more imposing monuments in France is the Douaumont Ossuary, which commemorates fallen soldiers from the Battle of Verdun. It holds the bones of 130,000 French and German soldiers.
Photo by ** Maurice ** (cc)
The Dunkirk Cemetery and Memorial commemorate the commonwealth troops that fought there in both World Wars.
The Dunkirk War Museum tells the story of the famous World War II allied evacuation of Dunkirk and offers a good introduction to the historic sites in France relating to this famous event.Etaples Military Cemetery
The Etaples Military Cemetery is a commonwealth cemetery built on the former site of a WW1 military hospital.
Photo by Charles D P Miller (cc)Fort Douaumont
Fort Douaumont was one of the strongest, most state of the art forts in France at the time of the First World War. Like many historic places in France, it was destroyed during World War I, in the Battle of Verdun.
Photo by Wolfgang Staudt (cc)Fort Saint Jean
This 17th century fort in Marseille was later used as a prison during the French Revolution. It is among the defensive historic sites in France found in this area.
Photo by couscouschocolat (cc)Fort Saint Nicholas
Fort Saint Nicholas was built in the 17th century to quell an uprising in Marseille.
Photo by couscouschocolat (cc)Fort Vaux
Fort Vaux was a 19th century fortress and one of the historical sites in France occupied by the Germans in the Battle of Verdun.
Photo by Ryan Scott (cc)Glanum
Glanum is an extensive archaeological site of a former Roman settlement near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It is one of the ancient historic sites of France.
Photo by Fabrice Terrasson (cc)Gold Beach Museum
The Gold Beach Museum tells the story of one of the D-Day Landings.
Photo by santanartist (cc)Grand Roman Theatre of Lyon
One of several Roman historic sites in France located here, The Grand Roman Theatre of Lyon dates back to the late 1st century BC.
Photo by Jeff Marquis (cc)Grotte des Combarelles
Grotte des Combarelles is a cave in southwest France with prehistoric paintings.
Photo by melissa.delzio (cc)Historial de la Grande Guerre
For things to see in France relating to the social effects of World War I, Historial de la Grande Guerre is a museum near the site of the Battle of the Somme which looks at the conflict from a different perspective.
Photo by yannick_vernet (cc)
The Horreum in Narbonne are a series of 1st century underground tunnels. It is one of the lesser known historic sites in France.Jardin des Vestiges
Among the ancient historic places in France is the Jardin des Vestiges. This archaeological site in Marseilles houses the ruins of the Greek and Roman port.
Photo by maarjaara (cc)Jumieges Abbey
A picturesque Norman abbey which was partly destroyed during the French Revolution, Jumièges ranks among the most beautiful ruins in France.
Photo by stephanemartin (cc)La Conciergerie
La Conciergerie in Paris is a former palace turned prison which now serves as a museum and government building. Like some other historic sites in France, it has a somewhat sinister past relating to the French Revolution.
Photo by spamdangler (cc)Le Memorial at Caen
Le Memorial at Caen is a history museum dedicated to World War II and other conflicts. It offers tours to nearby military historic sites in France.
Photo by Geert Orye (cc)Le P’tit Train de la Haute Somme
This is a reconstruction of the supply line used by allied forces during World War I and is just one of many tourist sites in France relating to this conflict.
Photo by openroads.com (cc)Les Alyscamps - Arles
Les Alyscamps was a Roman necropolis which now houses a collection of crowded medieval sarcophagi.
Photo by M_WalzEriksson (cc)Les Invalides
Les Invalides was originally built by Louis XIV as a hospital for ailing soldiers and is famed among historic sites in France as the place where Napoleon was laid to rest.
Photo by vigour (cc)Lochnagar Crater
This vast crater was left by an explosion which signalled the start of the Battle of the Somme. It is one of a circuit of things to do in France relating to this famous battle.
Photo by sisaphus (cc)Longues-sur-Mer Gun Battery
The Longues-sur-Mer Gun Battery was a World War II German defensive battery. It is one of many military historic sites in France, particularly in Normandy.
Photo by Gilles Messian (cc)
Many historic places in France were left utterly abandoned after World War I and Louvemont is a good example of this. Once a French village, it has been unoccupied since the Battle of Verdun.Lyon Cathedral
Lyon Cathedral was constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries and is renowned among ecclesiastical historic sites in France for its astronomical clock.
Photo by genevieveromier (cc)Lyon Gallo-Roman Museum
This museum displays exhibits relating to the city’s time under the Roman Empire. It is among the popular historic attractions in France located in Lyon.
Photo by jimg944 (cc)
Definitely among the hidden historic sites of France, the Lyon Roman Baths were built in the 2nd or 3rd century.
The Marseille History Museum chronicles the city’s history since Ancient Greek times. It offers a good overview of the story of many of the historic sites in France in Marseille.
This museum has a collection of artefacts from Marseille’s thriving ancient port.
This site commemorates the suffering of those persecuted by the Nazis in Marseille during World War II.Monument aux Girondins
Monument aux Girondins is a fountain in Bordeaux commemorating the Girondists of the French Revolution. It is one of the historical sites in France which is viewable at all times.
Photo by bobfamiliar (cc)
Located in Bordeaux, this is a museum of the archaeology and history of the region.
Located in a region with many of the prehistoric tourist sites in France, this museum contains pieces dating back as far as 70,000 years ago.Musee Airborne
Musee Airborne is a museum dedicated to the Normandy Landings of 1944. It is among many World War II historic sites in France found in Normandy.
Photo by Gilles Messian (cc)
This museum explores the history of France’s Jewish community.Musee de Cluny
Musee de Cluny is the national medieval museum in Paris and also houses one of the ancient Roman historic sites in France, a set of ancient baths.
Musee de la Reddition is the site where Germany surrendered in World War II, making it one of the most important - yet relatively unknown - historic sites in France relating to this famous conflict.Musee du Louvre
One of the best places to visit in France for stunning exhbitis of art and history is Musee du Louvre. This 12th century fort turned palace and today stands as one of the world’s foremost art museums.
Musee National de Prehistoire is one of the most comprehensive historical attractions in France relating to the nation’s prehistoric past.
Photo by (cc)
located amidst a range of impressive historic sites in France, the Museum of Orange displays mostly Roman, but also prehistoric, artefacts found in the region.Narbonne Archaeological Museum
This museum displays a range of ancient Roman artefacts.
Photo by Vicburton (cc)
The Newfoundland Memorial is the best surviving trench system from World War I and commemorates the efforts of the 1st Battalion of the Canadian Newfoundland Regiment. It is among many historic places in France dedicated to commemorating casualties from the World Wars.
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II graveyard with a visitor centre. It is one of the well known Second World War historic sites of France located in this region.
The Odeon of Lyon is a well-restored Ancient Roman theatre and one of the UNESCO World Heritage historic sites in France.
Oise-Aisne American Cemetery is a World War I cemetery and memorial containing the grave of 6,012 American soldiers who lost their lives in this conflict.
The Omaha Beach Museum chronicles the largest of the D-Day Landings. It is among the most well known World War II historic sites in France located in Normandy.
As the main courthouse in Paris, the Palais de Justice is not technically one of the tourist things to do In France, but is historically important as the former court of the Revolutionary Tribunal.
Part palace part fort, Palais de Papes in Avignon was the 14th century seat of the papal court and is one of the more imposing ecclesiastical historic sites in France.
Palais du Tau in Reims was where French monarchs would prepare for and celebrate their coronations. It is one of several historic attractions in France in this area awarded UNESCO status.
Pegasus Bridge in Normandy was captured by British forces at the start of D-Day, the Allied invasion of France.Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris is the resting place of many famous figures of French and other nationalities. It is quite popular among places to visit in France.
Photo by extranoise (cc)Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde was where King Louis XVI and many others were executed in the French Revolution. It is one of a trail of famous historic sites in France set around Paris.
Photo by nhosko (cc)
The Pointe Du Hoc Memorial is located on one of the sites of the Normandy Landings. It is among the World War II commemorative historic sites of France.Pont du Gard
Among the most arresting of the Roman historic sites in France is Pont du Gard, a famous ancient bridge and aqueduct once used to supply Nimes with water.
Photo by Wolfgang Staudt (cc)Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris and one of the most famous tourist sites in France.
Photo by stephanemartin (cc)
One of the major World War I historic sites in France is Pozieres, which was the site of an important battle between Allied and German forces in 1916, forming the first part of the Battle of the Somme.
Of the historical sites in France, Reims Cathedral has one of the strongest links with the French royal family, having been the setting of its royal coronations. It is a World Heritage site.Remains of the Bastille
Among the least well known historic sites in France is the location of the remains of the Bastille prison, which can be viewed at Square Henri Galli in Paris.Rocamadour Shrine
The Rocamadour Shrine is an 11th to 13th century holy complex in the south and one of the Christian historic sites in France which attracts pilgrims from around the world.
The Roman Amphitheatre in Saintes was built in the 1st century in the Roman settlement of Mediolanum Santonum.
Whilst Vienne’s Roman Circus is not one of the historic sites in France to have survived intact, its Roman Pyramid, once its centrepiece, can still be seen today.
One of the best-preserved Roman historic sites in France is the 1st century Roman Theatre of Orange. UNESCO listed.
The Rouffignac Caves house a myriad of Palaeolithic paintings. They are one of the historic sites in France listed under the World Heritage category of the cave paintings of the Vézère Valley.
Saint-Remi Abbey in Reims houses the tomb of Saint Remi. This is one of many medieval World Heritage historical sites in France.Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle is a stunning 13th century gothic church, home to the oldest wall painting in Paris and one of the top tourist sites in France.
Photo by inoc (cc)
Those looking for places to go in France to track the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela can visit Sainte-Foy Abbey in Conques, which was one of the stopping off points.
Salses Fortress is an impressive medieval fortress in Plateau de Rousillon and one of the Spanish-built historical sites in France.
The St Nicholas Mine was once the most productive silver and lead mine in the commune of Steinbach. It is arguably one of the most important mining historic sites in France.
St-Trophime Church in Arles renowned for its Romanesque architecture. UNESCO listed.
Sword Beach was one of the five historic sites in France where the Normandy D-day Landings took place in World War II.Temple of Augustus and Livia
The Temple of Augustus and Livia is a very well preserved Roman temple in Vienne. It is one of the historic sites in France which is viewable for free.
Photo by maarjaara (cc)
The Temple of Diana is a Roman site in Nimes whose ultimate purpose remains a mystery.
The Bastille was a prison stormed in 1789, sparking the French Revolution. Nothing remains at its original location, but it is still among the significant historic sites of France and is marked by a monument.
One of the top tourist sites in France for fans of the Norman period is the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, home of the famous embroidered account of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
This is a memorial to French soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme.
Reims is home to a few Roman historic sites in France, including The Cryptoporticus, which is a very well preserved 3rd century AD passageway.
The Franco Australian Museum in the Picardie region explores the contributions and experiences of Australian troops in World War I.
The Gier Aqueduct near Lyon served its Roman counterpart, Lugdunum. Reconstructed along the roadside, this is a great example of historic sites in France which can be viewed at all times.
Among the commemorative monuments in France is The Joan of Arc Memorial Cross, which is dedicated to the Catholic saint and military heroine at the site where she was burnt at the stake.
The Juno Beach Centre explores the history of the Canadian forces in World War II.
The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs are a trio of reconstructed 1st century burial chambers. Whilst probably some of the least well-known historic sites in France, they are also free to view.
One of many historic sites in France built under the Emperor Augustus, the Magne Tower in Nimes is a well preserved remnant of the Roman fortifications.
The Merville Gun Battery is a former German fortification neutralised by the Allies on D-Day. It is one of several such World War II historic sites in France.The Pantheon - Paris
The Pantheon in Paris is a neo-classical church completed in 1789. Whilst rarely at the top of tourist sites in France, this church is beautifully decorated and its crypt interns many famous French figures.
The Pegasus Bridge Museum in Normandy is dedicated to the British 6th Airborne Division, the first Allied troops to land on D-Day. It is among many World War II historic sites in northern France.
The Somme 1916 Museum explores the realities of this infamous First World War battle.Thiepval Memorial
The Thiepval Memorial is a Commonwealth memorial dedicated to over 72,000 servicemen who died in the Somme region during WWI.
Photo by MikeFitz (cc)
The Toulon National Maritime Museum houses exhibits relating to the city’s naval history.
The Triumphal Arch of Orange is a first century Roman arch built during the reign of Augustus. It is one of the many ancient historic sites in France found in this area.
The Tropaeum Alpium, also known as Trophee des Alpes or the Trophy of Augustus, is a Roman monument dedicated to the Emperor Augustus.
The Ulster Memorial Tower in France is a memorial to the men of Ulster who fought and gave their lives in World War I. Made to look like St Helen’s Tower in County Down, this ranks among the more distinctive of commemorative historic sites in France.
This memorial is located at the place where the US 4th Infantry Division landed on D-Day and is one of five such historic sites in France where the Allies landed on that day.Verdun Memorial
The Verdun Memorial is a comprehensive museum of the Battle of Verdun and a memorial to fallen soldiers.
Photo by Wolfgang S (cc)Vezelay Basilica
Vezelay Basilica is a 12th century Romanesque church. It is famed among the ecclesiastical historic sites in France as being said to have housed Mary Magdalene’s relics.
Photo by aurélien. (cc)Vienne Cathedral
Vienne Cathedral was constructed over a long period, starting in the 11th century and up to the 16th.
Photo by tm-tm (cc)Vienne Roman Theatre
Vienne Roman Theatre is a first century theatre said to have once been amongst the largest in Gaul. It is one of the historic sites in France which is still used today, now for festivals and shows.
Photo by TyB (cc)Vimy Ridge Memorial
The Vimy Ridge Memorial commemorates the more than 60,000 Canadians who lost their lives in th First World War.
Photo by Loimere (cc)Vis-En-Artois Cemetery
Vis-En-Artois Cemetery is a World War I burial site in France’s Pas de Calais region.
No comments:
Post a Comment