This imposing memorial, standing at the end of a vast cemetery, pays tribute to the Australian soldiers who perished during the Great War. It was in Villers-Bretonneux that they finally halted the German offensive in April 1918. Anzac Day is commemorated there every year in April. http://www.visit-amiens.com/tourinsoft/details/en_patrimoineculturel/PCUPIC0800011124/PCU
Tourists who come to Bordeaux generally marvel at the beautiful buildings lining the quays before seeing anything else. However, many of them are unaware that the historic heart of Bordeaux is located behind the 18th century Place de la Bourse. https://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/Discover-Bordeaux/Must-See/THE-SAINT-PIERRE-DISTRICT
Place de la Concorde is situated at the end of the Champs-Elysées. Today it is famous for the Luxor Obelisk (a 3,300 year old Egyptian obelisk erected on the square in October 1836), the surrounding prestigious hotels, and the two monumental fountains (Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves). Created in 1772, Place de la Concorde was originally known for having been an execution site during the French Revolution. Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette (among others) were guillotined here. Between 1836 and 1846 the architect Jacques-Ignace Hittorf redesigned the square to become what it is today. https://en.parisinfo.com/transport/90907/Place-de-la-Concorde
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is the most visited monument in France. It was built in the Middle Ages, at the far end of the Île de la Cité. Work started in the 13th century and finished in the 15th century. Badly damaged during the French Revolution, the cathedral was restored in the 19th century by the architect Viollet-le-Duc. Its many visitors come to admire its stained glass and rose windows, the towers, the steeple and the gargoyles. They can also discover the Notre-Dame treasury and have a go at climbing the towers to enjoy a panoramic view of Paris. In 2013, Notre-Dame is celebrated its 850th anniversary. For this occasion, many events were organized and the cathedral renewed its bells with the arrival of eight new bells as well as a new great bell. Road distances from Paris in France are calculated from point 0 on the cathedral forecourt. https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71475/Cathedrale-Notre-Dame-de-Paris-et-son-tresor
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Remi Basilica is a collection of history and art which should not be missed. The 11th century Romanesque nave was lengthened by two transepts at the end of the 12th century to render it accessible to a greater number of pilgrims. At the same time, the facade was reconstructed, while a choir ambulatory and radiating chapels were created. While the Gothic style is apparent in these transformations, they in no way altered the homogeneity and serenity of the church. It contains Saint Remi's tomb, a collection of 12th century stain-glass windows and a Cattiaux grand organ, inaugurated in the year 2000. https://www.reims-tourism.com/basilique-saint-remi/reims/pcu0000000000733
In Breton, troménie means ‘walk around a sacred place’. The troménie in Locronan takes place every six years (next issue in July 2019) and is a totally unique event. Every time, thousands of people, some dressed in traditional costume, take part in the 12 km procession. http://www.brittanytourism.com/to-see-to-do/events/brittany-s-main-events/tromenie-de-locronan-8-july-2018
This lovely, long, family-friendly beach in the village of Plonévez-Porzay has a magnificent view over the town and bay of Douarnenez and the cliffs of the Crozon peninsula. http://www.brittanytourism.com/to-see-to-do/beaches-and-seaside-activities/beaches/plage-de-kervel2
The centerpiece of the medieval city wall, the Dinan castle is at the heart of an ambitious project highlighting the remarkable architecture of this princely residence. The building brings together three elements united in the sixteenth century. https://www.france-voyage.com/cities-towns/dinan-5086/castle-dinan-5253.htm
The Dinan Rail Museum has been open to the public since 1989 and welcomes nearly 5,000 visitors each year. The museum is spread over 4 large rooms, video projections, static and dynamic collections of scale models will immerse you in the heart of the history of rail.
Since its creation in 1983, the association of friends of the Dinanne rail has brought together enthusiasts of the railroad and railway model making (some often merging with the others). This museum is the fruit of their unconventional love for the railway heritage of their region.
The visit lasts approximately 45 minutes and can continue with the discovery of Dinan, a medieval city. The city has a park: the Val Cocherel garden - equipped for picnics with the family (tables, games, toilets ...). The museum staff will provide you with any information on this subject. http://www.museedurail-dinan.com/
The main historic site is the Baroque church of the village which has a tall square bell tower and inside there are some frescos and paintings by Paul Mathieu Novellini in a style which is typically Corsican. http://www.corsicatravelguide.com/places/piana.php
Aristocrat's houses and the ruins of its castle and the Saint-Michel keep, a square tower from the 14th century. http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/tourism-provence/cucuron
Near The Rosier agency and Gordes Castle, in the village center towards the theater terraces and the 'belvedère', a monumental church is found devoted to San Fermin, a bishop of the sixth century. http://uk.rosier.pro/details-saint+firmin+church+in+gordes+walking+distance+from+rosier+real+estate-2723.html
Cave dwelling-like halls, cisterns, underground stairways, olive oil mills, etc, built up and fitted out over the centuries in a big house called the "Palais Saint Firmin".
Listed as a Historic Monument. http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/monuments/cellars-palais-saint-firmin
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours is dedicated to the first bishop of the city and is a 'must-see' when visiting the Loire Valley. The current cathedral sits on the site of a number of predecessors all of which were damaged by fires. One in 1166 during the conflict between Louis VII of France and Henry II of England (who also ruled over the neighbouring region of Anjou at the time).
Construction proper on the existing cathedral began in 1270 but progress was slow and it was not completed until 1547, so what we have is a building made up of styles spanning a number of centuries, though the predominate 'style' is obviously 'Gothic'.
The nave was completed around 1450, in the flamboyant style we see today. Then, from 1450 to 1484, the facade is built in the same style on the foundations of a Gallo-Roman wall. The north tower was completed around 1507 while the south tower, in the same style, would not be completed for another 40 years!. Both seem to have acquired renaissance caps. https://www.experienceloire.com/tours-cathedral.htm
“If you want to see the Picassos of Antibes, you must come to Antibes to see them.”
It is a new museum that the public will discover after two years of works, more accessible, easier to visit and providing better preservation conditions for the works displayed. http://www.antibesjuanlespins.com/en/art-et-culture/picasso-museum
A mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, this thirteenth century building offers a beautiful display of 19th c.
stained-glass windows produced by the Metz-based Maréchal workshop. http://www.hyeres-tourism.co.uk/land-nature-culture/culture/historical-sites-and-gardens/401717-eglise-saint-louis
First maritime park in Europe, Port-Cros National Park covers 690 acres on land and almost the double on sea. Its missions are multifold, from devising protective measures to leading campaigns to raise awareness about the park’s natural habitat. http://www.hyeres-tourism.co.uk/land-nature-culture/nature/port-cros-national-park
This former residence of the Ducs de Savoie is currently the seat of the Préfecture et du Département de la Savoie. http://www.chambery-tourisme.com/noesit/!/fiche/castello-dei-duchi-di-savoia-604770
Few cities in France can boast of having given a pope to Christianity. Champagne is an exception, with two pontiffs: Urbain II, born in 1042 in Châtillon (Marne), and Urbain IV, born in 1185 in Troyes in a house which disappeared to make way for the Saint-Urbain church.
A masterpiece of Gothic art with its superb proportions, its stone lace and its immense canopies, Saint-Urbain is called "the Parthenon of Champagne". The vast portal, covering the entire western part of the building, was completed in 1905, but the tympanum, on which there is a magnificent Last Judgment, dates from the 13th century.
Upon entering the church, one is struck by the elegance, the sobriety and the brightness of the place. The surprisingly light transept and choir have retained their magnificent original stained glass windows, dating from around 1270 and restored in 1992 by the Trojan workshops Le Vitrail. The statuary is also admirable, notably the famous Virgin of the Grapes (chapel on the south aisle) whose finesse and meditation are typical of the Trojan School of the 16th century.
In 1935, the remains of Urban IV were transferred to the church, which received the title of basilica in 1964. http://www.tourisme-troyes.com/patrimoine-religieux/basilique-saint-urbain-452329
The Theatre La Comédie de Valence is a performance hall and events venue in the municipality of Valence (Drôme, Auvergne-Rhône-Alps). The programme varies depending on the season. https://www.france-voyage.com/cities-towns/valence-7592/theatre-comedie-valence-34242.htm
Ranking World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO December 7, 1996 has given a soul to one of the oldest still operating channels, now dedicated to tourism. Built during the reign of Louis XIV, from 1667 to 1681, called the Royal Canal to the French Revolution, a distance of 240 km. Large 20 to 24 m, 2 m deep on average, there are 69 locks and 350 works spanning his course and facilitate its airworthiness. http://uk.beziers-mediterranee.com/discover/the-canal-du-midi
A Royal City since the year 1100, Bourges is growing in size and prosperity.
In the upper part of the town, the Great Tower, which is the twin of the keep at the Louvre, is the symbol of Royal Power. http://www.ville-bourges.fr/_en/site/cathedral
Limoges's central market hall was built between 1885 and 1889. It is a remarkable example of 19th century architecture. The metal framework's triangular shapes each weigh 14 tonnes. It was designed by two engineers, who studied the Eiffel technique: Levesque (who spent a long time working with the manager of the Eiffel-Seyrig studies) and Pesce. http://www.limoges-tourisme.com/en/What-to-see/Monuments/(fiche)/the-central-market-hall-191000045-1714dde
The majestic gothic cathedral soars skywards. It crowns the hill in Clermont’s historical centre.Work began on current-day Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral in 1248, under the supervision of architect Jean Deschamps and of the episcopacy of Hughes de la Tour. http://www.clermontferrandtourism.com/discovery/main-sites/the-gothic-cathedral/
Housed in three magnificent half-timbered houses, near the cathedral, this is a charming museum of ethnography and local history (ceramics, furniture, illustrations). https://www.lemans-tourisme.com/en/partenaire/view/id/2905/category/18
Its foundations probably date back to the 10th century. Exposed along the city's ramparts, it was rebuilt after the English seats of 1346 and 1417. Ruined in 1944, the building preserved an octagonal lantern-tower from the first half of the 15th century and, standing against the chevet, an equestrian statue from the turn of the 13th century representing Emperor Constantine. http://www.caen-tourisme.fr/en/discover-caen/religious-heritage/saint-etienne-le-vieux
Built between 1220 and 1552, it is the product of the unification of two distinct churches. With its 42 metre high vaults, it is one of the highest Gothic edifices in Europe. With its 6,500 m² of stained glass windows, the nickname “God’s lantern” is well merited. http://www.tourisme-metz.com/en/sites-and-monuments/st-stephen-s-cathedral_s.html#.WieZ1rT1UWo
This incredible 17ha site overlooks the Baie de Seine and has fabulous views of the sea and port. Go through the fort's main entrance and start your visit at the top exploring the four bastions each dedicated to the great botanist explorers and their discoveries. https://www.lehavretourisme.com/en/diffusio/le-havre/les-jardins-suspendus_TFOPCUNORM00FS000AL
In a natural, protected environment and of greenery, the beach of sand of Doussard gives you a marvellous corner of relaxation, allowing you to use entirely edges of the lake of Annecy. Bathings and at pleasure laughs! https://en.lac-annecy.com/equipment/1/128585-bout-du-lac-beach.html
A fine example of Languedoc Gothic with a wide nave (20.25 m) and an imposing vault (23,5m). A square-based, 54 m high octagonal tower houses a 47 bell carillon. Public access is free (232 steps), and offers a breathtaking view of the entire town of Carcassonne. http://www.tourism-carcassonne.co.uk/detail/007a1d2be4f167c8e8cdfe8407287873/358021
Begun in 1453 by Philippe Le Bon, Duke of Burgundy, it is one of the rare reminders of the flamboyant gothic style in Lille. On the ground floor, the Salle des Gardes (Guards room) houses the tourist office. http://en.lilletourism.com/historic-sites-and-monuments-lille/the-rihour-palace.html
Access to the gardens at the Place des Carmes. This public square and garden closes at different times depending on the season. https://www.provenceguide.co.uk/cultural-heritage/avignon/the-garden-at-place-des-carmes/provence-4761234-1.html
Situated to the south-east of the chevet of the Cathedral of Saint-André at Bordeaux, the tower of Pey-Berland serves as its bell tower, built in the 15th century in the Gothic style. http://au.france.fr/en/discover/tower-pey-berland-bordeaux-0