When it comes to traveling, there’s something new to discover around every corner. Now add one more of your favorite things: history! France is a country rich in both natural and manmade beauty, with an impressive number of museums, historical sites, gardens and castles sprinkled across the country. Check out our list of the best French historical spots you can visit on your next trip, and get inspired to book a holiday today!
The Mediterranean Area
This is really a personal preference, but we recommend you travel on the Mediterranean coastline. This region has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in France for many years due to its rich history and culture. A good spot to enjoy the beauty of this region is at the Monument Aux Morts in Nice. Situated adjacent to the Promenade des Anglais, it commemorates those who died during World War One.
The Cathedral of Marseille, an 11th-century church with a Romanesque floor plan and four rosette windows, is located in the beautiful Palais Longchamps. Built on the earliest Roman foundations, this cathedral was reconstructed afterward due to being ravaged by fire. The ornate Basilica de la Madeleine at Parc Trocadero is said to be modeled in honor of Saint Peter’s Basilica at Rome because, like it, every stone is meticulously cut with perfection. Notre Dame du Gard’s 17th-century façade tells the story of life as it once was before World War II with its caryatides and statues of many rural professions.
Surrounding France on the seaside are the coasts and islands that are still recovering from their wartime wounds.
The Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic coast benefits from the perfect climate, warm summers that are off-set by cool winters. Visitors can enjoy one of the most famous French rollercoasters in the world called Europa mania with its 4,160 meters and nine loops. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Camargue with its white horses is a spectacle visitors shouldn’t miss when they visit this region.
The Atlantic coast is a historical spot because it was one of the first places that France created. Inhabitants have been navigating between Western Europe and the Americas since before 1000 AD. The area has seen many ups and downs like when they lost the battle to England in 1450. However, there are many reasons why the coast is still worth seeing. The area has beautiful beaches and harbors for boating or small fishing boats. It is also claims to be one of the safest spots along France’s coastlines which means travelers can bask in peace without having to worry about being attacked by pirates.
Towns and Cities in Northern France
While there are many historical sites located in Paris, if you’re interested in visiting smaller towns and cities – ones by the coast or in the countryside, it is worth taking a trip up north. The beautiful Lille is an example city that offers the medieval feel coupled with the architecture of modern Europe. Of course, you won’t be lacking tourist attractions either because Lille is home to its own Grand Prix music festival which was established more than 20 years ago!
The country can be grouped into three parts depending on the people who live there. The north is made up of Viking, Anglo-Saxon, and Celtic settlements. The southwest part is split between Roman settlements in the south and Breton farmers in the north. As civilization expanded, it spread to the central populations, who are a combination of Gallo-Roman, Germanic, and proto-Breton groups.
Provence
Provence is a touristy area because it houses many of France’s historical treasures. The best way to experience Provence is to go on a wine tour. There are many vineyards that have been around for hundreds of years. Venture outside of the city to find the most beautiful parts of its landscape. Conventional wisdom says that Provence has three main areas: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Arles
Provence should be the first place you visit when traveling to France for a historical experience. According to some historians, Provence served as a nucleus for Hellenistic culture in France and helped establish the early French republic. You can see these efforts in Aix-En-Provence, which has an amphitheater that was one of the Olympic games finalists for the 1984 Rome Olympics and a Roman theater, which is still used today. Furthermore, there is also a beautiful square in this city with an impressive 4th century cathedral behind it.
One of the most popular places to visit in Provence is Alcazar d’Ete. The palace was build during the 18th century and it can still be seen today. Even when the building surrounded by walls, it has a beautiful exterior with a marble staircase.
Parts of Rome were built to celebrate different leaders and religions. One example is Victor Emmanuel II Monument. Located in Piazza di Venezia it celebrates Italy’s first king and the unification of the country in 1861.
Champagne and Burgundy
Champagne or Burgundy is well known for its wine, but it is also a place with admirable historical points to visit as well. In Champagne, you can find the Abbey of Vezelay, where Lambert le Bègue founded the first monastery of France in 496. A new library in Chartres was just opened this year at the former site of its Cathedral because the original building was destroyed by fire in 1194.
One region that has the perfect mix of history and beauty is France’s Champagne region in the northern part of the country. Every year, over 15 million bottles are produced in this part of France, which some think produces some of the best champagne in the world. Wine enthusiasts will love visiting Burgundy on a trip to France considering its history and amazing wine production. Famous hot spots include Beaune, one of the first wine-producing centers in France, and Dijon, which has been producing wines for centuries.
This is a point of disagreement: there is no right or wrong wine when visiting France. Consider the region and your host. Champagne is a major producer, while Burgundy produces primarily reds. Your pick will depend on the type of experience you want to have. Wines from both regions are dense, rich, and complex–perfect for people who enjoy hearty flavors.
The Mediterranean Area The Atlantic Coast Towns and Cities in Northern France Provence Champagne and Burgundy 9 places that are recommended by visitors Hôtel du Cadran: Château de Versailles: Train museum in Mulhouse Gare Saint Sauveur in Rouen: Centre Pompidou museum in Paris The Bayeux Tapestry (equivalent to 12 meters of embroidery): Mont St. Michel, France’s Golden Island: The best places to visit in France What makes these places historical Why so many people go on trips to France Tips for long trips to France Conclusion Bois de Boulogne Bastille The Louvre Museum Cedars of Lebanon Monument The Palace of Versailles Notre Dame Cathedral Other historical places and monuments in France. French Wars The Treaty of Paris Religious Centers of France Libraries and Museums Châteaux: From World War II to the Revolution The French Revolution Impressionist Landscapes Beaches in France Biggest sites in France to visit Historical places and their significance Nearby towns from sites unpaths French historical events
Although France is the one of the biggest countries in Europe, it packs a lot of historical locations into a small space. There are plenty of places to visit, so you’re sure to have a great time while there.
One such place is Mont St. Michel, France’s Gold Island. The peninsula may be small in size but it lays something big and historical as well. Situated on an island in Normandy, this site was once frequented by monks for its isolation and seaside location, which would calm them during their sufferings from food poisoning. And that’s not all this location has to offer: Mont St. Michel also houses medieval style cloisters and the Bayeux Tapestry (equivalent to 12meters of embroidery). This detailed work contains three panels that depict 1066 events when William became King of England), his actual conquest of England) and his final victory at the Battle of Hastings).
Mont Saint-Michel has been under the control of Benedictine monks since the early 12th century) It’s Notre Dame Cathedral that can be seen nearby.
Another such spot is The Palace of Versailles – fittingly known as ‘The World’s Best Museum’. What made this
Hôtel du Cadran
Hôtel du Cadran is a small French hotel with a rich history. It is located in downtown Vanves, France. Completely restored in 2005, the hotel once served as an officer’s club during World War II. The little village charm is perfect for those who want to escape the busy excitement of Paris. Rooms are beautiful and filled with antique furniture while outdoor seating has romantic views of the garden courtyard complete with a fountain and roses! It’s perfect for honeymoons and vacations alike.
Hotel du Cadran is a famous hotel in Paris. It was originally built in 1885 as a luxury hotel for investors and businessmen who were visiting France. The hotel’s facade has not changed much since then, although parts of the inside were renovated.
Château de Versailles
One of the most popular historic landmarks in France is Château de Versailles. Versailles is a royal palace that was built more than 300 years ago. King Louis XIV was the one who commissioned the construction of the castle after living in temporary accommodation for so many years. The Malmaison Museum Complex is another popular landmark you can visit while on your next trip to France. This spot has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it houses goods and furnishings from Second Empire period (1852-1870).
The Château de Versailles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. Located southwest of Paris, the château is composed of a set of buildings with gardens. It was originally built between 1661 and 1710 and was commissioned by Louis XIV who had traveled there in 1668. The palace was further extended and renovation began again in the 18th century. Versailles Palace attracts over 6 million visitors each year
Train museum in Mulhouse
There are a few train museums throughout France, but one of the best is in Mulhouse. The museum has many exhibits that describe the history, importance, and intricacies of trains. It is easy to get to from France’s capital, Paris.
Mulhouse is located in Alsace and was the heart of the Industrial Revolution in France. Mulhouse has a train museum where visitors can see, touch, and explore all things trains. The town is also home to some really stunning architecture, like using Local Stone for the building’s foundation and randomly placed cobbles on the streets. People who love trains will love this French historical spot!
Gare Saint Sauveur in Rouen
The oldest railway station in France, Gare Saint Sauveur in Rouen, was built back in the 19th century. The beautiful building is a shining example of aristocratic society and its penchant for finesse. Inside, you’ll find the tile floors that were specially imported from Italy and lavish chandeliers. Interesting fact: In 1899, the station was used as a backdrop for two Victor Hugo novels – The Gars Toilers Of The Sea and Les Travailleurs De La Mer.
Gare Saint Sauveur in Rouen is one of the best historical spots to visit on your next trip to France. It is well preserved, which makes it easy to see what the building looked like when it was first built in 1846. The exterior walls and roof are covered in brick tiles, with a wooden roof and railing surrounding the top of the roof for protection. Inside, Gare Saint Sauveur’s Romanesque clock tower makes an excellent observation point from which visitors can take pictures.
Centre Pompidou museum in Paris
Centre Pompidou has functioning video pieces and art displays that can offer hours of entertainment. The museum even has amazing rooftop views that make it the perfect spot to try out your photography skills with the Eiffel Tower in the background. The building itself is also a marvel since it was designed by prestigious architect Renzo Piano.
This museum has a significant collection of modern and contemporary art. Visitors can see the art in rotating exhibitions, including the work of Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. There are also interactive art studios where visitors can create their own artwork or try out new technology. The center also holds art workshops and other events that allow people to get creative during their visit. It hosts many free concerts and multimedia presentations that explore trends in various aspects of public entertainment, such as film, fashion, and architecture.
The Bayeux Tapestry
The Tapestry is a 155-foot (46 meter) long and 20-inch (50 centimeters) tall tapestry, made of wool and extraordinary embroidery. It depicts the events preceding and during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The most famous event being Harold’s death. Although it is not considered historically accurate in many parts, scholars consider it to be one of the finest works of art from the Middle Ages.
Mont St. Michel, France’s Golden Island
Mont St. Michel is an island commune located in Normandy in northern France. The settlement is actually home to a Roman Catholic abbey and monastery which is situated on a rocky headland. Mont St. Michel first became prominent when it was the reported site of a miracle that occurred in the reign of Charlemagne. Bertha, wife of the emperor, supposedly discovered a huge statue of Christ near Mont St. Michel while riding her horse through this area with her brother Milo around 780 AD.
What makes these places historical
There are many great places to visit in France. One that is often overlooked due to the fact that it’s so close is Bayeux. It hosts the Bayeux Tapestry, which was commissioned by Harold II of England in 1066 to record his conquest of England. It’s one of only a few such records from this time period, and it’s fascinating for art historians because it depicts with remarkable accuracy historic figures and their personalities.
There is so much culture and history available for this list that it is a must for any tourist. The Louvre is one of the easiest locations to convince the kids to go with you. With all the old masters from DaVinci, Botticelli, Monet and Van Gogh they’ll be more than willing to sit through some lectures on who painted what and when. For those into religious history Notre Dame also offers lots of great photo opps. Walk around and soak up the atmosphere, then get some great family pics outside of Montmartre at Sacre Coeur Church
Bastille
For historical spots, travelers can’t go wrong with a visit to the Bastille in Paris. The old prison was underway being renovated when infamous event of storming it led to it’s demolition. The Bastille symbolized the absolute oppression and terror of royal despotism in France and became a synonym for any abuse of power or despotic act. It served as an iconic element of the French Revolution because it represented everything that the Revolution sought to destroy.
There are many attractions and historical sites that you can see in France’s lovely capital of Paris, but one destination not to miss is the Bastille. The Bastille is located right in the center of Paris near Place de la Bastille and served as a prison. It was originally built to be strong enough withstand attacks from within, but it eventually spent more time defending against attacking armies.
The prison remained for fifty years, housing some of France’s most notorious prisoners and victims of police brutality – until it was eventually stormed on July 14th, 1807 by the people of Paris who no longer wished to continue being oppressed by Louis XVI. This event is still celebrated today on Bastille Day around the world!
Aside from tours offered by local guides throughout the day, visitors can also experience unique exhibitions and art installations at night with many talented artists displaying their work at this landmark which has been preserved as an historic site to this day. Walk through its courtyards, climb up its winding staircase and wander its halls before experiencing interactive installations with fire music or sound-driven architectural projections inspired by geometry.
The Louvre Museum
This museum is located in the heart of Paris and is free to visit. It houses many famous works of art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Although it might seem as though only tourists would visit this museum, ten million French people visit the Louvre every year!
The Louvre Museum, which is located in Paris and borders the River Seine, was designed by architect I.M. Pei. The building’s design offers many architectural benefits. For example, its central court of 728 ft (221 meters) is a long rectangle that completely unifies the galleries around it, creating an open and airy gallery space for visitors.
The Palace of Versailles
Some popular places for tourists to visit in France are the Palace of Versailles. The palace saw its first construction in 1678 and was designed to look like a maze. Yet this is much more than a palace; it’s also a museum, event center, world-class tourist destination, and is one of France’s most recognizable landmarks.
For more information on the French historical spots, including when you can visit the palace of Versailles.
The Palace of Versailles is the most popular historical site in France. It was once inhabited by Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. They used it as a hunting lodge, and also to conduct official state business. Today, it serves as a museum that consists of a series of elaborate rooms including the Hall of Mirrors, in which you will see over 700 footmen dressed up in luxe costumes.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the top historical attractions to visit in Paris. It is a Catholic cathedral that was originally built in 1163 and features architecture from many different eras. Today, it is one of the most per square foot visited religious buildings in the world.
Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral is Eastern Christianity’s most famous church and was the world’s tallest building for over one hundred years. Begun in 1163, it was completed in 1345. The cathedral has an amazing history that involves being almost entirely destroyed by fire and then rebuilt from the ground up a mere half-century later, earning the nickname of Notre-Dame de Patience meaning “Our Lady of Patience.”
Conclusion
We enjoyed our trip to France and hope that you plan your vacation there soon. One of the tours we took was a tour of different artwork at Musée d’Orsay and other museums around Paris. One museum, Musée national du Moyen Âge in Paris, showcased medieval sculptures and paintings. The final spot on this list is Versailles Court which is famous for the Hall of Mirrors.
There are many incredible historical spots in France to visit. If you’re looking for architecture and museums, then you don’t want to miss Versailles or the Louvre. For enthusiasts of history and culture, Normandy is a great place. Here you’ll find monuments from history, like five impeccable beaches from World War II. And if you just want to get lost in nature, consider Tuscany with its beautiful gardens that span over vast areas of land.
France is an amazing destination for history buffs and art lovers! My personal favorite is the Musée D’Orsay, which has a huge collection of paintings by artists like Manet, Monet, Pissarro, and Renoir. There are also many churches and other architectural monuments to explore during your travels. These are just some ideas for French historical spots to visit on your next trip over to France!
