14 AMAZING LANDMARKS IN FRANCE
14 AMAZING LANDMARKS IN FRANCE, Champagne, blintzes and croissants are some of the succulent effects that attract callers to France. also there’s fine French food, fashion and a treasure trove of major sights to explore. There’s no mistrustfulness la vie est belle! Yes, life is beautiful indeed and so are these notorious milestones in France.
The milestones in Paris alone could fill your entire visit but take heed of this quotation about trip by tunesmith Gustave Nadaud “ To be is to live, but to travel is to live ” and you ’ll be living in the steps of kingliness as you discover lavish castles, castles and palaces.
Of course, there’s the Eiffel Tower and natural milestones in France like Mont Blanc. These French treasures are so witching
they might leave you no time to do anything differently.
PARIS LANDMARKS
Of the many amazing landmarks in France, the monuments in Paris are some of the most iconic.
1- EIFFEL TOWER
Today, the 324 m tower is still the tallest structure in Paris and is one of the most visited monuments in the world.
Seven million people a year pay to climb the Eiffel Tower and while you can walk the 1665 steps to the top, taking the lift is so much easier.
These lifts are one of the things that make this Paris landmark such a popular one.
Combined, the lifts travel 2.5 times the circumference of the globe each year.
The architect and engineer who designed the tower, Gustave Eiffel, would have been proud that this world-famous French landmark has received over 250 million visitors since it opened.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous French landmarks in the world and is so famous there are theme park replicas in Las Vegas, Macau and China.
Weighing 10,100 tonnes, you’d be surprised to learn that it only took a little over two years to build.
A quirky fact about the Eiffel Tower is it shrinks when the weather is cold.
The Eiffel Tower is in the 7th arrondissement in Paris. Take the Metro to Champ de Mars on Line RER C, Ecole Militaire on Line 8, and Bir-Hakeim on Line 6.
2- MUSÉE DU LOUVRE
France’s national museum and art gallery, Musée du Louvre, is one of the most famous landmarks in France the most visited art museum in the world.
The Louvre is in a 12th-century palace in Paris that was the residence of France’s royal family.
It became a museum in 1793, after the French Revolution, and is now a showcase of the world’s best artworks.
With 35,000 works of art on display, spanning a history of 7000 years, visiting the Louvre can take days to explore the numerous galleries within the palace as well as the Carrousel and Tuileries gardens.
Some of the artworks to see in the Louvre are Ancient Greek sculpture Venus de Milo, which is the most famous interpretations of female beauty, the massive painting of the Coronation of Napoleon and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
In 1984, architect I.M. Pei created a new entrance to the Louvre that caused some controversy because it’s a contemporary steel and glass pyramid.
The Louvre is at 75058 Paris and is open every day from 9 am to 4 pm (except Tuesday). Take the Metro to Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7).
3- ARC DE TRIOMPHE
The Arc de Triomphe is a famous historical monument of France, erected in to honour the French soldiers who gave their lives to serve their country.
Conceived by Napoleon, to honour the French army, it was completed on 29 July 1836, long after Napoleon’s death.
The Arc de Triomphe was the largest arch in the world for over 100 years and at 51 m high, it’s currently the second-largest (there’s a larger one in Pyongyang, North Korea).
At the base of the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, sculpted roses which adorn the ceiling of the archway and the 128 battles of the First French Republic (Napoleon’s Empire) are on the walls.
Climb the steps leading to the top of the Arc, where you’ll feel on top of the world.
There are virtual reality terminals and 3D movies to help visitors learn about the monument’s history of this iconic monument.
Arc de Triomphe is in the 8th arrondissement in Place de l’Etoile, Paris. It’s open daily from 10 am and closes at 11 pm (1 April to 30 September) and 10.30 pm (1 October to 31 March). Skip the ticket line and pre-purchase your tickets here.
4- NOTRE DAME DE PARIS
Notre Dame de Paris is, another famous landmark in France, was ravaged by a that caused its spire to collapse.
Before the April 2019 fire destroyed Notre Dame’s spire, millions of visitors flocked to Notre Dame to gaze at its twin towers, to see the Crown of Thorn Relic and admire the Gothic architecture.
Fortunately, the priceless artefacts, including a collection of artwork and holy objects, were saved.
Among the priceless treasures occasionally displayed to worshippers was the crown of thorns, the thorn wreath that was placed on Jesus Chris’s head at his crucifixion.
Notre Dame took 200 years to build (1163 until the 1300s), although the first Mass in the cathedral was in 1182.
The cathedral hit the public eye again when Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” was published in 1831.
Notre Dame de Paris is currently closed.
To date, the French government has received pledges from 350,000 donors amounting to €922 million while the Notre Dame Foundation has received €104 million to put towards renovating this priceless landmark in France.
5- BASILICA DE SACRE COEUR
Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur is a stunning Romano-Byzantine monument in Paris that sits high on Montmartre hill.
Even if you’re not keen to spend time in a Basilica, it’s worth visiting as being on a hill makes it the second-highest point in Paris.
Designed in the vein of Saint Sofia in Constantinople and San Marco in Venice, Sacré-Coeur has four domes and the largest (and heaviest) bell in the world.
The Basilica’s bell weighs 19 tons, and it took 21 horses to pull it up the hill.
Completed in 1873, to pay respects to the victims of the 1871 war with Prussia, the Basilica has a fantastic view of Paris.
Access to the Basilica is free but there’s a fee to visit the dome, from which you’ll have a panoramic view of Paris.
Other impressive features are its mosaic floor at the entrance and the crypt.
The best time to soak up the atmosphere is to attend Christmas or New Year’s Eve Mass.
Basilica de Sacre Coeur is at Esplanade of the Basilica, Paris. Opening hours are 6 am to 10.30 pm and entry is free. Take the Metro to Jules Joffrin (M° 12) and the Montmartrobus bus to the Place du Tertre stop.
6- CENTRE POMPIDOU
Amidst Paris’ treasure trove of Gothic and Baroque treasures, the Centre Pompidou (named after George Pompidou, President of France from 1969 to 1974) stands out as a contemporary architectural landmark in France.
Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, this 20th-century building opened on 31 January 1977, and cost 993 million French francs to build.
While it’s not aesthetically beautiful in a classical sense, the eye-catching design reflects the Industrial Age, with creative elements like colourful pipes and caterpillar escalators outside the building.
The futuristic building is home to a rotating programme of interesting art exhibitions, a museum displaying contemporary pieces, live shows, a cinema, workshops and debates on thought-provoking subjects.
The centre’s collection of 100,000 works covers the spectrum of what is considered modern art, including visual arts, new media, film, industrial design, photography and architecture.
This contemporary French landmark is not just an eye-piece. There are workshops, tours and hands-on activities for kids too.
7- PONT NEUF
Paris is a city of bridges but if you had to choose one, Pont Neuf is the bridge that is one of the top France landmarks.
It’s the oldest standing bridge across the Seine and stands near the western side of Île de la Cité, the island that is considered the birthplace of Paris.
In Medieval times, around 250 BC, this island was known as Lutetia and was the hub of the city.
The bridge has 12 arches, 384 mascaron carvings and a statue of Henri IV who was the French King at the time the bridge was completed in 1607.
The mascarons are the stone faces from ancient mythology and are copies of the originals created by Germain Pilon (1525 to 1590).
During the 19th century, the original mascarons were placed in museums for safekeeping and copies were made by several famous 19th- century sculptors including Fontenelle, who created 61 faces.
Pont Neuf connects the left bank with the right bank via Ile de la Cité and is a popular meeting place for tours of nearby landmarks in Paris.
A great way to explore Paris and save your feet is to take the hop-on-hop-off bus.
8- PLACE DE LA CONCORDE FOUNTAINS AND LUXOR OBELISK
Place de la Concorde, which has been home to a 3300-year-old Luxor Obelisk since 1836, is a pleasant place to go for a stroll and popular spot for a distant view of the Champs Elysee.
The two Fontaines de la Concorde were completed in 1840 during the reign of King Louis-Philippe.
Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves represent France’s dominance in maritime commerce and river navigation.
The significance of these historic landmarks of France is that during the French Revolution, the name of the square was changed from Place Louis XV to Place de la Revolution as this was where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were guillotined in 1792.
The King and Queen weren’t the only ones to face the guillotine at Place de la Concorde.
During that time, 1,119 of the 2,498 people guillotined in Paris had their heads chopped off here, making it one of the famous French landmarks with a gruesome history.
Place de la Concorde is at the end of the Champs-Elysées in Paris, which is a vibrant boulevard with stylish shops and the best shows in Paris.
FAMOUS FRENCH LANDMARKS
9- CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU
Originally a 12th-century hunting lodge, Fontainebleau has been a royal residence of 34 French sovereigns.
In the 16th century, King François I began transforming Chateau de Fontainebleau into a palace and every subsequent king has made modifications to the sprawling French landmark.
That’s why the layout of five courtyards surrounded by a wide variety of buildings representing 12th to 19th-century architectural styles is a mishmash of opulent architecture and design.
As Italian and French artists were commissioned to work on the Palace of Fontainebleau, it played a huge part in the development of art in Europe.
Notable events in history that occurred in Fontainebleau include Napoleon I’s abdication in 1814 and Louis XIV’s repeal of the Edict of Nantes (1685) when he ordered the destruction of Huguenot churches and the closure of Protestant school.
When visiting Fontainebleau, things to see are The Apartments (including two Marie Antoinette boudoirs and Papal Apartment), three chapels, galleries, theatre, four museums and a collection of masterpieces.
Don’t miss Marie Antoinette’s bed and Napoleon’s throne.
Another fantastic way to see Fontainebleau is from the sky in a hot air balloon.
Fontainebleau is at Seine-et-Marne department in the Île-de-France region. Opening hours at Fontainebleau are 9.30 am to 5 pm (October to March), and 9.40 am to 6 pm (April to September) every day except Tuesdays.
10- PALACE OF VERSAILLES
Built by Louis XIII, the Palace of Versailles saw its heyday during the reign of Louis XIV (1638 to 1715) who brought the French court to Versailles.
During his reign, Louis XIV transformed Versailles from hunting lodge to an opulent palace fit for a king to entertain, throw decadent parties in the ballroom and gardens.
Versailles was also where Louis XVI was married to Marie-Antoinette in 1770 but after the French Revolution, it became a museum in 1837.
A tour of the Palace of Versailles is a step back into an extravagant era of France’s history and a chance to see how royalty lived.
This UNESCO World Heritage wonder is a pleasure to explore.
You can walk through extravagant bedrooms, the famous Hall of Mirrors and the lovely gardens.
While the buildings and grounds of the Palace of Versailles (it has 700 rooms) itself is reason enough to visit, there’s also a collection of 60,000 works from the Middle Ages to the 19th century on display.
Palace of Versailles is at Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France. Opening hours 9 am to 5 pm daily, except Mondays. If you’re keen on seeing the Coach Gallery and estate of Trianon, keep in mind they are only open in the afternoon.
11- MONT SAINT MICHEL
Mont Saint Michele Abbey in Normandy is a mystical French landmark atop a rock, which becomes a beautiful island when the tide comes in.
On a misty day, this UNESCO World Heritage site looks like a magical castle out of a fairy-tale, with a golden statue of Archangel Michael sits on its spire.
The first building was erected in 708. After the Benedictine monks moved to the Abbey in 966, it became a European centre for pilgrims due to the successful efforts of the monks of the Order of Saint Benedict.
During the French Revolution, Mont Saint Michel was a prison.
A section of the Abbey pays tribute to the 5th century cult of Saint Michael, the chief of the angels who, according to Book of Revelations, killed a demon dragon.
These days, Mont Saint Michel is one of France’s most visited tourist attractions, with many cafes and hotels nearby.
Mont Saint Michel Abbey is at the mouth of the Couesnon River in Normandy. Book your pass to four museums at Mont Saint Michel. Visit Mont Saint Michel on a day tour from Paris.
12- PALAIS DES PAPES
In the 14th century, Avignon became the headquarters of the papacy and Palais des Papes a landmark of France that cemented its position in the Christian world.
The decline of the political power of the Holy See in Rome resulted in Clement V, the pope who was responsible for persecuting the Order of the Knights Templar, moving the papacy to Avignon.
Avignon remained as the seat of the papacy between 1309 to 1377.
Construction of The Palace of Popes was completed over 20 years, during the reigns of Benedict XII and Clement VI.
Given its important role in history, it’s not surprising Palais des Papes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 10 most visited landmarks in France.
It’s also Europe’s largest medieval fortress and gothic palace.
The palace was the seat of 9 popes before the papacy returned to Rome.
Visitors can explore the ceremonial halls, courtroom, private apartments of the popes and Matteo Giovannetti’s frescoes in the chapels.
There are also significant cultural events, exhibitions, concerts and the Luminescences light festival is held here from August to October.
Palais des Papes is in Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, on the banks on the Rhône River in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, Avignon. Discover this gem on a walking tour of Avignon.
13- BASILICA OF NOTRE-DAME DE FOURVIÈRE
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière graces the skyline of Lyon and has a fabulous view of the city.
So, it’s not surprising that the Romanesque and Byzantine architecture of the Basilica draws a huge crowd each year, making a visit to the Basilica one of the things to do in Lyon for its architecture and a stunning view of the city.
Fondly referred to by locals as the upside-down elephant, the Basilica is not just a symbol of Lyon but a famous France landmark in its own right.
Located at the confluence of the Saône and the Rhône Rivers, Lyon was a Roman city during the 1st century BC and the capital of Trois Gaules (Roman France).
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is at Place de Fourvière, 5e 69005 Lyon, France. Opening hours are from 7 am to 7 pm. Explore the Basilica and other sights in Lyon with this hop-on hop-off tour.
14- THE WALLS OF CARCASSONNE
The medieval citadel of Carcassone, with its watchtowers and double-walled fortifications, is one of France’s landmarks dating back to Roman times.
With 3km of walls, Carcassonne is the largest walled city in Europe.
Although the first walls were constructed in Roman times, additions were made in in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Highlights in the citadel include Château Comtal, a 12th-century castle, and a Medieval village.
The Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne is in Carcassonne, Aude, Occitanie, France.