France has a total number of 41 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in its kitty. While the country may not be the one with the largest number of sites (it comes on fourth in the list with Italy in the first spot and China and Spain in the second and third ranks respectively), these spots are truly amazing and worth visiting once in your lifetime. Irrespective of whether man-made or natural, attaining a World Heritage Site is huge honors. After all, it is a long and time-consuming process that needs detailed inputs and documentation and guarantees a quality site for the visitors. However, above all, all these destinations make sure that the jaw-dropping instances of our human heritage will be still intact for the future generations to explore. Read more to know about the top 10 UNESCO sites in France.
1. Bordeaux, Port of the Moon
Welcome to the city of Bordeaux where the eighteenth-century elegance combines seamlessly with contemporary French chic. Admired by wine aficionados, history buffs, and urbanites, it was a sleepy port town once upon a time, that has undergone a magnificent renaissance. The city is situated in the southwestern part of France and was acknowledged by UNESCO in 2007 as a Heritage Site. This beautiful French city is only second to the capital of the country — Paris in terms of its total number of protected edifices. The city today boasts a completely transformed pedestrian-friendly center, a marvelous riverfront park, and a sleek tramway.
Bordeaux, Port of the Moon
Address: 59 Quai de Paludate, 33800 Bordeaux, France
Website: Bordeaux, Port of the Moon
2. Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau were used as a residence by the French kings (Era of Louis VII to Napoleon III) from the 12th century onwards. The royal and ancient hunting lodge stands in the middle of a mammoth forest and is surrounded by the Italianate palace and a huge park and combines the artistic traditions of the French and the Renaissance era. As the centuries passed, the royal residence was reconstructed and expanded several times. It was looted during the French Revolution and many exquisite artworks and furniture pieces were auctioned off.
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
Address: 77300 Fontainebleau, France
Website: Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
3. Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion
The area of Saint-Emilion benefitted due to its convenient location. It is situated en route the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela and houses several hospices, monasteries, and churches constructed in the eleventh century. The landscape is truly exceptional, is entirely devoted to wine-growing, and boasts several fine historic monuments. A special ‘jurisdiction’ status was granted to Saint-Emilion when the English ruled during the 12th century.
Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion
Address: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Gironde, France
Website: Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion
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4. Amiens Cathedral
Situated in the heart of Picardy, Amiens Cathedral is a large Gothic and ‘classic’ church, which was initially constructed in the 12th century. However, it was mostly reconstructed in the 13th century. Amiens Cathedral is the biggest gothic structure located in France and is one of the biggest in entire Europe. The cathedral was included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1981. It is famous for its magnificent interior elevation spanning across three-tiers, the beautiful display of innumerable sculptures, and a coherent plan.
Amiens Cathedral
Address: 30 Place Notre Dame, 80000 Amiens, France
Website: Amiens Cathedral
5. Bourges Cathedral
Bourges Cathedral or the Cathedral of St Etienne of Bourges was constructed in between the 12th and the 13th centuries. The cathedral is considered as one of the most magnificent Gothic-art masterpieces and is revered for the unity and the perfect proportions of its design. You will find the cathedral’s stained-glass windows, sculptures, and tympanum truly striking. The structure is not only popular for its beautiful architecture but also because it is a striking evidence of the power of Christianity as a religion in medieval France.
Bourges Cathedral
Address: Place Etienne Dolet, 18000 Bourges, France
Website: Bourges Cathedral
6. Episcopal City of Albi
Situated along the banks of River Tarn, the ancient city of Albi is a heady mix of ancient architecture and urban edifices. Structures such as the Saint-Salvi quarter, its church, and the Old Bridge are evidence of the city’s initial development. A fortified and lofty Cathedral, which was constructed from local brick in orange and red colors and built in a distinct Gothic style of southern France is one of the focal points of this old city.
Episcopal City of Albi
Address: Occitanie, France
Website: Episcopal City of Albi
7. Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
The Pont du Gard aqueduct is an absolute visual treat and a real masterpiece, a true testimony of the ancient architecture. This beautiful structure was constructed a little before the era of Christianity so that the aqueduct of Nîmes could cross a river called Gard. The aqueduct is about 50 km (31.06 mi) long. The Roman hydraulic engineers and architects who had designed this bridge managed to create an artistic and technical masterpiece, The structure stands on three distinct levels.
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
Address: 400 Route du Pont du Gard, 30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France
Website: Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
8. Historic Site of Lyon
Situated at the confluence of two rivers — the Rhône and the Saône, the historic site of Lyon features two hills, namely Croix-Rousse and Fourvière. The city has a long and rich history and was set up by the Romans in the first century B.C. It has played a pivotal part in the economic, cultural, and political development since then, which is illustrated through its innumerable historical structures from different periods.
Historic Site of Lyon
Address: France
Website: Historic Site of Lyon
9. The Loire Valley
Loire Valley is known for its stunning landscape is located between Chalonnes and Sully-sur-Loire. It includes majestically imposing chateaux like the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud and Chambord, as well as, several medieval historic towns like Tours and Orleans. It has a rich history of cultivation dating back to many centuries and boasts outstanding wines. The Château of Clos Lucé in Amboise is a must visit as it was here that Leonardo da Vinci, the famous artist stayed during the last few years of his life.
The Loire Valley
Website: The Loire Valley
10. Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
Carcassonne is an ancient fortress town with a truly impressive canal on its borders. There is a couple of World Heritage Sites here in proximity to one another. Visitors will enjoy spending an entire day to visit and explore this Magical Kingdom, which is so real with as many as 53 watchtowers. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll behind the old town’s high stone walls or visit the lovely Languedoc vineyards. You can also hop on to a Petit train and marvel at the sights in an open-air comfort.
Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
Address: Occitanie, France
Plan for your holiday in France
While many people relate the country with only the Eiffel Towers, France is also known for its many World Heritage Sites that are indeed marvelous and wonderful. Do not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity and visit these top 10 UNESCO sites In France.
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