Paris, France, Europe
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Within City Walls (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is Paris' most recognized icon. Built for the World Wildly unpopular when it was unveiled it has drawn over 200 million visitors. Few can peel their eyes away when the tower bursts into a shower of scintillating light every hour each evening. Souvenirs and gifts are available on the ground floor, first and second levels. The second level also includes a specialty food shop where you can purchase traditional French food items. Climb the 1,652 stairs or take the elevator to the top of the tower. |
Arc de Triomphe
The 164-foot Arc de Triomphe is recognized as a symbol of Parisian pomp and elegance around the globe evoking sheer military power and triumph. Erected by the Emperor Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate France's military prowess, the 50 meter/164 foot tall arch crowns the west end of the Champs-Elysées, the city's most famous avenue, at the juncture known as the Etoile (star), where 12 prestigious avenues radiate out from the arch. Located on the prestigious Champs-Elysées Neighborhood. |
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral is arguably the most stunning gothic cathedral in the world—and is undoubtedly the most famous. The dramatic towers, spire, stained glass and statuary are guaranteed to take your breath away. Witness firsthand the spot that was once the heartbeat of medieval Paris, and that took over 100 years of hard labor to complete. Dig deeper in the archaeological crypt. Climbing the North tower to see Paris from the hunchback Quasimodo's vantage is essential, too. |
The Louvre
Simply one of the world’s greatest museums, this sprawling palace houses works of art from prehistory through the 19th century (and an Apple store in the attached underground mall). To learn the Louvre in and out, you might need a lifetime. The site of the world's largest and most diverse collection of pre-20th century painting, sculpture, and decorative objects, Not forgetting the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, bask in the works of Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and others. |
Sacre Coeur
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of Paris's major tourist draws. The majestic building is located on top of the Montmartre hill. Its highest point is even higher than the top of the Eiffel Tower. The Sacré-Coeur Basilica has managed to keep its beaming white color even in the polluted air of a big city like Paris. This can be attributed to the Château-Landon stones which were used for the construction of the Sacré-Coeur. When it rains, the stones react to the water and secrete calcite, which acts like a bleacher. |
River Seine Cruise
Seeing some of Paris' most beautiful sites glide past as you drift down the Seine river is an unforgettable and essential experience. You can hop on near Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower. Go at night to enjoy the shimmering play of light on the water, and dress warmly-- the wind from off the Seine can be chilly. You can also take tours of some of Paris' canals and waterways, which will allow you to see a semi-hidden side of the city of light. The Bateau Mouche are open excursion boats operating the Seine. |
Tour Montparnasse
A 210-metre (689 ft) office skyscraper located in the Montparnasse area. The 59 floors of the tower are mainly occupied by offices. The 56th floor, with a restaurant, and the terrace on the top floor, are open to the public for viewing the city. The view covers a radius of 40 km (25 mi); aircraft can be seen taking off from Orly Airport. It is sometimes said that the view from the top is the most beautiful in Paris, because it is the only place from which the tower itself cannot be seen. |
Catacombs
The Catacombs of Paris or Catacombes de Paris are an underground ossuary. Holds the remains of about 6 million people and fills a renovated section of caverns and tunnels that are the remains of Paris's stone mines. Although this cemetery covers only a small section of underground tunnels comprising "les carrières de Paris" ("the quarries of Paris"), Parisians today often refer to the entire tunnel network as "the catacombs". Catacomb walls are covered in graffiti. |
Île de la Cité
Considered the heart of Paris, Île de la Cité is one of two natural islands that sits in the middle of the Seine. All distances in Paris are measured from the center of the island. The most famous landmark on the island and undoubtedly its focal point is the Notre-Dame. La Sainte-Chapelle is the only survivingbuildingof the Capetian royal palace Although damaged during French revolution, it retains one of the most extensive in-situ collections of 13th century stained glass anywhere in the world. |
Panthéon
The Panthéon, an imposing 19th century building, was first designed as a church, but later turned into a civil temple. The large crypt, covering the whole surface of the building accommodates the vaults of great French public figures. Some of the most famous buried here are Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Jean Monnet, Marie and Pierre Curie and Emile Zola. Also the place where, in 1851, the astronomer Jean Bernard Léon Foucault first held his famous experiment, proving that the world spins around its axis. |
Conciergerie
Once a royal palace and later a prison, the Conciergerie played a dark role in the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. A few remnants of the Conciergerie remain from the Middle Ages: the Silver Tower, which supposedly housed the royal treasury; the Caesar Tower, named for the Roman emperors; and the Bonbec Tower, which housed a torture chamber. Extensive rebuilding and renovations took place at the palace in 19th century, including conversion of Marie Antoinette's cell to a chapel. |
Le Grand Palais
Crowned by an expansive, barrel-vaulted, cast iron and glass ceiling, the Grand Palais is itself an attraction. Constructed for the Universal Exposition of 1900, it contains multiple galleries that play frequent host to blockbuster traveling exhibitions. Crowned by an expansive, barrel-vaulted, cast iron and glass ceiling, the Grand Palais is itself an attraction. Constructed for the Universal Exposition of 1900, it contains multiple galleries that play frequent host to blockbuster traveling exhibitions. |
Place de la Concorde
At 8 hectares (20 acres), the octagonal Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris. It is situated between the Tuileries and the Champs-Elysées. In the 19th century the 3200 years old obelisk from the temple of Ramses II at Thebes was installed at the center of the Place de la Concorde. It is a 23 meters (75 ft) tall monolith in pink Obelisk's Pedestalgranite and weighs approximately 230 tons. At each corner of the octagonal square is a statue representing a French city. |
Place des Vosges
The Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. An early example of urban planning, is a symmetrical square surrounded by buildings with red brick and white stone facades, steep slate roofs and dorm windows, all constructed over arcades. Many famous Frenchmen lived here at this square, among them Richelieu and Victor Hugo. A peaceful place, a nice central park surrounded by arcades with shops and cafes not far from the Place de la Bastille. |
Place de la Bastille
The Bastille Square, location of notorious stronghold, which was stormed on July 14, 1789, triggering the start of the French Revolution. The 52 meter high monument is the Colonne de Juillet, honoring the 504 victims during the 3 days of the revolution. The column is topped by the 'Spirit of Liberty' statue. The Bastille Opera is by far the largest opera building. Its auditorium seats 2700 people. A metro exit as well as shops are integrated in the building, reinforcing the idea of a 'people's opera'. |
Opéra de Paris Garnier
The opulent Opéra de Paris Garnier was designed by Charles Garnier for Emperor Napoleon III. It is the most important symbol of the 19th century Second Empire baroque style and impressive interiors. Even though the building has a seating capacity of less than 2,200, the building is one of the largest theatres in the world by acreage. It is 172 meter long, 125 meter wide and reaches a height of 73,6 meter. The facade is decorated with rose marble columns, friezes, sculpture groups. |
Pont Neuf
The Pont Neuf is also Paris's best known bridge and one of its most beautiful. The Pont Neuf actually consists of two different bridge spans, one on each side of the Île de la Cité, where the Place du Pont Neuf connects the two spans. For its time, the 232m long and 22m wide Pont Neuf was a modern bridge with several innovations.The bridge has a total of 12 arches, with one span of seven arches joining the right bank and another span of five arches connecting Île de la Cité with the left bank. |
Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is one of Paris's most visited gardens thanks to its central location between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. As such the Tuileries are part of a grand central axis leading from the Louvre all the way to La Défense, the city's business district. It also features several fountains, two large basins, numerous sculptures and two museums, the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume and the Musée de l'Orangerie, which displays Claude Monet's large water lily paintings. |
Jardin du Luxembourg
The park, 22,45 hectare large (about 55 acres), was originally owned by the duke of Luxemburg, hence the name. The domain was purchased in 1612 by Marie de' Medici, mother of Louis XIII. At the center of the park is an octagonal pond, known as the Grand Bassin. Here, children can rent small boats. There are many other attractions for children such as the puppet theater, pony rides and a merry-go-round. Around the pond are nice lawns and alleys, all laid out in a geometrical pattern. |
Pere-Lachaise Cemetery
Paris counts within its walls many of the world's most poetic cemeteries, but Père Lachaise outdoes them all. Countless famous figures are buried here: the most popular being The Doors lead singer Jim Morrison, whose tomb is kept constant vigil by fans. The French playwright Molière, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Richard Wright are a few others. On a sunny day, climbing to the cemetery's summit and looking down on the lavishly designed crypts can be surprisingly joyful. |
Musee d’Orsay
Walk over the bridge from the Louvre to the Musée d'Orsay, and see the bridge between classical and modern art. Housing the world's most important collection of impressionist and post-impressionist painting, the Musée d'Orsay's light, airy rooms whir you through three floors of modern wonders, from Degas' ethereal dancers to Monet's water lilies, all the way to Gaugin's leafy jungles. Major works by Van Gogh, Delacroix, Manet, and others await. Housed in former Gare d'Orsay, an impressive Beaux-Arts railway station |
MNAM
The National Museum of Modern Art (MNAM) houses one of the world's most prestigious collections of 20th-century art. Boasting nearly 50,000 works of painting, sculpture, architecture, and other media, the permanent collection at the National Museum of Modern Art is freshly curated every year to reflect new acquisitions and allow greater circulation. Two floors cover major 20th-century movements, from Cubism to Surrealism and Pop Art. The temporary collections are nearly always newsworthy. |
Centre Georges Pompidou
This modern art museum and cultural center, located in the neighborhood affectionately dubbed Beaubourg by locals, opened in 1977 to honor president Georges Pompidou. The Center's signature skeletal design, which evokes bones and blood vessels, is either loved or reviled-- no in-betweens. It thrives as a space where art and culture seem owned by the public, rather than standing aloof and inaccessible. It is the smack center of Parisian life. Performers draw crowds on the large. |
Picasso Museum
The Musee National Picasso in Paris is less famous than its counterpart in Barcelona, but boasts one of the most extensive collections of works from the Spanish-born Cubist artist: over 250 paintings, 1,700 drawings, nearly 300 sculptures and works in diverse other mediums make up the permanent collection. Masterpieces include Man With a Guitar and studies for the famed Demoiselles d'Avignon. The museum is situated in the heart of the historic Marais neighborhood. |
La Sorbonne University
The Sorbonne is one of Europe's oldest universities, and still enjoys a certain prestige today. The Sorbonne plaza (Place de la Sorbonne) is lined with cafes, but most are occupied by tourists rather than students, who tend to prefer gathering in dim, smoky cafes nearby.It is possible to visit the Sorbonne if you arrange for a tour ahead of time. The Sorbonne regularly organizes group visits for between 10-30 people. The guided tours last approximately 90 minutes and is in French. |
Picasso’s Montmartre Home
They said it looked like the washer-woman’s boats used in those days. It’s a fairly non-descript building on one side of Place Emile Goudreau in the 18th arrondissement. What you see today is just the re-cemented entrance of the once wooden building on the cliff side below. But most art lovers know the adder and being there means you are in the presence of art history. Here Picasso lived with his friends Max Jacob and Andre Salmon. There is a picture window next door at No. 11 but one cannot enter the building. |
Galeries Lafayette
Famous department store, founded at the end of the 19th century. Every year, millions of shoppers visit its main store at the Boulevard Haussmann, a ten story building crowned with a magnificent glass and iron dome. Printemps is Lafayette's main competitor and its department stores are just a stone's throw from the Galeries Lafayette. The 9th floor of the main store has a terrace with great views over Paris. And like the Lafayette, it has a magnificent glass dome in Art Nouveau style. |
Hotel de Ville
The building houses the administration. The building is decorated with 108 statues, representing famous Parisians. 30 Other statues represent French cities. The clock at the central tower is adorned with several feminine sculptures representing the Seine River, the city of Paris, 'Work' and 'Education'. The interior of the city hall is decorated in a pompous IIIe Empire style. Noteworthy are the large staircase, the painted ceilings and walls, the stained glass windows & numerous chandeliers. |
Euro Disney Park
The resort boasts two main theme parks Disneyland Park, divided into several "lands": Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Space Mountain, Adventureland, Mad Hatter's Teacup Ride, Frontierland & Discoveryland. Walt Disney Studios Park - The world of cinema and television is the theme here, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which plunges visitors in a freefall for 13 floors. There's also a tram tour of the studios. and the shopping. Disney Village. houses an IMAX theater, & full on entertainment. |
Parc Astérix
Based on the adventures of Asterix, Obelix, Getafix, it features themed rides and attractions. Beautiful and green setting 35 km north of Paris, seven adventure areas, 27 attractions and 6 shows are waiting to thrill, excite and entertain you. The Asterix amusement park has plenty to offer young children such as many merry-go-rounds and a dolphin theater. Tonnerre de Zeus, the biggest wooden roller-coaster in Europe, Goudurix, one of the most impressive loop-the-loops in Europe, and many others. |
Musee Grevin
It may be a little old-fashioned, but that's the point. The Musée Grevin is one of Europe's oldest wax museums (it was inaugurated in 1882) and today boasts around 300 life-sized wax figures, from Leonardo da Vinci to Marilyn Monroe and current French President Nicolas Sarkozy. This is a fun and sufficiently odd outing for kids and parents to enjoy, and the museum's "Kid's Discovery" tour will allow younger ones to learn about how wax artists bring famous personalities to (near) life. |
Cite des Sciences
Nestled in Paris's ultramodern Parc de la Villette is a vast museum dedicated to learning about science, the fun way. The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (Museum of Science and Industry) regularly curates exhibits designed to captures children's imaginations and pique adults' secret curiosities, shows like Snot, which explored common human body functions in a comical, matter-of-fact manner. Special exhibitions for younger children and young adults guarantee no one in the family will be bored. |
Ménagerie Zoo
Founded as a public zoo after the French Revolution, hosts dozens of species of rare animals, in a format that is decidedly out of date. The zoo still has its charm, somehow, though, and can provide a welcome outing for parents looking for kid-friendly activities in Paris. The zoo has its charm, and can provide a welcome outing for parents looking for kid-friendly activities in Paris. It used to house some of the animals from the private collection of Marie Antoinette. |
Vincennes Zoo
The Zoological Park of Paris lies on 15 hectares. The Big Rock is open since march 1997; mountains animals lik mouflons, markhors, otters and vultures live on or around it. A new Nocturama introduces the nocturn Lemurs. 1000 animals live in the Zoological Park of Paris, 600 birds of 82 species, 535 mammals of 85 species. Most of the animals living in the Park belong to nearly extincted species, their natural environment having been destroyed. |
Musée de la Poupée
Created in 1994, the Paris Doll Museum is the result of the passion of the Odin family with dolls. Share this passion with them and your children. The Paris Doll Museum has over 500 French dolls from 1800 to today, nicely displayed as lively Parisian scenes. Girls, boys and parents will love them. 50 meters away from Centre Pompidou modern art museum, on the edge of Le Marais, the Paris Doll Museum is a refreshing stop out of the beaten track |
Palais de la Découverte
The Palais de la Découverte is a science museum located in the Grand Palais. The museum contains permanent exhibits for mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, and biology, featuring interactive experiments with commentaries by lecturers. It includes a Zeiss planetarium with 15-meter dome. The museum contains a circular room known as the "pi room". On its wall is inscribed 707 digits of the number. Enjoy the interactive activities. |
Moulin Rouge Show
A flamboyant throwback to the original Moulin Rouge cabaret. No visit to the city of lights would be complete without a night here. Built in 1889, it was essence of bohemian, artists converged to produce and attend colorful and avant- garde performances. The show opens with spectacular fanfare. Girls are dressed in skimpy beaded costumes while the guys wear silver suits. Dancing acts are the main feature, but the circus element is apparent with a larger-than life finale. |
Crazy Horse Show
The most avant-garde cabaret in Paris celebrates Désirs, show signed by Philippe Decouflé & Ali Mahdavi and visual tableaus presented by legendary troupe of Crazy Horse dancers! The classically trained dancers perfectly integrate the sensuous choreography of their performances and their spectacular bodies. The colors and images from the stunning lighting effects are so overwhelming that it is hard to determine where skin ends and the colour reflections begin. |
Le Lido Show
The Lido has been a venue for the finest shows with the most famous names since 1946. The venue is a technological feat, 7,500 m² with 6 floors from the stage to ceiling, a 1,150-seat panoramic theatre designed without columns to ensure perfect visibility: a single, 45-meter-long prestressed concrete beam supports the entire structure. Giant elevator allows orchestra section, where 300 guests dine, to sink 80 centimetres into the floor to further improve visibility. |
Don Camilo
For 60 years the Don Camilo has unquestionably been the most typical Parisian cabaret with great deal of humour and excellent big meal portions that gourmets will certainly appreciate! During the show, one singer and three humorists take their turns on stage in this virtual hall skillfully created by the sculptor Cesar and make you laugh on various subjects - politics, love, and women. Apparently famous Serge Gainsbourg had his head quarters right in this venue. |
Flea Market
Maybe the largest antiques market in the world. It is made up of several markets spread throughout the neighborhood. Each market includes dozens of antique shops in a few square meters. Markets are opened only on weekends. In addition to antique markets there are some more traditional markets of cloth and shoes. The mixture of different markets makes this place a special place combining several types of population. There are many vendors trying to sell perfume or watches. |
Lapérouse Restaurant
Émile Zola, George Sand, and Victor Hugo were regulars here, and the restaurant's mirrors still bear diamond scratches from the days when mistresses didn't take jewels at face value. It's hard not to fall in love with this 17th-century Seine-side town house whose warren of intimate, woodwork-graced salons breathes history. A new chef, Christophe Guilbert, recently took over the kitchen; his cuisine seeks a balance between traditional and modern. Even the waiter knocks before entering the salon. |
Illuminations Tour
Magical and magnificent by night, a drive through Paris and its beautiful illuminated buildings should not be missed by any visitor to the capital. At dusk, Paris becomes the “City of Lights”. Take the opportunity to discover Paris, its history, its tree lined boulevards with their animated cafes, and all the brilliantly illuminated monuments and squares. Or go on a BIG BUS day trip. The hop-on, hop-off facility enables you to get on and off the bus at places of interest and gives you complete control of your itinerary. |
Ice Skating on Eiffel Tower
What better way to experience the beauty of Paris in the winter than ice skating? On an observation deck 188 feet above ground, the ice rink adds a new dimension to the breathtaking views from the landmark. Lodged between two of the tower’s immense latticed steel legs, the rectangular rink is a little larger than a tennis court. It holds 80 skaters at once. Elsewhere Hotel de Ville & At the base of the Montparnasse Tower you will find an ice-skating rink for everyone to enjoy |
Below are popular side trips from the city. (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Versailles
The former seat of royal power and symbol of French monarchy, erected by the King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, who were eventually executed. The palace of Versailles is huge and cannot be visited in one day. Marie-Antoinette’s Estate is a park with two palaces (Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon) inside the park of Versailles. She really loved the Petit Trianon where she organized her infamous parties. Next to this French garden is a delightful little theater where the Queen played herself. |
Monet’s Garden, Giverny
A commune best known as the location of Claude Monet's garden and home. Some of his most famous paintings were of his garden in Giverny, famous for its rectangular Clos normand, with archways of climbing plants entwined around colored shrubs, and the water garden, formed by a tributary to the Epte, with the Japanese bridge, the pond with the water lily, the wistarias and the azaleas. Monet lived in the house with its famous pink crushed brick façade from 1883 until his death in 1926. |
Colmar
All of Colmar's attractions are concentrated in its old town. For a medieval city, it is surprisingly big, but you can nonetheless get around on foot with no difficulty. t was the last town in France to be freed after the second World Wa.r Colmar's old town is the main attraction if you come to Colmar. It is stunningly beautiful and well preserved. You should allow yourself a day to stroll along Colmar's old streets and many many shops. Make sure to keep an eye out for dates painted onto the side of buildings. |
Normandy
The region combines a 360-mile dramatic coastline, including the dramatically evocative World War II landing beaches, with a verdant interior of lush farmland, bustling market towns, and historic landmarks such as the cities of Caen, Bayeux and Rouen. Gastronomic delights abound, from fine cheeses to cider and Calvados. The largest military landing in history took place here in 1944. Monuments, museums, bunkers and cemeteries are a living commemoration to the Battle of Normandy. |
Chartres
City in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, approximately an hour south-west of Paris by train. The main attraction for most visitors to Chartres is the 12th century cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage site, considered by many art historians to be the finest surviving example from the High Gothic period. Walk around the city - there are fine half timbered houses including possibly the best, the Maison de la Truie qui File or du Saumon named after the carvings on the wooden uprights. |
Fontainebleau
A lovely historical town renowned for its large and scenic Forest of Fontainebleau, a favorite weekend getaway for Parisians, as well as for the historical Château de Fontainebleau of the kings of France, which attracts crowds of tourists. The Palace of Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The building is arranged around a series of courtyards. The city has grown up around the remainder of the Forest of Fontainebleau, a former royal hunting park. |
Castles of the Loire Valley
Once the stomping grounds for the French kings, the Loire Valley is lined with impressive castles that draw thousands of tourists every summer (though autumn in the Loire is really spectacular). But with so many castles (or should we say châteaux) to choose from, you may be wondering which ones are must-sees and which ones you can bypass in favor of wine tasting for the afternoon at one of the many vineyards in the Loire or picnicking along the banks of the river. |
Champagné
A day trip to the Champagne region is as magical as the bubbly tastes. You're picked up at your hotel and whisked to this beautiful area only an hour from Paris. Spend a day discovering the wonders of the Champagne region — from meeting small family producers to a visiting a grand Champagne house to learning about the intricacies of creating the most celebrated beverage in the world. Of course, they'll be plenty of tasting along the way. Maybe that's why it's a favorite day trips from Paris! |
Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by more than 3 million people annually. It is famously located on a rocky tidal island (meaning it’s an island only at high tide; however, it is always connected via causeway to the mainland) almost a mile off coast of Normandy, and about 150 miles from Paris. At the entrance of this medieval town is the ancient Burgher’s Guardroom, which now serves as the Tourist Office. After going through the Boulevard Gate and then the fortified King’s Gate , you will find the “Grande Rue” or main street with its museums, shops and houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. |
Provins
The Town of Medieval Fairs is an UNESCO World Heritage site. The town was host to one of the so-called “Champagne fairs” which took place regularly throughout the year in the 12th and 13th centuries in the regions of Champagne and Brie. These were trading fairs, which may sound quaint today, but back then they were vital to the country’s economy. The medieval tower, called Caesar’s Tower, is the high point of the trip, it towers above the historic town center and, once you climb it, gives you a commanding view of the town and the surrounding countryside as well. Built in the 12th century, has been used as a watch tower, bell tower, and even a prison. |
Bayeux
Best-known for the Bayeux Tapestry and the town’s beautiful cathedral. In nice weather, however, it’s a perfectly lovely town to spend a day just walking through the pretty streets, perhaps taking in the botanical garden, or enjoying just watching the river roll by. The tapestry originally hung in the cathedral, but today it’s the star feature of its very own museum. The “Tapisserie de Bayeux” museum is open every day and has all kinds of exhibits about the history of the tapestry and guides (audio and otherwise) to help you decipher what you’re looking at on the embroidered cloth itself, don’t miss a stop at its original home, the impressive Bayeux Cathedral. |
Saint-Malo
The citadel, also known as the Old Town or Intra-Muros, was originally built on a rocky island at the mouth of the Rance estuary. This strategic position allowed control of both the sea and any trade heading into the interior of Brittany, helping to shape the stormy and often dark history of the city. Today, St-Malo is considered by many to be the most attractive channel port in France and its cobbled streets are brimming with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Tall granite mansion blocks line the characterful lanes and squares, in turn enclosed by a complete circuit of massive ramparts. The modern harbour now connects the citadel to the mainland. |
Rouen
During the middle ages Rouen was France's 2nd largest city, half of today's France was ruled by England. Caught in the middle, Rouen walked a political tightrope between England and France for centuries. And because this was an important English base during the Hundred Years' War, this was the place where Joan of Arc was burned. Today, Rouen mixes dazzling Gothic architecture and contemporary bustle beautifully. It's a thriving port with a pedestrian-friendly old town and a grand cathedral.. |
Rocamadour, Occitan
South of Paris is Rocamadour with its beautiful gorge and cliffs through which a tributary of the River Dordogne flows. The town is also home to numerous religious relics as it was claimed to be the resting place of The Virgin Mary. This claim ensured Rocamadour was a major pilgrim destination which has resulted in numerous historical buildings and monuments being erected over the centuries. Easter local ‘gift’ are freeze dried chicks which are ‘frozen’ when a day or two old and sold as gifts to the tourists. |
Lourdes
Travel directly west, and eventually away from the coast and into this Pyrenees Village, the mountains which form the border between France and Spain. Probably the most famous town in France, from a religious perspective, this is the site of the appearance of The Virgin Mary to a miller’s daughter. A place of miracles, Lourdes has long been a destination for the sick and infirm seeking respite or a cure. It doesn’t hurt that it is placed in a magnificently beautiful setting. A lot of hotels here. |
Lyon
The city of Lion a.k.a. the capital of gastronomy is the third largest city in France and centre of the second largest metropolitan area in the country with a vibrant cultural scene, also the birthplace of cinema. You may think that Paris would have the reputation for the best French cuisine; however Lyon is actually the chief place for training and practicing haute cuisine. There is no doubt that the very best in French cuisine originates from Lyon, do not stay too long if you want to maintain your figure! |