France has a whopping 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted across the country. Each one has been recognised for its cultural and natural significance that make this fantastique country the destination it is today. Here are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites you must visit in France.
1. Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay, Normandy
Rising high above its rocky outlook, Mont-Saint-Michel is a spectacular UWHS. History tells a story of it being founded in the eighth century after the Archangel Michael appeared to the local bishop here. Mont-Saint-Michel then became a revered pilgrimage site. Its towering medieval abbey reflects a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, taking watch over the tides that surround the island.
2. Palace and Park of Versailles, Paris
Did you know that the Palace of Versailles was originally commissioned by Louis XIII as a hunting lodge? His son, Louis XIV, then transformed it into the palace and park we know of today in 1661. Its extravagant grounds were a symbol of power of the French royal family who lived here. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into France’s royal past as you explore tree-lined avenues, immaculate gardens, and plush interiors – like the iconic Hall of Mirrors.
3. Historic Centre of Avignon, Avignon
Avignon is a must-visit when in the south of France. Its historic centre is a joy to discover, from the Pont d’Avignon that stretches across the Rhône to the well-preserved Palais des Papes. When Avignon became the seat of the papacy in the fourteenth century, it became the spiritual heart of Europe for almost 70 years. You can wander the Palace of the Popes’ grand halls, chapels and private apartments, walking the same routes as previous Popes and their court.
4. Loire Valley, Central France
The Loire Valley is recognised as France’s largest UWHS, stretching over 280 kilometres! This gorgeous area was known as the ‘cradle of the French language’ as it was a hub for art, education and political power during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. If that doesn’t call to you, perhaps its 300+ châteaux, quintessential French scenery or charming towns like Tours or Blois, will make you book your ticket here!
5. Bordeaux city, Bordeaux
Nicknamed the ‘Port of the Moon’, Bordeaux city designed its bustling port in a crescent-shape along the Garonne River. The UWHS designation expands to include the city centre too, a wonderful mix of eighteenth-century architecture and urban design. This awe-inspiring balance has since influenced other European cities. In particular, Bordeaux is famous for its Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) that creates a perfect mirror reflection of the buildings in Place de la Bourse.
Say ‘oui!’ to France and all its iconic landmarks on a Globus or Cosmos tour, or an Avalon Waterways river cruise.
