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Top
Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower
(Tour Eiffel) could never have guessed that it would become Paris's
signature sightseeing attraction and bring more than six million
visitors a year. It was built as a temporary structure to
commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and was opened
by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England. The
Eiffel Tower was considered an eyesore by many and there were
petitions to have it pulled down. It was saved only because it had
become an important antenna for telegraphy. It towers 984ft (300m)
above the Champ de Mars and until 1930 was the world's tallest
building. The highest of its three levels offers a wonderful
panoramic view over Paris. see full details
Eiffel Tower
Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower
(Tour Eiffel) could never have guessed that it would become Paris's
signature sightseeing attraction and bring more than six million
visitors a year. It was built as a temporary structure to
commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and was opened
by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England. The
Eiffel Tower was considered an eyesore by many and there were
petitions to have it pulled down. It was saved only because it had
become an important antenna for telegraphy. It towers 984ft (300m)
above the Champ de Mars and until 1930 was the world's tallest
building. The highest of its three levels offers a wonderful
panoramic view over Paris. see full details
Top
Notre-Dame looms large over the Place de Parvis, on
the Isle de la Cité, and as the most enduring symbol of Paris is an
alluring tourist attraction. Built between 1163 and 1345 the
Cathedral is considered one of the of the world's Gothic
masterpieces. The massive interior can seat 6,000 and it is
dominated by three spectacular and enormous rose windows and a vast
7,800-pipe organ. The 387-step climb to the top of the towers is
worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city and the
close-up views of the famous gargoyles. The tower also holds the
great bell that was rung by Quasimodo, the fictional hunchback.
Opposite the north door is a museum that displays the Cathedral's
history, while under the square in front of the Cathedral is the
crypt that houses Notre-Dame's archaeological museum. see full details
Notre-Dame
Notre-Dame looms large over the Place de Parvis, on
the Isle de la Cité, and as the most enduring symbol of Paris is an
alluring tourist attraction. Built between 1163 and 1345 the
Cathedral is considered one of the of the world's Gothic
masterpieces. The massive interior can seat 6,000 and it is
dominated by three spectacular and enormous rose windows and a vast
7,800-pipe organ. The 387-step climb to the top of the towers is
worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city and the
close-up views of the famous gargoyles. The tower also holds the
great bell that was rung by Quasimodo, the fictional hunchback.
Opposite the north door is a museum that displays the Cathedral's
history, while under the square in front of the Cathedral is the
crypt that houses Notre-Dame's archaeological museum. see full details
Top
One of the world's great art museums, this vast
edifice houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures
and antiquities from all over the world. The Louvre was opened to
the public in 1793, soon after the Revolution, to display the
spectacular treasures looted from the royal palaces. The best-known
attraction is Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa, which is
protected by bullet-proof glass within its own room. The permanent
collections are divided into Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian
antiquities, painting, drawings, sculpture and objects d'art. Don't
even attempt to see it all in one day. see full details
Louvre
One of the world's great art museums, this vast
edifice houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures
and antiquities from all over the world. The Louvre was opened to
the public in 1793, soon after the Revolution, to display the
spectacular treasures looted from the royal palaces. The best-known
attraction is Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa, which is
protected by bullet-proof glass within its own room. The permanent
collections are divided into Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian
antiquities, painting, drawings, sculpture and objects d'art. Don't
even attempt to see it all in one day. see full details
Top
Built in the 1970s and named after former French
president Georges Pompidou, the futuristic Pompidou Centre is now
considered part of the Parisian landscape. The outrageous design,
complete with its glass elevators, was the inspiration for the
Lloyds Building in London and attracts visitors by the million; it
is the city's most popular attraction by far. The building houses
the Musée National d'Art Modern (MNAM), which displays a vast
collection of 20th-century art from Fauvism and Cubism to Abstract
and Absurd and its numerous cinemas and theatres have regular
musical and dance performances. The square to the West of the
building attracts a varied assortment of street
performers. see full details
Pompidou Centre
Built in the 1970s and named after former French
president Georges Pompidou, the futuristic Pompidou Centre is now
considered part of the Parisian landscape. The outrageous design,
complete with its glass elevators, was the inspiration for the
Lloyds Building in London and attracts visitors by the million; it
is the city's most popular attraction by far. The building houses
the Musée National d'Art Modern (MNAM), which displays a vast
collection of 20th-century art from Fauvism and Cubism to Abstract
and Absurd and its numerous cinemas and theatres have regular
musical and dance performances. The square to the West of the
building attracts a varied assortment of street
performers. see full details
Top
This great museum is fairly new by Paris standards. It
is situated in a railway station by the Seine and houses a vast
collection of works from the significant 1848 to 1914 period. There
are important works from the Art-Nouveau movement but the Orsay is
best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The
collection is arranged chronologically and contains highly regarded
works by Monet, Manet and Courbet. Also on permanent display is the
famous painting by Gustave Doré entitled L'énigme and Henri Chapu's
marble statue of Joan of Arc in Domrémy. see full details
Musée d'Orsay
This great museum is fairly new by Paris standards. It
is situated in a railway station by the Seine and houses a vast
collection of works from the significant 1848 to 1914 period. There
are important works from the Art-Nouveau movement but the Orsay is
best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The
collection is arranged chronologically and contains highly regarded
works by Monet, Manet and Courbet. Also on permanent display is the
famous painting by Gustave Doré entitled L'énigme and Henri Chapu's
marble statue of Joan of Arc in Domrémy. see full details
Top
The Rodin Museum is situated near the Musée d'Orsay
and is housed in what was formerly the Hôtel Biron, the beautiful
hotel where Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) once lived and worked. Inside
are many of Rodin's great marble sculptures including The Kiss
while outside, in the garden, are famous bronzes including The
Thinker. The museum also includes many works by Camille Claudel,
Rodin's pupil and mistress, and paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir,
Manet and Rodin himself. see full details
Musée Rodin
The Rodin Museum is situated near the Musée d'Orsay
and is housed in what was formerly the Hôtel Biron, the beautiful
hotel where Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) once lived and worked. Inside
are many of Rodin's great marble sculptures including The Kiss
while outside, in the garden, are famous bronzes including The
Thinker. The museum also includes many works by Camille Claudel,
Rodin's pupil and mistress, and paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir,
Manet and Rodin himself. see full details
Top
The Picasso Museum is situated in a 17th century
mansion in the heart of Paris. The collection was started in 1973,
after the French government accepted Picasso's own collection in
lieu of death duties, and was added to after his widow's death in
1990. All the phases of work from the Paris-based artist are
represented including his paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures
and even poetry. Memorable works include the self-portrait Paolo as
Harlequin and Nude in an Armchair. Most of Picasso's great
paintings however are owned by and housed in foreign museums or are
in the hands of private collectors. see full details
Musée National Picasso
The Picasso Museum is situated in a 17th century
mansion in the heart of Paris. The collection was started in 1973,
after the French government accepted Picasso's own collection in
lieu of death duties, and was added to after his widow's death in
1990. All the phases of work from the Paris-based artist are
represented including his paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures
and even poetry. Memorable works include the self-portrait Paolo as
Harlequin and Nude in an Armchair. Most of Picasso's great
paintings however are owned by and housed in foreign museums or are
in the hands of private collectors. see full details
Top
The Château de Versailles stands 15 miles (24km)
southwest of Paris and is one of France's noted attractions. Most
of the palace was built between 1664 and 1715 by Louis XIV (known
as the Sun King), who turned his father's hunting lodge into the
grandest palace ever built. The 'Old Château' still exists but is
enveloped by the vast white stone façade of the New Château. This
lavish statement of monarchical power was to become a symbol of the
excess that would lead to the revolution of 1789. Perhaps the most
famous room in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des
Glaces) where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, signifying the
end of the Great War. Within the palace visitors can also see the
former Royal bedchambers, the grand staircase and other staterooms,
and within the vast landscaped park and gardens are many
wonderfully ornate fountains and ponds. There is a small train that
ferries visitors from the palace to the Grand Trianon and Petit
Trianon, former love nests where both the Sun King and Napoleon
enjoyed the company of their mistresses. see full details
Versailles
The Château de Versailles stands 15 miles (24km)
southwest of Paris and is one of France's noted attractions. Most
of the palace was built between 1664 and 1715 by Louis XIV (known
as the Sun King), who turned his father's hunting lodge into the
grandest palace ever built. The 'Old Château' still exists but is
enveloped by the vast white stone façade of the New Château. This
lavish statement of monarchical power was to become a symbol of the
excess that would lead to the revolution of 1789. Perhaps the most
famous room in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des
Glaces) where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, signifying the
end of the Great War. Within the palace visitors can also see the
former Royal bedchambers, the grand staircase and other staterooms,
and within the vast landscaped park and gardens are many
wonderfully ornate fountains and ponds. There is a small train that
ferries visitors from the palace to the Grand Trianon and Petit
Trianon, former love nests where both the Sun King and Napoleon
enjoyed the company of their mistresses. see full details
Top
In the 16th century, Henry II and Catherine de Medici
commissioned architects Philibert Delorme and Jean Bullant to build
a new palace here within the Fontainebleau forest 40 miles (64km)
south of Paris. Italian Mannerist artists Rosso Fiorentino and
Primaticcio came to assist in the interior decoration, helping to
found the School of Fontainebleau. Visitors will see the long
Gallery of François I, which the artists adorned with scenes like
The Rape of Europa and the monarch holding a pomegranate, a symbol
of unity, as well as the richly adorned Louis XV Staircase and the
Ballroom with its monumental fireplace and frescoes. The palace was
a refuge for French monarchs from the days of the Renaissance; they
valued it because of its distance from the slums of Paris and for
the rich hunting grounds that surrounded it. Many important events
have occurred here, perhaps none more memorable than when Napoleon
stood on the grand steps in front of the palace and bade farewell
to his shattered army before departing for Elba. Compared to the
glories of Versailles, however, Fontainebleau can be a bit of an
anticlimax; it is best to see it before Versailles. see full details
Fontainebleau
In the 16th century, Henry II and Catherine de Medici
commissioned architects Philibert Delorme and Jean Bullant to build
a new palace here within the Fontainebleau forest 40 miles (64km)
south of Paris. Italian Mannerist artists Rosso Fiorentino and
Primaticcio came to assist in the interior decoration, helping to
found the School of Fontainebleau. Visitors will see the long
Gallery of François I, which the artists adorned with scenes like
The Rape of Europa and the monarch holding a pomegranate, a symbol
of unity, as well as the richly adorned Louis XV Staircase and the
Ballroom with its monumental fireplace and frescoes. The palace was
a refuge for French monarchs from the days of the Renaissance; they
valued it because of its distance from the slums of Paris and for
the rich hunting grounds that surrounded it. Many important events
have occurred here, perhaps none more memorable than when Napoleon
stood on the grand steps in front of the palace and bade farewell
to his shattered army before departing for Elba. Compared to the
glories of Versailles, however, Fontainebleau can be a bit of an
anticlimax; it is best to see it before Versailles. see full details
Top
Vieux Bordeaux (old town) centres on the Quartier
St-Pierre, which is surrounded by narrow streets, and lined with
old churches and grand mansions adorned by wrought-iron balconies
and arcading. There has been a lot of restoration over the last few
years, but many streets remain fairly seedy. One of the most
opulent displays of Bordeaux's former glory is the Grand Theatre.
It was built between 1773 and 1780 on the site of a Roman temple
and is faced with an enormous colonnaded portico topped by 12 Muses
and Graces. Visitors can view the impressive interior by attending
one of the operas or ballets. Nearby is the Esplanade des
Quinconces, which was laid out between 1818 and 1828 and covers
nearly 12 hectares (30 acres) - making it the largest square of its
kind in Europe. A smaller but more beautiful square is the earlier
Place de la Bourse. Its centrepiece is a fountain of the Three
Graces and is bordered by quays opening onto the river and flanked
by the Custom House and the Stock Exchange. Crossing the river is
the impressive Pont de Pierre, which was built during Napoleon's
Spanish campaigns, and has 17 arches in honour of his victories.
The views of the river and quays from here are memorable,
particularly when floodlit at night. Important churches include the
delightful Basilique St-Michel, across from which is the Fleche
St-Michel, which has the tallest stone tower in France; it was
built in 1472 and is 374ft (114m) high. During July and August
(afternoons only) visitors can climb the 228 steps for wonderful
views over the river. To the west is the 13th century Cathédrale
St-André, the most impressive and ostentatious church in Bordeaux
(look out for the wonderful sculptures in the doors). The city's
museums are gathered around the cathedral, the best being the Musée
des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of European art
including works by Reynolds, Titian, Rubens, Matisse and Marquet, a
resident of the city. The old town is fairly compact and is best
seen on foot; two-hour walking tours can be arranged through the
local tourist office. Boat tours can also be
arranged. see full details
Vieux Bordeaux
Vieux Bordeaux (old town) centres on the Quartier
St-Pierre, which is surrounded by narrow streets, and lined with
old churches and grand mansions adorned by wrought-iron balconies
and arcading. There has been a lot of restoration over the last few
years, but many streets remain fairly seedy. One of the most
opulent displays of Bordeaux's former glory is the Grand Theatre.
It was built between 1773 and 1780 on the site of a Roman temple
and is faced with an enormous colonnaded portico topped by 12 Muses
and Graces. Visitors can view the impressive interior by attending
one of the operas or ballets. Nearby is the Esplanade des
Quinconces, which was laid out between 1818 and 1828 and covers
nearly 12 hectares (30 acres) - making it the largest square of its
kind in Europe. A smaller but more beautiful square is the earlier
Place de la Bourse. Its centrepiece is a fountain of the Three
Graces and is bordered by quays opening onto the river and flanked
by the Custom House and the Stock Exchange. Crossing the river is
the impressive Pont de Pierre, which was built during Napoleon's
Spanish campaigns, and has 17 arches in honour of his victories.
The views of the river and quays from here are memorable,
particularly when floodlit at night. Important churches include the
delightful Basilique St-Michel, across from which is the Fleche
St-Michel, which has the tallest stone tower in France; it was
built in 1472 and is 374ft (114m) high. During July and August
(afternoons only) visitors can climb the 228 steps for wonderful
views over the river. To the west is the 13th century Cathédrale
St-André, the most impressive and ostentatious church in Bordeaux
(look out for the wonderful sculptures in the doors). The city's
museums are gathered around the cathedral, the best being the Musée
des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of European art
including works by Reynolds, Titian, Rubens, Matisse and Marquet, a
resident of the city. The old town is fairly compact and is best
seen on foot; two-hour walking tours can be arranged through the
local tourist office. Boat tours can also be
arranged. see full details
Top
The area surrounding Bordeaux produces over 70 million
gallons of wine each year including the world's best red wine. Many
vineyards are small family run businesses without staff to cater
for tourists, but the larger more famous ones organise tastings and
tours of the cellars and vineyards. Château Mouton-Rothschild is
located just north of Pauillac. It is still run by the Rothschilds
and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come as much for
the impressive collection of art as for the wine. Château
Lafite-Rothschild is nearby and was purchased by the Rothschilds in
1868. The vinothèque contains many vintage bottles, several dating
from 1797. Château Margaux is an imposing 19th century château
south of Pauillac; the estate produces three wines from its 650
acres. To see the vat rooms and wine cellars, make an appointment
by letter or phone. see full details
The Wine Country
The area surrounding Bordeaux produces over 70 million
gallons of wine each year including the world's best red wine. Many
vineyards are small family run businesses without staff to cater
for tourists, but the larger more famous ones organise tastings and
tours of the cellars and vineyards. Château Mouton-Rothschild is
located just north of Pauillac. It is still run by the Rothschilds
and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come as much for
the impressive collection of art as for the wine. Château
Lafite-Rothschild is nearby and was purchased by the Rothschilds in
1868. The vinothèque contains many vintage bottles, several dating
from 1797. Château Margaux is an imposing 19th century château
south of Pauillac; the estate produces three wines from its 650
acres. To see the vat rooms and wine cellars, make an appointment
by letter or phone. see full details
Top
One of France's best-known attractions, the Mont
Saint-Michel Abbey is situated on a rocky island just off the coast
of Normandy and Brittany. It was founded in 708 by the Bishop of
Avranches, who built a chapel here. Construction of the current
abbey began in 1023 but was not finished for 400 years. Built with
granite, it encompasses a range of architectural styles, from
Norman to Gothic. The abbey was a place for pilgrimages for
centuries and also served as a monastery, a prison and a fortress
against the English. There is still a Benedictine monastery within
the abbey, which can be visited on a guided tour. Among the maze of
cobbled streets within the walls of the abbey are a number of other
attractions including a maritime museum and a multimedia museum
that tells the story of the island. The abbey is connected to the
shore by a causeway, but there are plans to construct a bridge to
it so that the sea will again flow freely around the
island. see full details
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
One of France's best-known attractions, the Mont
Saint-Michel Abbey is situated on a rocky island just off the coast
of Normandy and Brittany. It was founded in 708 by the Bishop of
Avranches, who built a chapel here. Construction of the current
abbey began in 1023 but was not finished for 400 years. Built with
granite, it encompasses a range of architectural styles, from
Norman to Gothic. The abbey was a place for pilgrimages for
centuries and also served as a monastery, a prison and a fortress
against the English. There is still a Benedictine monastery within
the abbey, which can be visited on a guided tour. Among the maze of
cobbled streets within the walls of the abbey are a number of other
attractions including a maritime museum and a multimedia museum
that tells the story of the island. The abbey is connected to the
shore by a causeway, but there are plans to construct a bridge to
it so that the sea will again flow freely around the
island. see full details
Top
The Cape Girolata peninsula is classified as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and encompasses the Scandola Nature Reserve, an
ecological treasure covering 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of scrub
and sea. The promontory is marked by incredible rock formations
that were formed by Monte Cinto's volcanic eruptions millions of
years ago. The subsequent erosion has fashioned caves and grottoes
deep into the rock. The headland and its surrounding waters support
significant colonies of seabirds, dolphins and seals, as well as
450 types of seaweed and some remarkable fish such as the grouper,
a species more commonly found in the Caribbean. Scandola is
off-limits to walkers and can be viewed only by boat; trips can be
arranged from both Calvi and Porto. see full details
Scandola Nature Reserve
The Cape Girolata peninsula is classified as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and encompasses the Scandola Nature Reserve, an
ecological treasure covering 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of scrub
and sea. The promontory is marked by incredible rock formations
that were formed by Monte Cinto's volcanic eruptions millions of
years ago. The subsequent erosion has fashioned caves and grottoes
deep into the rock. The headland and its surrounding waters support
significant colonies of seabirds, dolphins and seals, as well as
450 types of seaweed and some remarkable fish such as the grouper,
a species more commonly found in the Caribbean. Scandola is
off-limits to walkers and can be viewed only by boat; trips can be
arranged from both Calvi and Porto. see full details
Top
The long, shop-studded promenade of La Croisette, and
its seven miles (11km) of beach, is Cannes' major attraction.
Palatial hotels line this strip each with their own private beach
and this is where you are most likely to spot a familiar face, or
topless hopeful, especially during the film festival, though you'll
be lucky to see further than the sweating backs of the paparazzi.
La Croisette is best viewed from the highest point of Cannes' Old
Town, Le Suquet, where the remains of the fortified tower still
stand, along with the 12th-century Chapel of St Anne. Le Suquet is
a lovely place to stroll, with its winding streets, small boutiques
and restaurants. At the end of La Croisette is the Palais des
Festivals, whose endless Allées des Stars is imprinted with
handprints and signatures of the famous. Just beyond is the
atmospheric Vieux Port, with its odd medley of luxury yachts and
tiny fishing vessels, and the rows of palm trees and fragrant
flower market of the Allées de la Liberté. Further west along the
seafront are the free beaches (where the locals go), along the
Plages du Midi. see full details
La Croisette
The long, shop-studded promenade of La Croisette, and
its seven miles (11km) of beach, is Cannes' major attraction.
Palatial hotels line this strip each with their own private beach
and this is where you are most likely to spot a familiar face, or
topless hopeful, especially during the film festival, though you'll
be lucky to see further than the sweating backs of the paparazzi.
La Croisette is best viewed from the highest point of Cannes' Old
Town, Le Suquet, where the remains of the fortified tower still
stand, along with the 12th-century Chapel of St Anne. Le Suquet is
a lovely place to stroll, with its winding streets, small boutiques
and restaurants. At the end of La Croisette is the Palais des
Festivals, whose endless Allées des Stars is imprinted with
handprints and signatures of the famous. Just beyond is the
atmospheric Vieux Port, with its odd medley of luxury yachts and
tiny fishing vessels, and the rows of palm trees and fragrant
flower market of the Allées de la Liberté. Further west along the
seafront are the free beaches (where the locals go), along the
Plages du Midi. see full details
Top
The two islands of Lerins - Ile St Marguerite and Ile
St Honorat lie within a 20-minute boat ride from Cannes. Ile St
Honorat is a tiny forested island, the smallest and most southern
of the Iles de Lerins. It has been the site of a monastery since
the 5th century and today the Cistercian monks are the only
inhabitants on the island. Much of the monastery is surprisingly
modern, with the exception of the ruins of the 11th-century
monastery on the sea's edge. The monks organise tours of the island
and try to sell their produce to tourists including homemade wine,
honey and lavender oil. The monastery also welcomes visitors for
week-long retreats. On the neighbouring Ile St Marguerite is the
fortress where the man in the 'iron mask' was
imprisoned. see full details
Ile St Honorat & Ile St Marguerite
The two islands of Lerins - Ile St Marguerite and Ile
St Honorat lie within a 20-minute boat ride from Cannes. Ile St
Honorat is a tiny forested island, the smallest and most southern
of the Iles de Lerins. It has been the site of a monastery since
the 5th century and today the Cistercian monks are the only
inhabitants on the island. Much of the monastery is surprisingly
modern, with the exception of the ruins of the 11th-century
monastery on the sea's edge. The monks organise tours of the island
and try to sell their produce to tourists including homemade wine,
honey and lavender oil. The monastery also welcomes visitors for
week-long retreats. On the neighbouring Ile St Marguerite is the
fortress where the man in the 'iron mask' was
imprisoned. see full details
Top
Antibes is a pleasant excursion a few miles east of
Cannes. It has one of the best markets on the coast and an
excellent Picasso museum in its ancient seafront castle, the 16th
century Château Grimaldi. Picasso was lent a room in the castle to
use as a studio in 1946. Several extremely prolific months followed
before he moved to Vallauris, leaving all his Antibes output to
what is now the Musée Picasso. Although Picasso donated other works
later, most of the collection dates from this one period. The best
known work is Ulysses and his Sirens. There are also works here by
some of Picasso's contemporaries, including Nicholas de Stael.
Picasso himself is the subject of some of his paintings. Alongside
the castle is a cathedral which dates from Medieval times; only the
choir and apse survive from the original Romanesque building, the
nave and magnificent facade are Baroque. Nearby is a market which
is open every morning over the summer and overflows with local
produce. see full details
Antibes
Antibes is a pleasant excursion a few miles east of
Cannes. It has one of the best markets on the coast and an
excellent Picasso museum in its ancient seafront castle, the 16th
century Château Grimaldi. Picasso was lent a room in the castle to
use as a studio in 1946. Several extremely prolific months followed
before he moved to Vallauris, leaving all his Antibes output to
what is now the Musée Picasso. Although Picasso donated other works
later, most of the collection dates from this one period. The best
known work is Ulysses and his Sirens. There are also works here by
some of Picasso's contemporaries, including Nicholas de Stael.
Picasso himself is the subject of some of his paintings. Alongside
the castle is a cathedral which dates from Medieval times; only the
choir and apse survive from the original Romanesque building, the
nave and magnificent facade are Baroque. Nearby is a market which
is open every morning over the summer and overflows with local
produce. see full details
Top
People don't just come to St Tropez for the nightlife,
it also has some of the best beaches in France. Most are away from
the centre; although the family beaches, Plage des Graniers and
Plage des Cannebiers, are within walking distance. The most serious
collection of beaches are along the Baie de Pampelonne, south of St
Tropez, the best known is the Plage de Tahiti which has long been
favoured by exhibitionists wearing next to nothing. All beaches are
lined with restaurants and shops selling endless gifts or items to
prove you've been there. see full details
Côte d'Azur Beaches
People don't just come to St Tropez for the nightlife,
it also has some of the best beaches in France. Most are away from
the centre; although the family beaches, Plage des Graniers and
Plage des Cannebiers, are within walking distance. The most serious
collection of beaches are along the Baie de Pampelonne, south of St
Tropez, the best known is the Plage de Tahiti which has long been
favoured by exhibitionists wearing next to nothing. All beaches are
lined with restaurants and shops selling endless gifts or items to
prove you've been there. see full details
Top
The area immediately around St Tropez is pretty grim;
congested roads are lined with billboards and neon signs, but the
surrounding hills are almost uninhabited and make for a welcome
excursion from the masses and the mayhem. The best view of this
richly green and flowering countryside is from the hilltop village
of Gassin, its lower neighbour Ramatuelle, or the tiny road between
them, the dramatic route des Moulins de Paillas, where among the
vineyards are three ruined windmills that were once powered by the
dreaded winter mistral. Several vineyards offer wine tasting. Along
the coast there are a number of good walking trails. Maps are
available at the tourist office. see full details
St Tropez Surrounds
The area immediately around St Tropez is pretty grim;
congested roads are lined with billboards and neon signs, but the
surrounding hills are almost uninhabited and make for a welcome
excursion from the masses and the mayhem. The best view of this
richly green and flowering countryside is from the hilltop village
of Gassin, its lower neighbour Ramatuelle, or the tiny road between
them, the dramatic route des Moulins de Paillas, where among the
vineyards are three ruined windmills that were once powered by the
dreaded winter mistral. Several vineyards offer wine tasting. Along
the coast there are a number of good walking trails. Maps are
available at the tourist office. see full details
Top
Behind the cafés, the small streets and old buildings
of St Tropez form a picturesque scene, but they are popular venues
for their multitude of shops and restaurants rather than their
historical significance. Place aux Herbes is a lively square that
has been a centre of activity for centuries; today it is a busy
enclave of vegetable, fruit and flower stalls. Every May the town
centre bubbles to life with the St Tropez bravade, a colourful
festival dating back to the 15th century. It originated as a
procession in honour of the town's patron saint - whose bust is
carried through the town, accompanied by a guard of honour with gun
salvos, and Provençal singing and dancing. see full details
St Tropez Town Centre
Behind the cafés, the small streets and old buildings
of St Tropez form a picturesque scene, but they are popular venues
for their multitude of shops and restaurants rather than their
historical significance. Place aux Herbes is a lively square that
has been a centre of activity for centuries; today it is a busy
enclave of vegetable, fruit and flower stalls. Every May the town
centre bubbles to life with the St Tropez bravade, a colourful
festival dating back to the 15th century. It originated as a
procession in honour of the town's patron saint - whose bust is
carried through the town, accompanied by a guard of honour with gun
salvos, and Provençal singing and dancing. see full details
Top
Matisse spent the last few years of his life in Nice
and he is honoured by this museum. The Musée Matisse has several
permanent collections, mostly painted in Nice and many donated by
the artist and his heir. The better known paintings include Nude in
an Armchair with a Green Plant (1937), Nymph in the Forest
(1935/1942) and Portrait of Madame Matisse (1905). There is also an
ensemble of drawings including The Créole Dancer (1951) and Blue
Nude IV (1952). Seeing his nude sketches today, you'll wonder why
early critics denounced them as 'the female animal in all her shame
and horror.' see full details
Musée Matisse
Matisse spent the last few years of his life in Nice
and he is honoured by this museum. The Musée Matisse has several
permanent collections, mostly painted in Nice and many donated by
the artist and his heir. The better known paintings include Nude in
an Armchair with a Green Plant (1937), Nymph in the Forest
(1935/1942) and Portrait of Madame Matisse (1905). There is also an
ensemble of drawings including The Créole Dancer (1951) and Blue
Nude IV (1952). Seeing his nude sketches today, you'll wonder why
early critics denounced them as 'the female animal in all her shame
and horror.' see full details
Top
With wonderful views over the rooftops and gleaming
mosaic tiles of Old Nice, along the sweep of the promenade des
Anglais and out to the Mediterranean, the Château park is a lovely
attraction in itself and good place for visitors to orientate
themselves with the city. The Château has long gone but with cool
walks in the shade of the trees, a large grassy park, Roman ruins
and a waterfall, it is a great place to spend an afternoon. To
reach the park, visitors can either climb the steps at the front,
from the Quai des Etats Unis, or for those who aren't up to it an
elevator is available. see full details
The Château
With wonderful views over the rooftops and gleaming
mosaic tiles of Old Nice, along the sweep of the promenade des
Anglais and out to the Mediterranean, the Château park is a lovely
attraction in itself and good place for visitors to orientate
themselves with the city. The Château has long gone but with cool
walks in the shade of the trees, a large grassy park, Roman ruins
and a waterfall, it is a great place to spend an afternoon. To
reach the park, visitors can either climb the steps at the front,
from the Quai des Etats Unis, or for those who aren't up to it an
elevator is available. see full details
Top
Outside Nice, near the airport, this vast tourist
attraction includes a botanical garden and a bird and insect zoo
where visitors can tour a greenhouse full of wonderful butterflies.
There is also a tacky theme park with automated dinosaurs and mock
Mayan temples but the highlight of the park is the Musée
Départemental des Artes Asiatiques, which houses a collection of
ethnographic artefacts, including silk goods and pottery, as well
as traditional and contemporary art. see full details
Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice
Outside Nice, near the airport, this vast tourist
attraction includes a botanical garden and a bird and insect zoo
where visitors can tour a greenhouse full of wonderful butterflies.
There is also a tacky theme park with automated dinosaurs and mock
Mayan temples but the highlight of the park is the Musée
Départemental des Artes Asiatiques, which houses a collection of
ethnographic artefacts, including silk goods and pottery, as well
as traditional and contemporary art. see full details
Top
Housed in the former residence of the Ukrainian
Princess Kotchubey is a fine collection of 19th and 20th century
art, including works by Boudin, Ziem, Raffaelli, Renoir and Monet.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret gallery includes great
sculptures including works by J. B. Carpeaux, Rude and Rodin. There
is also an important collection devoted to the masters of the
Second Empire and Belle Epoque, a great attraction for visitors to
Nice. see full details
Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret
Housed in the former residence of the Ukrainian
Princess Kotchubey is a fine collection of 19th and 20th century
art, including works by Boudin, Ziem, Raffaelli, Renoir and Monet.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret gallery includes great
sculptures including works by J. B. Carpeaux, Rude and Rodin. There
is also an important collection devoted to the masters of the
Second Empire and Belle Epoque, a great attraction for visitors to
Nice. see full details
Top
In a residential area in the hills above the hustle
and bustle of the city, the grounds of Cimiez include a large park
set amidst olive groves, the Archaeology Museum, Matisse Museum and
the Franciscan Museum and Monastery. Also within the gardens, the
Musée National Message Biblique Marc-Chagall displays some 450 of
the artist's oils, drawings, pastels, lithographs, sculptures, and
ceramics. During a couple of weeks in August, Cimiez is the site of
the Nice Jazz Festival, with music being played every day until
midnight and performed on three stages, in the olive groves and the
Roman Amphitheatre. It is an hour's walk, or a short bus ride from
the town centre. see full details
Cimiez
In a residential area in the hills above the hustle
and bustle of the city, the grounds of Cimiez include a large park
set amidst olive groves, the Archaeology Museum, Matisse Museum and
the Franciscan Museum and Monastery. Also within the gardens, the
Musée National Message Biblique Marc-Chagall displays some 450 of
the artist's oils, drawings, pastels, lithographs, sculptures, and
ceramics. During a couple of weeks in August, Cimiez is the site of
the Nice Jazz Festival, with music being played every day until
midnight and performed on three stages, in the olive groves and the
Roman Amphitheatre. It is an hour's walk, or a short bus ride from
the town centre. see full details
Top
Only a few miles outside Tours, on the River Cher, the
Château de Chenonceau is probably the most celebrated of the many
châteaux in the Loire valley. It was used as a mill in the Middle
Ages and bridges the whole width of the river. It was owned by a
succession of powerful noblewomen including Henri II's mistress
Diane de Poiters, the Queen Regent Catherine de Medici and Louise
de Loraine and is often referred to at the 'Château des Femmes'.
Inside visitors can see a wonderful 200ft (61m) gallery, Louis
XIV's sitting room and Francois I's bedroom. see full details
Château de Chenonceau
Only a few miles outside Tours, on the River Cher, the
Château de Chenonceau is probably the most celebrated of the many
châteaux in the Loire valley. It was used as a mill in the Middle
Ages and bridges the whole width of the river. It was owned by a
succession of powerful noblewomen including Henri II's mistress
Diane de Poiters, the Queen Regent Catherine de Medici and Louise
de Loraine and is often referred to at the 'Château des Femmes'.
Inside visitors can see a wonderful 200ft (61m) gallery, Louis
XIV's sitting room and Francois I's bedroom. see full details
Top
Five miles (8km) outside Tours is the tiny village of
Villandry and its wonderful château. The château is best known for
its gardens that are open between February and November. It is not
your standard ornamental garden; between the vine-shaded paths and
ornamental box hedges are carrots, cabbages and aubergines
carefully arranged in patterns; roses climb gracefully above small
herb gardens. Villandry is an easy cycle from Tours and, for those
that have worked up an appetite, there are some excellent local
restaurants. see full details
Villandry
Five miles (8km) outside Tours is the tiny village of
Villandry and its wonderful château. The château is best known for
its gardens that are open between February and November. It is not
your standard ornamental garden; between the vine-shaded paths and
ornamental box hedges are carrots, cabbages and aubergines
carefully arranged in patterns; roses climb gracefully above small
herb gardens. Villandry is an easy cycle from Tours and, for those
that have worked up an appetite, there are some excellent local
restaurants. see full details
Top
A kilometre-long wall, studded with 17 circular
towers, surrounds this vast medieval fortress. Visitors can tour
Château d'Angers, including the courtyard, prison, ramparts,
windmill tower, 15th century chapel, and royal apartments. The
overriding reason however for coming here is to see the 328ft
(100m) Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Woven between 1375 and 1378 for
Duke Réné of Anjou, it takes as its text St John's vision of the
Apocalypse, as described in the Book of Revelation. Guided tours
provide insight into its architecture and fascinating
history. see full details
Château d'Angers
A kilometre-long wall, studded with 17 circular
towers, surrounds this vast medieval fortress. Visitors can tour
Château d'Angers, including the courtyard, prison, ramparts,
windmill tower, 15th century chapel, and royal apartments. The
overriding reason however for coming here is to see the 328ft
(100m) Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Woven between 1375 and 1378 for
Duke Réné of Anjou, it takes as its text St John's vision of the
Apocalypse, as described in the Book of Revelation. Guided tours
provide insight into its architecture and fascinating
history. see full details
Top
Eleven miles (18km) east of Blois, the vast Château de
Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley. It was
commissioned by François I, who wanted to outshine the Holy Roman
Emperor Charles V, and the result is a spectacular Renaissance
masterpiece with 450 rooms. It was designed by an Italian architect
in 1519, but was worked on by French masons. The outside is
essentially French medieval - massive round towers with conical
tops, and an explosion of chimneys, pinnacles and turrets. The
details inside, however, are pure Italian: the Great Staircase
(attributed by some to da Vinci), panels of coloured marble, niches
decorated with shell-like domes, and freestanding columns.
Wandering through, you can get a good feel for the contrasting
architectural styles, which have combined to create a very
decadent, if at times discordant, whole. The château is surrounded
by a 20-mile (32km) wall containing a 5,261-hectare (13,000-acre)
deer park. see full details
Château de Chambord
Eleven miles (18km) east of Blois, the vast Château de
Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley. It was
commissioned by François I, who wanted to outshine the Holy Roman
Emperor Charles V, and the result is a spectacular Renaissance
masterpiece with 450 rooms. It was designed by an Italian architect
in 1519, but was worked on by French masons. The outside is
essentially French medieval - massive round towers with conical
tops, and an explosion of chimneys, pinnacles and turrets. The
details inside, however, are pure Italian: the Great Staircase
(attributed by some to da Vinci), panels of coloured marble, niches
decorated with shell-like domes, and freestanding columns.
Wandering through, you can get a good feel for the contrasting
architectural styles, which have combined to create a very
decadent, if at times discordant, whole. The château is surrounded
by a 20-mile (32km) wall containing a 5,261-hectare (13,000-acre)
deer park. see full details
Top
Early on 6 June 1944 the largest armada ever known
left England's south coast and set off to liberate France. Shortly
thereafter British, American and Canadian soldiers began landing on
the beaches. Today veterans and their families walk along the same
beaches codenamed Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah and Omaha. A good place
to start a battlefield tour is at Arromanches-les-Bains, a few
miles northeast of Bayeux. After it was taken by the British 50th
Division, this small fishing village was turned into the mammoth
military harbour using a prefabricated port that was towed across
the Channel. Two and a half million men and 500,000 vehicles landed
here. The wreckage of 'Mulberry Harbour' remains just off the
beach. A little down the coast are Omaha and Utah, the beaches
where the US Division famously landed. The cliffs are still pitted
with German bunkers and shell holes, but otherwise these fairly
innocuous beaches show little sign of the bloody battles that took
place here. Many people come to Normandy to pay respects to the
Allied soldiers at the many vast cemeteries along the coast that
are maintained so immaculately. see full details
D-Day Beaches
Early on 6 June 1944 the largest armada ever known
left England's south coast and set off to liberate France. Shortly
thereafter British, American and Canadian soldiers began landing on
the beaches. Today veterans and their families walk along the same
beaches codenamed Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah and Omaha. A good place
to start a battlefield tour is at Arromanches-les-Bains, a few
miles northeast of Bayeux. After it was taken by the British 50th
Division, this small fishing village was turned into the mammoth
military harbour using a prefabricated port that was towed across
the Channel. Two and a half million men and 500,000 vehicles landed
here. The wreckage of 'Mulberry Harbour' remains just off the
beach. A little down the coast are Omaha and Utah, the beaches
where the US Division famously landed. The cliffs are still pitted
with German bunkers and shell holes, but otherwise these fairly
innocuous beaches show little sign of the bloody battles that took
place here. Many people come to Normandy to pay respects to the
Allied soldiers at the many vast cemeteries along the coast that
are maintained so immaculately. see full details
Top
One of Marseille's most scenic buildings is the Palais
Longchamp. Built during the Second Empire, it is the grandiose
conclusion of an aqueduct that once brought water from the Durance
to the city. Although the aqueduct is no longer in use, water is
still pumped into the centre of the colonnade connecting the two
palatial wings. Below, a spectacular fountain features an enormous
statue of three muscular women above four bulls wallowing in a pool
from which a cascade drops four or five storeys to ground level. In
the palace's north wing is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which displays
a vast array of paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They
include works by Corot, Millet, Ingres, David, and Rubens as well
as some 80 sculptures and objets d'art; particularly interesting is
a gallery of Pierre Puget sculpture. see full details
Palais Longchamp
One of Marseille's most scenic buildings is the Palais
Longchamp. Built during the Second Empire, it is the grandiose
conclusion of an aqueduct that once brought water from the Durance
to the city. Although the aqueduct is no longer in use, water is
still pumped into the centre of the colonnade connecting the two
palatial wings. Below, a spectacular fountain features an enormous
statue of three muscular women above four bulls wallowing in a pool
from which a cascade drops four or five storeys to ground level. In
the palace's north wing is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which displays
a vast array of paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They
include works by Corot, Millet, Ingres, David, and Rubens as well
as some 80 sculptures and objets d'art; particularly interesting is
a gallery of Pierre Puget sculpture. see full details
Top
Directly south of Marseille, and to the west of
Cassis, is the wild coastline of the Massif des Calanques. Some of
France's most beautiful and dramatic scenery can be found along
this 12-mile (19km) stretch of coastline; the sea has cut gorges,
up to a mile (2km) deep, into the limestone. Dazzling white
limestone cliffs overhang the sea and attract rock climbers and
deep-sea divers. The mountains rise up 1,850ft (564m) and are a
haven for climbers. Walking tours and boat trips can be organised
via the tourist board. The highlight of the Calanques is Sormiou,
with its beach, seafood eateries and small harbour. Sormiou is
separated from another small but enchanting settlement at Morgiou
by Cap Morgiou, which offers a panoramic belvedere with splendid
views of both the Calanques and the eastern side of the massif. At
Morgiou there are tiny creeks for great swimming. see full details
Massif des Calanques
Directly south of Marseille, and to the west of
Cassis, is the wild coastline of the Massif des Calanques. Some of
France's most beautiful and dramatic scenery can be found along
this 12-mile (19km) stretch of coastline; the sea has cut gorges,
up to a mile (2km) deep, into the limestone. Dazzling white
limestone cliffs overhang the sea and attract rock climbers and
deep-sea divers. The mountains rise up 1,850ft (564m) and are a
haven for climbers. Walking tours and boat trips can be organised
via the tourist board. The highlight of the Calanques is Sormiou,
with its beach, seafood eateries and small harbour. Sormiou is
separated from another small but enchanting settlement at Morgiou
by Cap Morgiou, which offers a panoramic belvedere with splendid
views of both the Calanques and the eastern side of the massif. At
Morgiou there are tiny creeks for great swimming. see full details
Top
The most popular beach near the city centre is the
Plage des Catalans. This marks the beginning of Marseille's
corniche that ends at the Plage du Prado, the city's main sand
beach, where the water is remarkably clean. There is a nice walk
along the corniche which takes you past the Anse des Auffes, a
picturesque inlet with small fishing boats beached on the rocks and
behind the Plage de Prado to the Parc Borély, which has a boating
lake, rose gardens, palm trees and a botanical garden (daily 8am to
9pm; free). Along the Malmousque peninsula are a number of tiny
bays and beaches that are perfect for swimming when the mistral
wind is not inciting the waves. see full details
Marseille Beaches
The most popular beach near the city centre is the
Plage des Catalans. This marks the beginning of Marseille's
corniche that ends at the Plage du Prado, the city's main sand
beach, where the water is remarkably clean. There is a nice walk
along the corniche which takes you past the Anse des Auffes, a
picturesque inlet with small fishing boats beached on the rocks and
behind the Plage de Prado to the Parc Borély, which has a boating
lake, rose gardens, palm trees and a botanical garden (daily 8am to
9pm; free). Along the Malmousque peninsula are a number of tiny
bays and beaches that are perfect for swimming when the mistral
wind is not inciting the waves. see full details
Top
On the sparsely vegetated island of If is the infamous
prison, Château d'If, which is best known as the penal setting for
Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. François I built the
fortress here to defend Marseille and its port in the 16th century,
and the site later housed a state prison. The cells are horribly
well preserved; carvings by Huguenot prisoners can still be seen
inside some of the cells. The views back towards Marseille and the
mountains beyond are wonderful. see full details
Château d'If
On the sparsely vegetated island of If is the infamous
prison, Château d'If, which is best known as the penal setting for
Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. François I built the
fortress here to defend Marseille and its port in the 16th century,
and the site later housed a state prison. The cells are horribly
well preserved; carvings by Huguenot prisoners can still be seen
inside some of the cells. The views back towards Marseille and the
mountains beyond are wonderful. see full details
Top
Cassis is a beautiful resort town just west of
Marseille. Hemmed in by high white cliffs, its modern development
has been limited and it retains much of the charm lost by its more
high-profile neighbours. Built on the side of a hill, the old
village is centred around a shady square where the inhabitants come
to cool off and play 'pétanque' on summer nights. Portside posing
and drinking aside, there's not much to do except sunbathe and look
up at the ruins of the town's medieval castle, built in 1381. A
popular excursion is to take a boat trip to the calanques - long,
narrow, deep fjord-like inlets that have cut into the limestone
cliffs. If you're feeling energetic, you can take the well-marked
footpath from the Route des Calanques behind the western beach;
it's about a 90-minute walk to the furthest and best calanque, En
Vau, where you can climb down rocks to the shore. Intrepid pine
trees find root-holds, and sunbathers find ledges on the chaotic
white cliffs. The water is deep blue and swimming between the
vertical cliffs is an experience not to be missed. see full details
Cassis
Cassis is a beautiful resort town just west of
Marseille. Hemmed in by high white cliffs, its modern development
has been limited and it retains much of the charm lost by its more
high-profile neighbours. Built on the side of a hill, the old
village is centred around a shady square where the inhabitants come
to cool off and play 'pétanque' on summer nights. Portside posing
and drinking aside, there's not much to do except sunbathe and look
up at the ruins of the town's medieval castle, built in 1381. A
popular excursion is to take a boat trip to the calanques - long,
narrow, deep fjord-like inlets that have cut into the limestone
cliffs. If you're feeling energetic, you can take the well-marked
footpath from the Route des Calanques behind the western beach;
it's about a 90-minute walk to the furthest and best calanque, En
Vau, where you can climb down rocks to the shore. Intrepid pine
trees find root-holds, and sunbathers find ledges on the chaotic
white cliffs. The water is deep blue and swimming between the
vertical cliffs is an experience not to be missed. see full details
Top
Towering over Avignon the imposing Palais des Papes
(Palace of the Popes) is the symbol of the city's medieval power.
The palace consists of the ascetic Old Palace, commissioned by
Benedict XII, and the extravagant Gothic New Palace of Clement VI.
It was built primarily as a fortress with massive outer walls,
battlements and sluices for pouring hot oil onto attackers. Inside
the palace, so little remains of the original interior that
visitors could be mislead into believing that all the popes and
their entourage were as virtuous as the last official occupant,
Benedict XIII. In reality the interior was once elaborately
decorated, displayed the decadence of the feuding cardinals and
their mistresses. The fire of 1413 destroyed most of the decoration
and furnishings, but evidence of the once magnificent interior
remains including some frescoes, including one painted by Italian
artist Matteo Giovannetti in the Great Audience Room. Visitors can
take a fascinating tour of the palace taking in the Pope's
Bedchamber, the Chapelle St-Martial and the Stag Room. Nearby,
dwarfed by the palace, is the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame
des Doms. see full details
Palais des Papes
Towering over Avignon the imposing Palais des Papes
(Palace of the Popes) is the symbol of the city's medieval power.
The palace consists of the ascetic Old Palace, commissioned by
Benedict XII, and the extravagant Gothic New Palace of Clement VI.
It was built primarily as a fortress with massive outer walls,
battlements and sluices for pouring hot oil onto attackers. Inside
the palace, so little remains of the original interior that
visitors could be mislead into believing that all the popes and
their entourage were as virtuous as the last official occupant,
Benedict XIII. In reality the interior was once elaborately
decorated, displayed the decadence of the feuding cardinals and
their mistresses. The fire of 1413 destroyed most of the decoration
and furnishings, but evidence of the once magnificent interior
remains including some frescoes, including one painted by Italian
artist Matteo Giovannetti in the Great Audience Room. Visitors can
take a fascinating tour of the palace taking in the Pope's
Bedchamber, the Chapelle St-Martial and the Stag Room. Nearby,
dwarfed by the palace, is the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame
des Doms. see full details
Top
Just below the Palais des Papes, the Petit Palais
contains a wonderful collection of 13th- to 15th-century paintings
and sculpture. Most are the work of Italian masters from that era
and, as you progress through the 19 rooms, you can observe how they
wrestled with and finally conquered the representation of
perspective - a revolution from medieval art, where the size of
figures depended on their importance rather than position. The
highlights of the collection are Botticelli's sublime Virgin and
Child and The Angel of the Annunciation by Sano Di
Pietro. see full details
Petit Palais
Just below the Palais des Papes, the Petit Palais
contains a wonderful collection of 13th- to 15th-century paintings
and sculpture. Most are the work of Italian masters from that era
and, as you progress through the 19 rooms, you can observe how they
wrestled with and finally conquered the representation of
perspective - a revolution from medieval art, where the size of
figures depended on their importance rather than position. The
highlights of the collection are Botticelli's sublime Virgin and
Child and The Angel of the Annunciation by Sano Di
Pietro. see full details
Top
Behind the Petit Palais is the much photographed Pont
d'Avignon, known best from the famous children's song of the same
name. The bridge was originally built in the 12th century to
shorten the journey for the busy traders ferrying their goods
between the Mediterranean and Lyon. The torrents of the Rhône
regularly damaged and brought down sections of the bridge and
builders finally gave up repairing it in 1660, four centuries after
it was built. Today only four of the original 22 arches remain. On
the first of the bridge's bulwarks is the tiny Chapelle
St-Nicholas, and this delicate Romanesque chapel, dedicated to St
Nicholas, patron saint of bargemen, is well worth a
visit. see full details
Pont d'Avignon
Behind the Petit Palais is the much photographed Pont
d'Avignon, known best from the famous children's song of the same
name. The bridge was originally built in the 12th century to
shorten the journey for the busy traders ferrying their goods
between the Mediterranean and Lyon. The torrents of the Rhône
regularly damaged and brought down sections of the bridge and
builders finally gave up repairing it in 1660, four centuries after
it was built. Today only four of the original 22 arches remain. On
the first of the bridge's bulwarks is the tiny Chapelle
St-Nicholas, and this delicate Romanesque chapel, dedicated to St
Nicholas, patron saint of bargemen, is well worth a
visit. see full details
Top
Just north of Avignon, Orange was the former seat of
the Counts of Orange, a title created in the 8th century and passed
to the Dutch crown in the 16th century. The family's most famous
member was Prince William, who ascended the English throne in 1689.
Today the town is best known for its spectacular Roman theatre and
triumphal arch, both of which remain remarkably intact. The rest of
Orange isn't strikingly picturesque, however there are pleasant
tree-lined streets and squares with some nice cafes and
restaurants. see full details
Orange
Just north of Avignon, Orange was the former seat of
the Counts of Orange, a title created in the 8th century and passed
to the Dutch crown in the 16th century. The family's most famous
member was Prince William, who ascended the English throne in 1689.
Today the town is best known for its spectacular Roman theatre and
triumphal arch, both of which remain remarkably intact. The rest of
Orange isn't strikingly picturesque, however there are pleasant
tree-lined streets and squares with some nice cafes and
restaurants. see full details
Top
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a medieval village on the side
of a hill, dominated by the ruins of an ancient château towering
above. The château was the pope's summer retreat from the Palais
and although all that remains are the foundations and two outer
walls, it is still an imposing sight and a wonderful viewpoint. The
village below is a maze of well-restored medieval buildings and
narrow streets that weave around the hillside. Today life in the
village often involves working in the surrounding vineyards or
selling the famous wine to the many tourists who
visit. see full details
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a medieval village on the side
of a hill, dominated by the ruins of an ancient château towering
above. The château was the pope's summer retreat from the Palais
and although all that remains are the foundations and two outer
walls, it is still an imposing sight and a wonderful viewpoint. The
village below is a maze of well-restored medieval buildings and
narrow streets that weave around the hillside. Today life in the
village often involves working in the surrounding vineyards or
selling the famous wine to the many tourists who
visit. see full details
Top
A striking and ornate 19th century building which
houses Lille's renowned museum of fine arts, Palais des Beaux-Arts
is a masterpiece in itself. Inside the building is a treasure-trove
for art lovers, an attraction second only to the Louvre in Paris.
The gallery features works by Goya, Donatello, Raphael and Rubens,
to name just a few of the masters represented. There are also a
number of works by French artists, including three major items:
Belisarius Asking for Alms by David; After Dinner at Ornans by
Courbet; and Sleep by Puvis de Chavannes. Although the museum
contains mainly paintings, there are also some collections of
ceramics, relief maps and a large section of Italian and French
drawings. see full details
Palais des Beaux-Arts
A striking and ornate 19th century building which
houses Lille's renowned museum of fine arts, Palais des Beaux-Arts
is a masterpiece in itself. Inside the building is a treasure-trove
for art lovers, an attraction second only to the Louvre in Paris.
The gallery features works by Goya, Donatello, Raphael and Rubens,
to name just a few of the masters represented. There are also a
number of works by French artists, including three major items:
Belisarius Asking for Alms by David; After Dinner at Ornans by
Courbet; and Sleep by Puvis de Chavannes. Although the museum
contains mainly paintings, there are also some collections of
ceramics, relief maps and a large section of Italian and French
drawings. see full details
Top
The most celebrated prehistoric site in Corsica,
Filitosa is worth a visit for its megalithic menhir statues, which
have been carved to represent human faces or armed figures. The
purpose of these granite structures is still unclear, and many
mysteries surround the many ancient structures on the site.
Filitosa V, with its sword and dagger, the face of Filitosa IX, and
the five menhir statues around the foot of a 1,200-year old olive
tree, are the most important structures of the prehistoric site of
Filitosa. A small museum offers further menhirs, as well as some
ancient tools and pottery found in the caves, dating back to 3,300
BC. see full details
Filitosa
The most celebrated prehistoric site in Corsica,
Filitosa is worth a visit for its megalithic menhir statues, which
have been carved to represent human faces or armed figures. The
purpose of these granite structures is still unclear, and many
mysteries surround the many ancient structures on the site.
Filitosa V, with its sword and dagger, the face of Filitosa IX, and
the five menhir statues around the foot of a 1,200-year old olive
tree, are the most important structures of the prehistoric site of
Filitosa. A small museum offers further menhirs, as well as some
ancient tools and pottery found in the caves, dating back to 3,300
BC. see full details
Top
Nice's most famous market area, the Cours Saleya
bustles with activity every day and is a riot of colour and fresh
smells. A wonderful attraction for visitors, the market is packed
with flowers, fresh produce, souvenir shops and sidewalk cafés. On
Mondays the area hosts a large flea market and an antiques
market. see full details
Cours Saleya Food and Flower Market
Nice's most famous market area, the Cours Saleya
bustles with activity every day and is a riot of colour and fresh
smells. A wonderful attraction for visitors, the market is packed
with flowers, fresh produce, souvenir shops and sidewalk cafés. On
Mondays the area hosts a large flea market and an antiques
market. see full details
Top
Epernay, along with Reims, is one of the great centres
of champagne production; dug into the chalk beneath the town are
more than 200 miles (322km) of cellars and tunnels containing
champagne from the surrounding area including such great brands as
Moët et Chandon, Pol Roger, Mercier, and de Castellane. Having been
ravaged by war over the centuries, few old buildings remain in the
town, but visitors come here to visit the great champagne houses
rather than the architecture. Both Moët et Chandon, the world's
largest producer of bubbly, and Mercier give guided tours of their
cellars in English throughout the day. They are both situated near
each other on Avenue de Champagne. Castellane also has daily tours
from March to December. see full details
Epernay
Epernay, along with Reims, is one of the great centres
of champagne production; dug into the chalk beneath the town are
more than 200 miles (322km) of cellars and tunnels containing
champagne from the surrounding area including such great brands as
Moët et Chandon, Pol Roger, Mercier, and de Castellane. Having been
ravaged by war over the centuries, few old buildings remain in the
town, but visitors come here to visit the great champagne houses
rather than the architecture. Both Moët et Chandon, the world's
largest producer of bubbly, and Mercier give guided tours of their
cellars in English throughout the day. They are both situated near
each other on Avenue de Champagne. Castellane also has daily tours
from March to December. see full details
Top
The four small islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with
their red rocks and jagged outline are a popular destination for
boat trips from Ajaccio. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna
and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking. The
islands lie just off Pointe de la Parata, where there are some
walks and beautiful coastal scenery. see full details
Iles Sanguinaires
The four small islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with
their red rocks and jagged outline are a popular destination for
boat trips from Ajaccio. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna
and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking. The
islands lie just off Pointe de la Parata, where there are some
walks and beautiful coastal scenery. see full details
Top
The mass of intriguing red rock formations along the
coastal road between Porto and Piana are known as Les Calanques,
and are a highlight of a visit to Corsica. The narrow, twisting
road reveals a landscape of spectacular vistas and panoramas that
outdo each other at every turn, where wind and sea have eroded the
pink granite rock into pillars, huge boulders and weird shapes. The
scenery is most spectacular at sunset, when the setting sun
highlights the natural red and pink colours of the rock, and the
drive is best appreciated in the direction from Piana to
Porto. see full details
Les Calanques
The mass of intriguing red rock formations along the
coastal road between Porto and Piana are known as Les Calanques,
and are a highlight of a visit to Corsica. The narrow, twisting
road reveals a landscape of spectacular vistas and panoramas that
outdo each other at every turn, where wind and sea have eroded the
pink granite rock into pillars, huge boulders and weird shapes. The
scenery is most spectacular at sunset, when the setting sun
highlights the natural red and pink colours of the rock, and the
drive is best appreciated in the direction from Piana to
Porto. see full details
Top
A visitor's first impression of Reims (pronounced
Rhance) is of a sprawling industrial town peppered with concrete
apartment blocks, the result of World War I bombs and later
disastrous town planning. However Reims is an ancient Roman city
and the birthplace of the French nation - it contains one of the
most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, the Cathédrale
Notre-Dame de Reims, where dynasties of French monarchs were
crowned starting with Clovis, first king of the Franks. The
neighbouring Basilique St-Rémi is even older and, half Gothic, half
Romanesque in style, includes the old royal abbey which is now a
museum documenting the history of the town. Most visitors come to
Reims not so much for history but for the hedonistic pleasure of
visiting the cellars of its great champagne producers. This is the
home of the world's best bubbly. The best of the best is to be
sampled at the Maison de Pommery, which has more than 10 miles
(16km) of tunnels extending 100ft (30m) down into the chalk below
its Gothic superstructure. Move on to Mumm, which contains 25
million bottles of slowly fermenting champagne in their vaults, and
then Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot. All give a guided tour of the
cellars and champagne making process, followed by a
tasting. see full details
Reims
A visitor's first impression of Reims (pronounced
Rhance) is of a sprawling industrial town peppered with concrete
apartment blocks, the result of World War I bombs and later
disastrous town planning. However Reims is an ancient Roman city
and the birthplace of the French nation - it contains one of the
most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, the Cathédrale
Notre-Dame de Reims, where dynasties of French monarchs were
crowned starting with Clovis, first king of the Franks. The
neighbouring Basilique St-Rémi is even older and, half Gothic, half
Romanesque in style, includes the old royal abbey which is now a
museum documenting the history of the town. Most visitors come to
Reims not so much for history but for the hedonistic pleasure of
visiting the cellars of its great champagne producers. This is the
home of the world's best bubbly. The best of the best is to be
sampled at the Maison de Pommery, which has more than 10 miles
(16km) of tunnels extending 100ft (30m) down into the chalk below
its Gothic superstructure. Move on to Mumm, which contains 25
million bottles of slowly fermenting champagne in their vaults, and
then Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot. All give a guided tour of the
cellars and champagne making process, followed by a
tasting. see full details
Top
Château-Thierry is an industrial town 55 miles (89km)
east of Paris on the River Marne. The surrounding countryside was
the site of many great battles during both World Wars and a number
of monuments and cemeteries mark the bravery of thousands of Allied
soldiers who fought to liberate France and who now lie interred
under her soil. The town is also known as the home of the famous
poet and fable writer Jean de la Fontaine (1621-95); the Musée
Jean-de-la-Fontaine is one of the most popular literary museums in
the world and contains a collection of his personal effects,
memorabilia and a number of editions of his works. see full details
Château-Thierry
Château-Thierry is an industrial town 55 miles (89km)
east of Paris on the River Marne. The surrounding countryside was
the site of many great battles during both World Wars and a number
of monuments and cemeteries mark the bravery of thousands of Allied
soldiers who fought to liberate France and who now lie interred
under her soil. The town is also known as the home of the famous
poet and fable writer Jean de la Fontaine (1621-95); the Musée
Jean-de-la-Fontaine is one of the most popular literary museums in
the world and contains a collection of his personal effects,
memorabilia and a number of editions of his works. see full details
Top
Amiens is the ancient capital of Picardy and lies on
the River Somme, 75 miles (121km) north of Paris and 65 miles
(105km) south of Calais. Walking around the maze of narrow streets,
divided by canals, visitors will feel that this is a city past its
prime, nevertheless there are a couple of sites worth exploring.
The city's centrepiece is the Gothic cathedral, built between 1220
and 1270, and is one of France's finest. The interior contains
wonderful examples of medieval masonry and woodwork; 126 slender
pillars hold up the vast structure and the stalls are decorated
with thousands of carved figures. Like most great churches it has
been added to and restored over the centuries. The nearby Musée de
Picardie displays the history and art of the region from
prehistoric times through to the present day, along with exhibits
from the Roman, Greek and Egyptian empires. The art collection
includes European paintings and sculptures from the 16th century
including works by El Greco, Fragonard, Guardi, and
Tiepolo. see full details
Amiens
Amiens is the ancient capital of Picardy and lies on
the River Somme, 75 miles (121km) north of Paris and 65 miles
(105km) south of Calais. Walking around the maze of narrow streets,
divided by canals, visitors will feel that this is a city past its
prime, nevertheless there are a couple of sites worth exploring.
The city's centrepiece is the Gothic cathedral, built between 1220
and 1270, and is one of France's finest. The interior contains
wonderful examples of medieval masonry and woodwork; 126 slender
pillars hold up the vast structure and the stalls are decorated
with thousands of carved figures. Like most great churches it has
been added to and restored over the centuries. The nearby Musée de
Picardie displays the history and art of the region from
prehistoric times through to the present day, along with exhibits
from the Roman, Greek and Egyptian empires. The art collection
includes European paintings and sculptures from the 16th century
including works by El Greco, Fragonard, Guardi, and
Tiepolo. see full details
Top
Those who are tired of fighting off the summer crowds
in Champagne country find a refreshing alternative in the quaint
old town of Troyes, a little off the tourist track and therefore
exuding plenty of genuine French appeal. In the beautifully
restored city centre, sporting quaint narrow streets, Renaissance
mansions and pretty old houses, stands one of France's most
magnificent Gothic cathedrals. The city also boasts a private
collection of art housed in the old Bishops palace, the Musée d'Art
Moderne that displays works by Bonnard, Degas and
Gauguin. see full details
Troyes
Those who are tired of fighting off the summer crowds
in Champagne country find a refreshing alternative in the quaint
old town of Troyes, a little off the tourist track and therefore
exuding plenty of genuine French appeal. In the beautifully
restored city centre, sporting quaint narrow streets, Renaissance
mansions and pretty old houses, stands one of France's most
magnificent Gothic cathedrals. The city also boasts a private
collection of art housed in the old Bishops palace, the Musée d'Art
Moderne that displays works by Bonnard, Degas and
Gauguin. see full details
Top
Situated 55 miles (89km) north of Toulouse in a loop
of the Lot River, the ancient city of Cahors was inhabited long
before the Romans arrived, and in medieval times was a thriving
university town. Across the river is the town's signature piece,
the Pont Valentré. This magnificent fortified bridge was built
between 1308 and 1500 and features a trio of towers, battlements
and seven pointed arches. The Cathédrale St-Etienne dominates the
old town and features a sculptured Romanesque north portal, which
was carved around 1135. Today the town is best known for its
excellent cuisine and the fine deep red wine that is made in the
surrounding vineyards. Sunday is market day and a good opportunity
to buy some of the local produce. A good excursion from Cahors is
the stunning cliff-edge village of St-Cirq-Lapopie, 19 miles (31km)
to the east. Perched high above the south bank of the Lot, the
village, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and gardens,
is best visited in the evenings when the tour buses have left and
the excellent restaurants have more tables available. see full details
Cahors
Situated 55 miles (89km) north of Toulouse in a loop
of the Lot River, the ancient city of Cahors was inhabited long
before the Romans arrived, and in medieval times was a thriving
university town. Across the river is the town's signature piece,
the Pont Valentré. This magnificent fortified bridge was built
between 1308 and 1500 and features a trio of towers, battlements
and seven pointed arches. The Cathédrale St-Etienne dominates the
old town and features a sculptured Romanesque north portal, which
was carved around 1135. Today the town is best known for its
excellent cuisine and the fine deep red wine that is made in the
surrounding vineyards. Sunday is market day and a good opportunity
to buy some of the local produce. A good excursion from Cahors is
the stunning cliff-edge village of St-Cirq-Lapopie, 19 miles (31km)
to the east. Perched high above the south bank of the Lot, the
village, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and gardens,
is best visited in the evenings when the tour buses have left and
the excellent restaurants have more tables available. see full details
Top
Montauban lies on the banks of the River Tarn, 50
miles (80km) north of Toulouse and is one of the most ancient
cities in southwest France. Its origins date from 1144 when the
count of Toulouse decided to create a bastide here as a bulwark
against English and French royal power. The genius of the original
medieval town plan is still obvious in the lovely town centre, and
though the suburbs now sprawl way beyond the old core, the city is
still dominated by the fortified Eglise St-Jacques fort and the
14th-century brick bridge, Pont Vieux. The artist
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867) was born in Montauban and
many of his works now hang in Musée Ingres, situated in the old
17th-century Bishops Palace, including The Dream of Ossian,
originally intended for Napoleon's bedroom in Rome. see full details
Montauban
Montauban lies on the banks of the River Tarn, 50
miles (80km) north of Toulouse and is one of the most ancient
cities in southwest France. Its origins date from 1144 when the
count of Toulouse decided to create a bastide here as a bulwark
against English and French royal power. The genius of the original
medieval town plan is still obvious in the lovely town centre, and
though the suburbs now sprawl way beyond the old core, the city is
still dominated by the fortified Eglise St-Jacques fort and the
14th-century brick bridge, Pont Vieux. The artist
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867) was born in Montauban and
many of his works now hang in Musée Ingres, situated in the old
17th-century Bishops Palace, including The Dream of Ossian,
originally intended for Napoleon's bedroom in Rome. see full details
Top
Conques occupies a spectacular position on the flanks
of the steep, densely wooded gorge of the little River Dourdou, a
tributary of the Lot, and is one of the great villages of southwest
France. The site was chosen as a retreat by a hermit called Dadon
in the 7th century, and was named from the Latin concha, meaning
shell. Dadon founded a community of Benedictine monks here, one of
whom pilfered the relics of the martyred girl, Ste Foy, from the
monastery at Agen. Known for her ability to cure blindness and
liberate captives, Ste Foy's presence brought pilgrims flocking to
Conques and the magnificent Romanesque abbey-church became a prime
place on the pilgrimage route to Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims
still come today, along with tourists who come to admire the
beautiful town. see full details
Conques
Conques occupies a spectacular position on the flanks
of the steep, densely wooded gorge of the little River Dourdou, a
tributary of the Lot, and is one of the great villages of southwest
France. The site was chosen as a retreat by a hermit called Dadon
in the 7th century, and was named from the Latin concha, meaning
shell. Dadon founded a community of Benedictine monks here, one of
whom pilfered the relics of the martyred girl, Ste Foy, from the
monastery at Agen. Known for her ability to cure blindness and
liberate captives, Ste Foy's presence brought pilgrims flocking to
Conques and the magnificent Romanesque abbey-church became a prime
place on the pilgrimage route to Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims
still come today, along with tourists who come to admire the
beautiful town. see full details
Top
Tiered precariously halfway up a cliffside above a
small river, Rocamadour has one of the unique settings of any town
in Europe. The town is famed for being the site where the body of
St Amadour (who is believed to be Zacchaeus of the Biblical gospel)
was discovered, an event that led to a succession of miracles in
the town. Since the 8th century it has been an important pilgrimage
site; everyone from prince to pauper has ventured here in the hope
of curing their ailments at the shrine, which has been plundered
several times so the reliquary today bears little relation to the
original. Today the town is overrun by tourists and its atmosphere
has suffered accordingly, but, despite this, it is a must-see for
the stunning views of the Dordogne and its marvellous
situation. see full details
Rocamadour
Tiered precariously halfway up a cliffside above a
small river, Rocamadour has one of the unique settings of any town
in Europe. The town is famed for being the site where the body of
St Amadour (who is believed to be Zacchaeus of the Biblical gospel)
was discovered, an event that led to a succession of miracles in
the town. Since the 8th century it has been an important pilgrimage
site; everyone from prince to pauper has ventured here in the hope
of curing their ailments at the shrine, which has been plundered
several times so the reliquary today bears little relation to the
original. Today the town is overrun by tourists and its atmosphere
has suffered accordingly, but, despite this, it is a must-see for
the stunning views of the Dordogne and its marvellous
situation. see full details
Top
In 1868 prehistoric skeletons were discovered in the
Vézère valley and the area was found to be one of the richest in
the world in ancient sites and deposits. The small market town of
Les Eyzies suddenly became the base for exploring this
treasure-trove of antiquity, including the many prehistoric painted
caves, the most famous and beautiful being at Lascaux, which were
discovered in 1940 by boys looking for their dog. The paintings
were executed about 30,000 years ago and depict wild boar, deer and
majestic bulls. Unfortunately visitors cannot view the actual
paintings because the caves have been closed to the general public
to prevent deterioration, but a replica gives you a clear picture
of the remarkable works. The town has some excellent museums in
which prehistoric art and artefacts are on display. see full details
Les Eyzies
In 1868 prehistoric skeletons were discovered in the
Vézère valley and the area was found to be one of the richest in
the world in ancient sites and deposits. The small market town of
Les Eyzies suddenly became the base for exploring this
treasure-trove of antiquity, including the many prehistoric painted
caves, the most famous and beautiful being at Lascaux, which were
discovered in 1940 by boys looking for their dog. The paintings
were executed about 30,000 years ago and depict wild boar, deer and
majestic bulls. Unfortunately visitors cannot view the actual
paintings because the caves have been closed to the general public
to prevent deterioration, but a replica gives you a clear picture
of the remarkable works. The town has some excellent museums in
which prehistoric art and artefacts are on display. see full details
Top
The beautiful university town of Grenoble is situated
on the Drac and Isère Rivers, and is surrounded by proud mountains,
dramatic gorges and hidden valleys. The prosperous, lively and
cosmopolitan city is a base for companies involved in the chemical,
nuclear research and electronics industries, but more obviously it
is home to 40,000 students, many international. There are some
excellent walks among the mountains surrounding the city and there
are ski slopes within easy driving distance, but for many tourists
Grenoble is simply a stopover before heading further into the
Alps. see full details
Grenoble
The beautiful university town of Grenoble is situated
on the Drac and Isère Rivers, and is surrounded by proud mountains,
dramatic gorges and hidden valleys. The prosperous, lively and
cosmopolitan city is a base for companies involved in the chemical,
nuclear research and electronics industries, but more obviously it
is home to 40,000 students, many international. There are some
excellent walks among the mountains surrounding the city and there
are ski slopes within easy driving distance, but for many tourists
Grenoble is simply a stopover before heading further into the
Alps. see full details
Top
This ancient Viking settlement is situated a few miles
inland, between La Havre and Cherbourg, and was the first French
town to be liberated in 1944 during World War II. Fortunately it
was spared from too much war damage, and remains full of old world
character with wooden houses, some elegant stone buildings and
cobblestone roads. Many visitors flock here to explore the sites
associated with the war's 'Longest Day' including an interesting
D-Day museum and the famous landing beaches (less than 10
miles/16km away). A museum celebrating an older, but equally
historic battle is located in the vicinity. This, the Musée de la
Tapisserie de Bayeux, contains the famous tapestry that tells the
story of the Battle of Hastings. The 231ft (69m) strip of
embroidered linen depicts scenes of Harold's coronation as the
Saxon king of England, him being told of the apparition of a comet
(a portent of misfortune), William dressing for war, and Harold's
death. (Admission EUR7.60 (adult), free for children under nine;
open 9am to 6.30pm, closing at 7pm from May to August). Also worth
seeing is the Notre-Dame de Bayeux, a fine Norman Romanesque
cathedral, rich in sculpture. see full details
Bayeaux
This ancient Viking settlement is situated a few miles
inland, between La Havre and Cherbourg, and was the first French
town to be liberated in 1944 during World War II. Fortunately it
was spared from too much war damage, and remains full of old world
character with wooden houses, some elegant stone buildings and
cobblestone roads. Many visitors flock here to explore the sites
associated with the war's 'Longest Day' including an interesting
D-Day museum and the famous landing beaches (less than 10
miles/16km away). A museum celebrating an older, but equally
historic battle is located in the vicinity. This, the Musée de la
Tapisserie de Bayeux, contains the famous tapestry that tells the
story of the Battle of Hastings. The 231ft (69m) strip of
embroidered linen depicts scenes of Harold's coronation as the
Saxon king of England, him being told of the apparition of a comet
(a portent of misfortune), William dressing for war, and Harold's
death. (Admission EUR7.60 (adult), free for children under nine;
open 9am to 6.30pm, closing at 7pm from May to August). Also worth
seeing is the Notre-Dame de Bayeux, a fine Norman Romanesque
cathedral, rich in sculpture. see full details
Top
By accident or design is not certain, but somehow the
quaint fishing village of Honfleur, just across the estuary from
busy, bustling La Havre, has managed to make time stand still and
presents its many visitors with scenes and experiences largely
unchanged for 100 years or more. The town fortunately escaped
serious damage during the World War II Normandy landings, and since
then development has been minimal. It still functions as a fishing
port and follows traditions dating back to medieval times, although
it has lost its beach, due to the silting up of the river. Cute
Honfleur is certainly worth a visit from La Havre. see full details
Honfleur
By accident or design is not certain, but somehow the
quaint fishing village of Honfleur, just across the estuary from
busy, bustling La Havre, has managed to make time stand still and
presents its many visitors with scenes and experiences largely
unchanged for 100 years or more. The town fortunately escaped
serious damage during the World War II Normandy landings, and since
then development has been minimal. It still functions as a fishing
port and follows traditions dating back to medieval times, although
it has lost its beach, due to the silting up of the river. Cute
Honfleur is certainly worth a visit from La Havre. see full details
Top
This 300-year old structure's glass dome has become a
landmark attraction in Lyon, situated between the City Hall and the
Rhone River. The first five levels of the opera house are
underground while the six higher levels are encased in vaulted
glass. The hall seats 1,200 people and boasts six vertically
stacked balconies overlooking the orchestra level. This
Italian-style hall is lined with black wood and gold detail, and is
home to the Lyon Opera Ballet company and the world-renown Opera
House Orchestra. The acoustics are so good that it currently makes
more recordings than any other French opera house and has released
award-winning opera CDs including 12 world premieres, ballets and
symphony performances. see full details
Lyon National Opera House
This 300-year old structure's glass dome has become a
landmark attraction in Lyon, situated between the City Hall and the
Rhone River. The first five levels of the opera house are
underground while the six higher levels are encased in vaulted
glass. The hall seats 1,200 people and boasts six vertically
stacked balconies overlooking the orchestra level. This
Italian-style hall is lined with black wood and gold detail, and is
home to the Lyon Opera Ballet company and the world-renown Opera
House Orchestra. The acoustics are so good that it currently makes
more recordings than any other French opera house and has released
award-winning opera CDs including 12 world premieres, ballets and
symphony performances. see full details
Top
To the right of the river Saône lies the Hôtel
Gadagne, one of the most prestigious Renaissance mansions in Lyon.
It was built between 1511 and 1527 for the two sons of a spice
merchant but fell into the hands of the prominent Gadagne family in
1545. Being rich Florentine bankers, they threw many extravagant
parties, infamously linking their name to the mansion. In 1902 the
city of Lyon bought the mansion and in 1921 the Historical Museum
was installed on the premises. It wasn't until 1950 that the
International Puppet Museum became an additional attraction to the
mansion's contents. The Gadagne Museum houses paintings, sculptures
and furniture, as well as archaeological relics dating back from
the Middle Ages to the 19th century, illustrating Lyon's vast
history. The International Puppet Museum displays hand puppets,
stick puppets, marionette puppets and sliding bar puppets
originating from countries such as Japan, Cambodia, England, Italy,
Belgium, Czechoslovakia and Russia. see full details
Historical Museum of Lyon & International Puppet Museum
To the right of the river Saône lies the Hôtel
Gadagne, one of the most prestigious Renaissance mansions in Lyon.
It was built between 1511 and 1527 for the two sons of a spice
merchant but fell into the hands of the prominent Gadagne family in
1545. Being rich Florentine bankers, they threw many extravagant
parties, infamously linking their name to the mansion. In 1902 the
city of Lyon bought the mansion and in 1921 the Historical Museum
was installed on the premises. It wasn't until 1950 that the
International Puppet Museum became an additional attraction to the
mansion's contents. The Gadagne Museum houses paintings, sculptures
and furniture, as well as archaeological relics dating back from
the Middle Ages to the 19th century, illustrating Lyon's vast
history. The International Puppet Museum displays hand puppets,
stick puppets, marionette puppets and sliding bar puppets
originating from countries such as Japan, Cambodia, England, Italy,
Belgium, Czechoslovakia and Russia. see full details
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Something different that appeals particularly to the
mechanically minded is Lille's museum devoted to windmills.
Situated on the highway to Roubaix the site boasts two preserved,
working pivoting windmills which visitors can watch in operation
grinding corn, as well as a museum detailing the history of
windmill technology. see full details
Musée des Moulins
Something different that appeals particularly to the
mechanically minded is Lille's museum devoted to windmills.
Situated on the highway to Roubaix the site boasts two preserved,
working pivoting windmills which visitors can watch in operation
grinding corn, as well as a museum detailing the history of
windmill technology. see full details
Top
An attraction in Lille particularly enjoyed by
children, the Natural History Museum has been drawing the crowds
since it opened in 1822. Featuring interesting displays of extinct
species, two huge whale skeletons, insectariums and geology
collections, the museum is both educational and fun. see full details
Natural History Museum
An attraction in Lille particularly enjoyed by
children, the Natural History Museum has been drawing the crowds
since it opened in 1822. Featuring interesting displays of extinct
species, two huge whale skeletons, insectariums and geology
collections, the museum is both educational and fun. see full details
Top
Travel back in time with a visit to Lille's living
museum, which is a recreation of a local village in days of yore.
The Lille Open Air Museum site covers 10 hectares, an attraction
where visitors can explore thatched cottages, traditional
farmhouses, seed barns and rural craft workshops where artisans
demonstrate old skills. see full details
Open Air Museum
Travel back in time with a visit to Lille's living
museum, which is a recreation of a local village in days of yore.
The Lille Open Air Museum site covers 10 hectares, an attraction
where visitors can explore thatched cottages, traditional
farmhouses, seed barns and rural craft workshops where artisans
demonstrate old skills. see full details
Top
A modern architectural attraction, Lille's cathedral
(dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is an imposing homogenous structure,
begun as a basilica in 1854 in 13th century Gothic style. Building
continued slowly, interrupted by wars and financial constraints,
but finally in 1999 the lofty building was declared complete after
the perfection of the unique main façade, designed by local
architect Pierre-Louis Carlier in collaboration with Peter Rice,
who engineered the Sydney Opera House. The central marble section
supported by steel wires is an impressive sight, particularly
viewed from inside or at night, when it is revealed as resembling a
pink translucent veil. see full details
Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral
A modern architectural attraction, Lille's cathedral
(dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is an imposing homogenous structure,
begun as a basilica in 1854 in 13th century Gothic style. Building
continued slowly, interrupted by wars and financial constraints,
but finally in 1999 the lofty building was declared complete after
the perfection of the unique main façade, designed by local
architect Pierre-Louis Carlier in collaboration with Peter Rice,
who engineered the Sydney Opera House. The central marble section
supported by steel wires is an impressive sight, particularly
viewed from inside or at night, when it is revealed as resembling a
pink translucent veil. see full details
Top
In the heart of Lille's old town stands one of the few
remaining Flanders buildings founded as a hospital in 1237 by the
Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Constantinople. It remained in
service as a hospital until 1939, and today has been turned into an
art museum. Works are displayed in the old hospital ward, with its
barrel-vaulted ceiling, and other halls where the community of
Augustine nuns once lived and worked, providing a haven for the
sick. Outside there is a delightful medicinal garden. The
collections on display include paintings, tapestries, sculpture and
porcelain from the region. see full details
Hospice Comtesse
In the heart of Lille's old town stands one of the few
remaining Flanders buildings founded as a hospital in 1237 by the
Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Constantinople. It remained in
service as a hospital until 1939, and today has been turned into an
art museum. Works are displayed in the old hospital ward, with its
barrel-vaulted ceiling, and other halls where the community of
Augustine nuns once lived and worked, providing a haven for the
sick. Outside there is a delightful medicinal garden. The
collections on display include paintings, tapestries, sculpture and
porcelain from the region. see full details
Top
The world's largest triumphal arch, the Arc de
Triomphe de l'Etoile is set at the centre of a star-shaped
configuration of 12 radiating avenues. It stands 165ft (51 metres)
tall and the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary
and Napoleonic periods are engraved around the top of the Arch. The
names of less important victories, as well as those of 558
generals, can be found on the inside walls. Since 1920, the tomb of
France's Unknown Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch.
Its eternal flame commemorates the dead of the two world wars, and
is rekindled every evening at 18 0. On July 14, the French National
Day, also known as Bastille Day, a military parade starts at the
arch and proceeds down the Champs Elysées. see full details
Arc de Triomphe
The world's largest triumphal arch, the Arc de
Triomphe de l'Etoile is set at the centre of a star-shaped
configuration of 12 radiating avenues. It stands 165ft (51 metres)
tall and the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary
and Napoleonic periods are engraved around the top of the Arch. The
names of less important victories, as well as those of 558
generals, can be found on the inside walls. Since 1920, the tomb of
France's Unknown Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch.
Its eternal flame commemorates the dead of the two world wars, and
is rekindled every evening at 18 0. On July 14, the French National
Day, also known as Bastille Day, a military parade starts at the
arch and proceeds down the Champs Elysées. see full details
Top
Les Invalides were built by Louis XIV in 1670 as a
military hospital to take care of wounded soldiers. This attraction
comprises the largest single collection of monuments and museums in
Paris all relating to the military history of France. It is a
burial site for some of France's war heroes, including the ashes of
the greatest French military genius, Napoleon Bonaparte, rest under
the dome of Les Invalides and attract many visitors to Paris. Its
13 hectares of building and large church with a golden dome make
Les Invalides a classical French architecture
masterpiece. see full details
Les Invalides
Les Invalides were built by Louis XIV in 1670 as a
military hospital to take care of wounded soldiers. This attraction
comprises the largest single collection of monuments and museums in
Paris all relating to the military history of France. It is a
burial site for some of France's war heroes, including the ashes of
the greatest French military genius, Napoleon Bonaparte, rest under
the dome of Les Invalides and attract many visitors to Paris. Its
13 hectares of building and large church with a golden dome make
Les Invalides a classical French architecture
masterpiece. see full details
Top
The Jardin des Plantes is France's main botanical
garden. Covering 28 hectares (280,000 m²) the garden was originally
planted by Louis XIII's doctor in 1626 as a medicinal herb garden.
In 1640, it became Paris's first public garden. In 1739, after a
long period of decline, the gardens were expanded greatly and a
maze called the Labyrinth was added. It still exists today. The
Jardin des Plantes maintains a botanical school which constructs
demonstration gardens and trains botanists. see full details
Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes is France's main botanical
garden. Covering 28 hectares (280,000 m²) the garden was originally
planted by Louis XIII's doctor in 1626 as a medicinal herb garden.
In 1640, it became Paris's first public garden. In 1739, after a
long period of decline, the gardens were expanded greatly and a
maze called the Labyrinth was added. It still exists today. The
Jardin des Plantes maintains a botanical school which constructs
demonstration gardens and trains botanists. see full details
Top
Comprising two theme parks, Disneyland Paris is a must
for all children visiting the city. With all their favourite
characters, exciting rides and much more, children of all ages will
love Disneyland Paris. There are also seven Disney-owned hotels for
visitors and holidaymakers to choose from to help make their
Disneyland Paris experience one to remember. see full details
Disneyland Paris
Comprising two theme parks, Disneyland Paris is a must
for all children visiting the city. With all their favourite
characters, exciting rides and much more, children of all ages will
love Disneyland Paris. There are also seven Disney-owned hotels for
visitors and holidaymakers to choose from to help make their
Disneyland Paris experience one to remember. see full details
Top
Located in the Jardin des Plantes, the Musée National
d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) greets visitors with
two gigantic whale skeletons at the entrance. With wonderful
exhibitions and fascinating displays on botany, archaeology and
palaeontology to name a few, the museum will captivate kids'
imaginations and educate them as well. The dinosaur exhibits is
hugely popular with the younger visitors, but this museum is a must
for children of all ages. see full details
Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle
Located in the Jardin des Plantes, the Musée National
d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) greets visitors with
two gigantic whale skeletons at the entrance. With wonderful
exhibitions and fascinating displays on botany, archaeology and
palaeontology to name a few, the museum will captivate kids'
imaginations and educate them as well. The dinosaur exhibits is
hugely popular with the younger visitors, but this museum is a must
for children of all ages. see full details
Top
This children's amusement park sees thousands of
tourists every year. Featuring a menagerie and the Exploradome
Museum, with fantastic optical illusions and amazing structures,
the Jardin d'Acclimatation is a great place for kids to run around
and let off some steam. see full details
Le Jardin d' Acclimatation
This children's amusement park sees thousands of
tourists every year. Featuring a menagerie and the Exploradome
Museum, with fantastic optical illusions and amazing structures,
the Jardin d'Acclimatation is a great place for kids to run around
and let off some steam. see full details
Top
Based on the comics by Uderzo and Goscinny, the Parc
Asterix, is a theme park located just outside of Paris. It's well
known for its large variety of roller-coasters and has begun
incorporating rides and themes from historic cultures such as the
Romans and the ancient Greeks. The Menhir express is a log flume
ride, while other rides include the Goudurix, the Grand Splatch and
the Oxygénarium. see full details
Parc Asterix
Based on the comics by Uderzo and Goscinny, the Parc
Asterix, is a theme park located just outside of Paris. It's well
known for its large variety of roller-coasters and has begun
incorporating rides and themes from historic cultures such as the
Romans and the ancient Greeks. The Menhir express is a log flume
ride, while other rides include the Goudurix, the Grand Splatch and
the Oxygénarium. see full details
Top
Located in Flancourt, France Miniature features over
130 models of famous French attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower,
Lourdes and Versailles, for visitors to enjoy. Everything has been
created a 1/30 scale and some for the models are even animated.
Children will love spending a day out at this miniature
country. see full details
France Miniature
Located in Flancourt, France Miniature features over
130 models of famous French attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower,
Lourdes and Versailles, for visitors to enjoy. Everything has been
created a 1/30 scale and some for the models are even animated.
Children will love spending a day out at this miniature
country. see full details
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