The main attractions of France. Historical monuments of France: the Middle Ages of Paris What attraction is located in France
It is customary to get acquainted with France from Paris - the city of romance and love, freedom and bohemia. Of course, the rest of France has many noteworthy attractions: the flowering fields of Provence, the splendor of the Alps, the luxurious castles of the Loire and Normandy, exquisite Bordeaux wines and amazing French cuisine. But this is only part of what makes it worth coming here. The list of the most visited places in France is compiled based on the number of visitors per year.
1. Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral, located in the east of the Ile de la Cité, is the geographical center and heart of ancient Paris. Previously, in its place stood the first Christian church in Paris - St. Stephen's Basilica, and it was preceded by a Halo-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter. 13.5 million people come to Notre Dame every year.
2. Palace and forest of Fontainebleau
50 kilometers south of Paris is the famous town of Fontainebleau, which, together with the castle of the same name, is surrounded by a large forest area occupying 25 thousand hectares. Wooded valleys and hills here alternate with cliffs and marshes covered with gorse and heather. The very first royal castle was built in Fontainebleau by Louis VII. The Fontainebleau Palace, built at the beginning of the 16th century, is one of the largest in the country. The forest surrounding it in former times served as royal hunting grounds for many French kings. The beauty of this place is so attractive that more than 13 million tourists come to Fontainebleau every year.
3. Disneyland
Europe's most famous Disneyland began in 1992 as a theme park, but underwent a major expansion in 2002. Tourists adore this huge park, which is one of the ten best Disneylands on the planet. It is located 32 kilometers east of Paris, in the town of Marne-la-Vallée. 12.8 million tourists come here every year.
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4. Flea market in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Ouen
This market appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, when junk dealers were forced to leave Paris to sell or exchange items found in piles of garbage. Even now, a lot of people come here every year to sell and buy unusual things: 11 million people a year.
5. Basilica of Sacré-Coeur
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the Catholic pearl of Paris. It was built in 1876-1910 according to Abadi's design on the top of Montmartre hill in a rare Roman-Byzantine style. This is the highest point in Paris (130 m). 10.5 million travelers climb here every year.
6. Louvre
This is one of the most significant art museums in the world, ranking third in area. The former royal palace stands in the center of Paris, in the 1st Parisian arrondissement, on the Rue de Rivoli, on the right bank of the Seine. The Louvre was erected in the 12th century, its building itself is an architectural masterpiece. The museum has such an abundance of exhibits that you can even briefly examine them only in a few days. Here is the famous “La Gioconda” by Leonardo da Vinci and many other world masterpieces. Every year 8.3 million people come to the Louvre.
7. Palace of Versailles
20 kilometers from the capital in the town of Versailles, the French kings built for themselves a luxurious palace and park complex. The first modest hunting lodge was built here in 1624 by Louis XIII. Later, right up to the revolution, Versailles remained a favorite royal residence. UNESCO included this palace and park complex on its World Heritage List. The luxurious layout and scale of the complex make it one of the most famous palaces in the world. Up to 7 million tourists come to Versailles every year.
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8. Eiffel Tower
This is still the tallest building in France with an openwork metal frame and has long become the most recognizable Parisian landmark. It was built in 1889 by the engineer Gustav Eiffel for the World Exhibition. Since then, the flow of tourists seeking to admire the tower from below or the panorama of Paris from its observation deck has not decreased. The height of this elegant structure is 324 meters. Over 6.7 million people come here every year.
9. Center Pompidou
In the 4th arrondissement of Paris, in the Beaubourg quarter, there is a fairly modern cultural center named after the former French President Georges Pompidou. It was he who initiated the opening of this center in 1977. There is a large library, the Museum of Modern Art, exhibition and concert halls, as well as the Institute for the Coordination and Research of Music and Acoustics. Every year 6.6 million people come to the center.
10. Verdon Gorge
800 kilometers south of Paris is the 25-kilometer Canyon du Verdon, the largest in Europe. This deep rocky gorge offers wonderful scenery and bright turquoise water. If you continue your journey a little further south, you can find yourself on the French Riviera. Along the bottom of the canyon, the bed of the Verdon River follows its bends. Not only tourists come to this natural attraction to see and admire the surrounding views, but also lovers of active recreation can be found here. People can raft and kayak along the river here, swim in calmer places, and climbers explore the local steep cliffs.
11. Mont Saint Michel
This is the name of a rocky island in northwestern France, connected to the mainland by a special dam. This island was turned into a fortress when a Benedictine abbey in the Gothic style was built on it, merging with the city and the island into a single landscape and architectural ensemble. The fortifications erected on the island date back to the 8th century. At the top of the island there is a beautiful medieval castle, which for a long time served as a dungeon, and now travelers from all over the world love to visit it. Below the monastery there is a medieval village.
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12. Cote d'Azur
The Cote d'Azur is the Mediterranean coastal strip stretching from the city of Saint-Tropez to Monaco. This place is strongly associated with elitism, fabulous wealth and luxury. Otherwise it is called the French Riviera, which then continues with the Italian Riviera. Since the 19th century, the Côte d'Azur gradually became a popular holiday and treatment destination in Europe. Thanks to the Russian tsars, Nice flourished, the film festival made Cannes famous, and it became fashionable to satisfy excitement in the Monte Carlo casino. Here everyone strives to show off their wealth, competing in the coolness of villas and yachts, and this is not considered shameful.
13. French Alps
The French Alps are home to many prestigious ski resorts. One of these is Annecy, which appeared next to a 14th-century castle. The town of Annecy has many canals, thanks to which it is called the “Venice of Savoy”.
14. Strasbourg
The subject of an eternal dispute between France and Germany is that after the last war, Strasbourg was assigned to the French. But passing from hand to hand over the centuries, it absorbed the culture of both countries - German solidity and French charm are visible in the lifestyle of the townspeople and in the architectural appearance of the city. It is especially pleasant to walk along the picturesque embankment, along rows of neat brick and wooden houses, and admire the flower beds and flowerpots that decorate the entire city.
15. Provence
This is a distinctive historical region of France, famous for its fields of blooming lavender, alluring with its enchanting aroma. Provence has many magnificent landscapes, lush green hills, on the tops of some of which ancient villages are nestled, and sharp cliffs. Provincial life in Provence is still measured and unhurried, so here you are drawn to enjoy the silence and beauty of nature.
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16. Courchevel
Deep in the French Alps lies a major ski resort catering to the cream of society. It has over a hundred descent routes with varying levels of difficulty, served by 60 lifts. The height difference of the slopes here reaches 1600 meters. In addition to the beautiful mountain scenery, here you can count on first-class service. No one here will be surprised if you see a world movie or sports star in the queue for the lift. The area around Courchevel is one of the most beautiful areas in France.
17. Loire Valley
In the valley of this French river there are many magnificent castles and gardens that are under the protection of UNESCO. Forests here alternate with rural landscapes, vineyards with mansions reflected in the mirrors of lakes. Particularly popular among tourists are castles such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny, which are not only fabulously beautiful, but also have an interesting history.
18. Marseille
Marseille is the main port of France. It has an incredibly rich history. Due to the fact that it is an international port, there has long been a multicultural atmosphere here. In 2013, it was its turn to become the cultural capital of the European Union. Historians, artists and poets happily wander through the ancient streets of Marseille. Tourists love to visit local museums and look at city architecture. Gourmets can enjoy the variety of Marseille cuisine in local restaurants.
19. Corsica
This island in the Mediterranean Sea now belongs to France and lies between it and Italy. On this unique island you can find many wild beaches, perfect for relaxing with your family. The most famous Corsican was Napoleon Bonaparte.
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20. Biarritz
On the shores of the Bay of Biscay in France is the city of Biarritz. Once upon a time, Emperor Napoleon III rested here, who built a villa here for Empress Eugenie in the style of architecture from the times of the Third Republic. In the 20th century, various presidents and celebrities vacationed at this resort. The famous opera bass Fyodor Chaliapin also had his own villa there. In recent years, the magnificent waves of the Atlantic have attracted surfers from all over the world to Biarritz.
21. Champagne
This region of France has become famous as the birthplace of sparkling wines, namely champagne. It is not surprising that the area is dominated by numerous vineyards. But in addition to these, there are also places where you can taste local wines such as Epernay, as well as the historical cities of Troyes and Reims.
22. Saint-Tropez
The small but very famous and revered town of Saint-Tropez, especially in Western Europe, is filled with crowds of vacationers every summer. But even in the off-season it’s worth a visit. It is here that numerous yachts compete in their luxury. Here you can leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets, moving from beach to beach, admiring the surrounding scenery. It is interesting to at least look from the outside at the luxurious La Ponche hotel, where famous guests usually stay.
23. Chamonix
This alpine French city hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. Since then, winter sports have flourished there, among the magnificent mountains: cross-country and alpine skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. Professional athletes come to Chamonix; it is no coincidence that it has become the European capital of extreme entertainment. But even less daring slalom skiers or experienced climbers will find it interesting here, for example, to take a ride on the cable car and take in the magnificent landscape from a bird's eye view.
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24. Normandy
This historical region of France is located on its northern coast. It’s as if two worlds collide here: the stormy waters of the English Channel and the bright greenery of the coast. Normandy has a long and very interesting history, which is very interesting to study. It is here that the wonderful island city of Mont Saint-Michel, the Gothic temples of ancient Rouen are located, here you can taste real Neuchâtel and Norman Camembert. There are also consonant Channel Islands, but they belong to Great Britain.
25. Chateau de Chambord
Perhaps Chambord is the most recognizable castle in Europe. This unique building has features of Renaissance architecture. This castle was built during the time of Francis I. Some researchers suggest that Leonardo da Vinci himself, who at that time was at the court of the French monarch, could have taken part in the design of the castle. He designed a staircase that takes you to the very top of the castle, from where you can see all the details of the castle's roof and the surrounding estate.
The medieval city of Carcassonne has become a real cultural heritage of France. Tourists come here to see the impressive size of the fortress, every corner of which is fraught with centuries-old history. Its foundation goes back to the distant past, 2nd century BC. The frame is a combination of two parts, old and new. In each of them you will find a huge number of architectural structures, and most importantly, you will learn historical details.
Another landmark of France is included in the UNESCO list - the Papal Palace. It is located in a hilly area in the northern part of the city of Avignon. Visitors immediately notice how pompously the Gothic-style building is decorated. There are amazing frescoes, sculptures, works of art and carpets everywhere. The foundation of the palace took place in the 14th century and for a long period of time it served as a refuge for popes who fled from Rome. The National Museum inside the palace began work in the 20th century.
Most of us grew up watching Walt Disney cartoons, so when we find ourselves in France, everyone wants to go to Disneyland. This is probably every adult’s childhood dream. There is a fabulous place in the city of Marne-la-Vallée, which is 32 km from the capital. When you come to a famous park, you will forget about everything and plunge into an unreal world. A large selection of activities will satisfy even the most capricious visitors. Animated characters, magical buildings, intricate labyrinths, exciting rides... It will be impossible to leave!
A palace of gigantic proportions. Opposite the building there is a monument to Louis 14, it is he who “greets” all guests. This building is a combination of luxury and wealth. Everything in this royal residence is at the highest level. Just appreciate the crystal clear pools, numerous sculptures and the park surrounded by bright colors. Walking up the wide staircases, you feel like a member of the royal family. The gallery, where attention is focused on a panel consisting of 400 mirrors, causes delight among visitors.
Reading the works of Alexandre Dumas “The Count of Monte Cristo”, everyone probably imagined what the place of imprisonment of the main character looks like. If you find yourself in the French city of Marseille, you will have the opportunity to see it in reality. It is located among the expanses of water. Once inside the castle, you will examine the cells with signs where the prisoners of the novel were kept. An unforgettable journey awaits you through the narrow passages of the prison, visiting gloomy gray cells. The observation deck offers an extraordinary view of the city itself and the sea surface.
It is believed that if you have not visited the Champs Elysees, then you have not been to France. This is one of the main cultural heritages. The best place if you want to breathe the real atmosphere of Paris. More than a hundred thousand people walk along the iconic street. It has become an indicator of grace and grandeur. The fame of the Champs-Elysees has increased with the opening of entertainment venues and boutiques, where every fashion designer considers it his duty to exhibit his work. Therefore, you should not come with an empty wallet, because the street is recognized as almost the most expensive.
Be sure to include Fontainebleau Palace on your list of things to do in France. He occupied an area 50 km from Paris, among dense forests. The structure resembles wine glasses, of different shapes and heights. Pay attention to the sophisticated towers and low buildings. The palace was built by order of Louis VII, who wanted his residence in a landscaped location. The decoration of the buildings was entrusted to the most famous creators of Italy. Translated, the name means “beautiful fountain.”
An amphitheater located in the city of Nîmes, dating back to the Roman era. The largest southern city was founded by Emperor Augustine. The amphitheater building is designed in the shape of an ellipse. He gained his fame through gladiatorial fights. When these kinds of events stopped, it became a fortress. Only in the 18th century did the bullfight begin to play its role, and in the 20th century it became the main place where rock musicians and lovers of their work gathered.
It will be difficult for shopping lovers to pass by this landmark of France. It is located in the heart of shopping Paris, the Haussmann district. Rest assured, buyers will find plenty to roam around and something to choose from. Galeries Lafayette is a tall seven-story building. It belongs to modern architecture, and opened its doors at the end of the 19th century. Currently, the trading house consists of three parts-buildings: the main one, where you will mostly find women's and children's accessories, men's and household goods.
The Père Lachaise cemetery is a secluded, calm, quiet place, where once you get there you wonder about your existence. Walking along the paths along the graves and crypts where many famous people found peace, you come across burial places from different times. One part of the cemetery is dedicated to those killed in the Holocaust. There are monuments dedicated to the victims of the Second World War. You will have the opportunity to visit Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Isadora Duncan and others.
France is undoubtedly the most romantic country in the world, famous for its history, culture, cuisine, numerous attractions, ancient castles and excellent recreational opportunities.
You can come to France for various reasons. Newlyweds strive to spend here, if not the entire honeymoon, but at least one romantic weekend; couples with children - show their kids the wonderful world of Disneyland Paris; shopping lovers - visit numerous boutiques with a wide selection of designer items; and history buffs will appreciate the elegance of ancient castles and palaces.
What is included in the mandatory list of a tourist who decides to visit France? Of course, a trip to Paris, with its Eiffel Tower and Louvre. However, this is the most popular route, which many are already familiar with. It is worth visiting quiet provinces, for example, Bordeaux, famous for its vineyards, driving along the entire Cote d'Azur, seeing the picturesque Chamonix Valley and other corners of this beautiful country that are not yet so crowded with tourists.
Be sure to get to know French cuisine better! Start your breakfast with traditional croissants and coffee, for lunch try a light and very tasty onion soup with baguette or croutons, and complement your dinner with a mandatory glass of wine, without which the French do not sit down at the table, with snails, frog legs or oysters. Why not treat yourself, because French cuisine is truly the most popular and famous on our planet!
Believe me, France has something to surprise even the most spoiled and demanding tourist. We will try to tell you about its most famous attractions.
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What to see in France?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.
This is one of the best holiday destinations in the world. The Cote d'Azur or French Riviera stretches from the border with Italy to the city of Toulon and is known throughout the world for its incredibly beautiful beaches, pleasant climate and comfortable conditions for relaxation. The only disadvantage of this 300-kilometer-long Mediterranean coastline is the very high prices for vacations and real estate.
Describing this cathedral, glorified in the novel and musical Notre Dame de Paris, as well as in dozens of films and cartoons, is a thankless task. It is better to visit the most famous temple in France once and see its luxurious stained glass windows, bright vaults and the main relic - the Crown of Thorns of Jesus Christ. You will be one of the 14 million people who visit Notre Dame Cathedral every year.
Symbol of royal power, luxury and wealth. These are the associations that Versailles evokes, without any doubt - the most popular and famous palace in the whole world. It is perfectly preserved, along with its French park, fountains, chic stucco moldings and elegant furniture. It seems that now Marie Antoinette with her ladies-in-waiting will come out from around the bend in the alley, and the retinue of Louis the Sixteenth will burst into the huge hall.
This small town, where only about 50 thousand people live, is located very close, 60 kilometers south of Geneva. It is famous for its lake, on the shore of which it is located, as well as for its medieval castle, which was turned into a museum right in the city center. Annecy also has a Gothic church and a palace on an island in the middle of the lake.
Yes, yes, France has its own Colosseum! This arena, built in the first century AD, is located in the city of Nîmes, which is famous for the huge number of ancient buildings preserved from the times of Ancient Rome. The amphitheater in Nîmes is well preserved and is still used as a stage for concerts and other events.
This medieval ensemble is included in the UNESCO list. Behind the powerful walls, on a rocky hill, there is a real bastion with towers and old houses, which, however, are perfectly preserved and are still used for their intended purpose. Getting around the narrow streets of old Carcassonne is difficult, and some of them are completely pedestrian.
The largest sand dune in Europe. From above it looks like a huge sand wave rushing onto the green shore. Dune is located in Pyla, in Aquitaine, on the shores of the Arcachon Bay. It is noteworthy that this gigantic shaft of sand moves five meters deeper into the continent every year, displacing houses, trees and roads.
The pearl of the Cote d'Azur, the favorite place for exercise of all vacationers in Nice. This embankment received its name due to its popularity among tourists from England. Known for its luxury hotels, Mediterranean Palace, local university and wide beach. A walk along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice is a mandatory end to the day of every visitor to Nice.
The small town of Giverny in Upper Normandy became famous thanks to one of its natives - the artist Claude Monet. He lived here for more than 40 years, created a beautiful garden with a pond on which lilies float and Japanese bridges. Today, Giverny hosts several festivals dedicated to painting and art, and the house and garden has become a Claude Monet museum.
Fans of snowboarding and alpine skiing are eager to get to the Chamonix Valley. This is a relatively affordable holiday destination among picturesque Alpine peaks. In addition, Mont Blanc is nearby, so the Chamonix Valley is also popular among mountaineers and rock climbers. A great place to relax, almost on the border with Italy.
This monument immortalized the victories of Napoleon Bonaparte's army. The Arc de Triomphe is located on Place Charles de Gaulle and is one of the hallmarks of Paris. The arch is decorated with numerous bas-reliefs depicting winged maidens with fanfares. There are four sculptural groups installed in the lower part on both sides.
Initially, Parisians reacted with hostility to this too brutal, too metal, too modern structure. They said that the Eiffel Tower simply disfigures the appearance of the city. And where are these critics now? But the tower stands in the center of the city, and has managed to become a symbol of Paris, the most photographed object in the world, the heroine of films and television shows.
This is the highest of all surviving ancient Roman aqueducts, spanning the Gardon River. Included in the UNESCO list, it consists of three tiers with an increasing number of arches. It is assumed that the aqueduct was previously used to supply the city of Nîmes with water, and today it is an interesting historical site that attracts crowds of tourists.
One of the most recognizable castles in France, a true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is unknown who exactly became the chief architect of the Chambord Castle, but it has been proven that Leonardo da Vinci himself took part in the development of the project. Today, on the second floor of the castle there is a Museum of Hunting and Nature. The park around Chambord, surrounded by the longest wall in the country, is also perfectly preserved.
One of the largest European castles, which today has become the venue for a theater festival. Today, tourists can walk through almost all the numerous rooms of this castle, declared a national museum. In addition, there is an archive of the local department and a completely modern conference room.
Another of the Loire castles. This elegant building rightfully bears the second name “Ladies’ Castle”, as it is distinguished by a very romantic aura and elegant turrets. In addition, Henry II gave this castle to his favorite Diana de Poitiers, and after the death of the king, his widow Catherine de Medici settled here, so there are enough famous housewives at the castle. All rooms of the Chenonceau Castle are perfectly preserved and are accessible to tourists.
This is a very picturesque abbey located on an islet off the northwestern coast of France. Mont Saint-Michel is a real fortress city, perched on the rocks of a small island. Today, several dozen people live here, but the number of visitors reaches 3.5 million a year. This area is also known for the highest tides in Europe.
One of the largest, famous, oldest and famous museums in the world. The Louvre houses a rich collection of masterpieces of art, both historical, from Antiquity, and more modern ones. It is almost impossible to visit all the halls of the Louvre in one day, especially if you stop near every interesting exhibit.
In fact, these are not fields at all, but the central street of Paris, one of the most beautiful, green and, of course, famous in the city. The Champs Elysees is traditionally divided into two parts - the shopping part, with boutiques, offices, banks, publishing houses of large newspapers, car dealerships and retail outlets, and the walking part, the park part.
At the same time, it is the longest and deepest gorge in France. Located in the Alps, in the southeastern part of the country. Usually people go to the Verdon Gorge by car to take a photo against the backdrop of an incredibly beautiful view, walk along tourist paths with a backpack to the river of the same name flowing along its bottom.
Medieval Paris left magnificent examples of Romanesque architecture (X-XII centuries), in which the foundations borrowed by the Franks in Roman architecture were revived, albeit in a somewhat revised form. The Romanesque style was characterized by heavy proportions, powerful walls, load-bearing semicircular vaults and arched ceilings openings.
One of the most notable Parisian architectural monuments of this period is the church Saint-Germain-des-Prés , founded in the middle of the 6th century by King Childebert I to store the tunic of St. Vincent of Saragossa and now located in a busy part of the Latin Quarter (since in the old days it was surrounded by meadows, this was reflected in the name: French pré - meadow).
This first Christian monastery soon became an abbey in the fields outside the city. It was managed by a certain Father Germain,
This is how the name Saint-Germain des Pres appeared. 
A Christian preacher, the Parisian Bishop Germain, who after his death in 576 was classified as a Catholic saint, as well as the first kings of the Merovingian dynasty, were buried in this temple, but in the 9th century the church was burned by the Normans.
In the 11th century, a bell tower was built, which now stands out for its height among later buildings, and in the 12th century, the main volume of the church with the altar part (in the 17th century, the temple was rebuilt again, but the bell tower and the altar part retained their strict features of early medieval architecture )
Vincennes castle
Romanesque architecture, with all its elaboration of architectural forms and compositions, became only a harbinger of the formation of a new architectural style - Gothic, which originated in France. And since Paris was the capital, it inevitably turned into the main “construction laboratory” of new architectural thinking.
In the eastern Parisian suburb of Vincennes, a structure founded in the early Middle Ages and formed in the Gothic era has been preserved in a slightly modified form - Vincennes Castle, which at one time was a royal residence. By 1370, construction of the castle, which began in the 11th century, was completed.
On the territory surrounded by a powerful wall and moat, there is a residential tower - a donjon. The 52-meter-long donjon, almost square in plan, is flanked by four corner round turrets. It was possible to get into the castle only through a drawbridge thrown over a moat and a fortress gate in a wall with nine towers.
Along the top of the powerful walls there was a military passage, which was covered by hinged loopholes (machiculi). Here, somewhat away from the center of Paris, a closed court world was created, which even had its own small chapel. In its modern form, the entire complex, converted into a historical museum, is a characteristic monument of medieval architecture of the 14th century
Gothic architecture was brought to life by the rapid growth of cities and the need to have more spacious temples - in fact, the main public buildings of the medieval era. The accumulation of construction experience and technical knowledge led to a qualitative leap in the construction of spans, vaults and supports.
A pointed arch began to be used, and vaulted coverings began to be built on a frame base of stone ribs (ribs), made from especially durable stone. Now the external walls, which had long served as supports, had lost their constructive meaning, and the vaults were supported by a system of open semi-arches (flying buttresses) and external supports (buttresses). This allowed the entire surface between the buttresses to be made of glass in a stone frame, laying the foundation for the famous medieval stained glass windows made of multi-colored glass on lead spacers
A brilliant example of Gothic architecture is Notre Dame Cathedral (Notre Dame de Paris), rising in the eastern part of the island of Cité. Around 550, on the site of the ancient Temple of Jupiter, at the behest of the Frankish king Childebert I, the Basilica of Saint-Etienne was built, adjacent to which was the baptistery dedicated to John the Baptist and the Church of Our Lady (here was also the residence of Bishop Herman of Paris).
In the middle of the 12th century, it was decided to rebuild them and actually build a new, more spacious temple. Construction, which began on the initiative of the Parisian bishop Maurice de Sully in 1163, took a long time and was completed only in 1343 (it was then that the chapels between the buttresses and the crown of chapels around the choir were created).
The cathedral, grandiose for those times, capable of accommodating about 10 thousand people at a time (length - 130 m, width - 108 m, tower height - 69 m, vault height - 39 m), became a kind of model for all medieval church building in France. Around the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris there was the monastery of Our Lady, cathedral schools and houses of canons
The entire process of Gothic development was reflected in the architecture of the cathedral. The horizontal divisions and heavy lower tier of the western façade are echoes of the Romanesque style, while the system of wide flying buttresses, the strongly dissected and pointed through gallery at the foot of the towers and the round roses are a vivid embodiment of Gothic architecture.
Above the portals stretches a gallery of stone statues of kings from the Old Testament (previously there were statues of kings in the niches), figures of gargoyles are placed on the ledges of the cornices, and the choir fence with bas-reliefs and the statue of the Mother of God on the northern portal are real examples of the art of medieval sculptors (the cathedral sculptures were once painted and even partly gilded). Among the polychrome stained glass windows, the large roses on the axis of the western facade and on the ends of the transverse nave (transept) are especially noteworthy. In the 18th century, most colored stained glass windows were replaced by white glazing; stained glass windows remained only in roses (and only stained glass in northern rose dates back to the 13th century)
Conciergerie
The western part of the island of Cité is occupied by the huge complex of the Palace of Justice. Its northern façade, facing the right tributary of the Seine, gives a vivid impression of the austere royal castle with a prison and a treasury where the treasury was kept.
Three of the surviving towers date back to the 13th century, and the corner tower was built a century later (it featured a bell that announced the birth of a royal heir to all of Paris, and the city's first tower clock).
After King Charles V moved to the more spacious Louvre in the 14th century, the parliament, the Chamber of Auditors and other government bodies remained in the old residence of the monarch.
In 1417, the Chancellor of France was appointed to the post of concierge, that is, the gatekeeper of the royal home, which is why the castle received the name Conciergerie. In the 19th century, the building was significantly expanded, and at the same time the façade facing Dauphine Square was designed.
Chapel Sainte-Chapelle
The most outstanding object in the Conciergerie Palace is the Sainte-Chapelle - the Holy or Royal Chapel, located in the south-eastern courtyard of the complex (part of the facade of the chapel overlooks the Palace Boulevard, which crosses the Cité between the Pont de Change and the Pont Saint-Michel).
It was built in 1246-1248 by order of the pious King Louis IX the Saint to store numerous sacred relics, and above all the highly revered Crown of Thorns, acquired by the monarch for a huge sum at that time from Venetian moneylenders. The name of the architect is not known for certain; the construction of the chapel is usually attributed to Pierre de Montreuil.
The elongated high volume of the Sainte-Chapelle contains two halls located one above the other. In the lower hall, two rows of columns support bundles of ribs that carry the vaults. The upper hall, which is actually the Royal Chapel, has a 10-meter span and is free from internal supports (one gets the impression that the vaults raised to a height of seven meters are floating in the air).
The hall is surrounded by colored stained glass windows, between which there are thin stone pillars, branching under the arches into several ribs. The rose at the end above the entrance, with its complex interweaving of the stone base, symbolizes the flaming Gothic style of the 15th century (the bell tower was also built at the same time).
The blue-painted pillars and vaults of the chapel are decorated with repeating gilded inserts in the form of a stylized lily flower in the upper hall and a silhouette of a castle in the lower hall (a golden lily on a blue background symbolizes the royal coat of arms of France). In the mid-19th century, the Sainte-Chapelle building underwent restoration, during which Viollet-le-Duc recreated the spire and a significant part of the stained glass windows, while managing to preserve the specificity of the Gothic style of its heyday 
Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois
Opposite the eastern facade of the Louvre is the Gothic temple of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, founded in the 12th century (since then only the tall Romanesque bell tower has survived).
The 13th-century choir is early Gothic, the main body of the 15th-century church is Flamboyant Gothic, and the side portal is Renaissance. Like most medieval buildings in Paris, this temple was later reconstructed, but the unique rib vaults, lace rose, valuable stained glass windows, and numerous sculptural completions of cornices, gutters and turrets were preserved.
Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois was the parish church of the royal court, located in the nearby Louvre castle, so many artists, sculptors, architects and scientists who worked and lived at the court are buried there. The bell on the tower of this church announced the beginning of the massacre of the Huguenots on St. Bartholomew's Night (August 24, 1572)
Saint-Julien-le-Pauvres
Saint-Etienne-du-Mont
Among other buildings that appeared in Paris during the Middle Ages, today there are the churches of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvres, Saint-Etienne-du-Mont, Saint-Severin, Saint-Médard and Saints-Archangels, the tower of Clovis (or Clovis) and other buildings preserved from the Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève and now belonging to the Lycée Henry IV, the Bernardine College, now occupied by the French Catholic Academy, and the Hotel de Cluny (V arrondissement), the churches of Saint-Gervais, Saint-Merri and Billette, the archaeological crypt of the porch of the Cathedral of Notre Dame and Hotel de Sens (IV arrondissement), churches of Saint-Martin-des-Champs and Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs, Hotel de Soubise,
The Lycée Henry IV, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in France, is located on the site of the former Abbey of Sainte-Genevieve, which was founded by Clovis in honor of Saints Peter and Paul after the Battle of Vouillet at the request of his wife Queen Clotilde. On the Days of Cultural Heritage, the lyceum opened its doors to everyone.
Hotel de Clisson, a fragment of a fortress tower, formerly part of the Templar fortress Temple, and the house of Nicolas Flamel (III arrondissement), the refectory of the Cordeliers monastery, now occupied by the medical school of the University of Paris Descartes (VI arrondissement), the Church of Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles (I district), the Church of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre (XVIII arrondissement), the tower of Jean the Fearless, formerly part of the palace of the Dukes of Burgundy (II arrondissement) 
Church of Saint Gervais,
Hotel de Cluny 
Church of Saint-Martin-des-Champs
Hotel Soubise
Tower of Jean the Fearless
Two dozen surviving fragments of the fortress wall from the era of Philip II Augustus were classified as historical monuments in 1889. Now they are located on the streets of Jour, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Louvre and Saint-Honoré (1st arrondissement), on the streets of Etienne Marcel and Tiketon (2nd arrondissement), on the rue Temple (III arrondissement), on the streets of Ave Maria, Charlemagne, Franc -Bourgeois, Jardin-Saint-Paul and Rosier (IV arrondissement), on the streets d'Arras, Cardinal Lemoine, Fosse-Saint-Bernard, Clovie, Descartes and Thouin (V arrondissement), in the courtyards of Commerce-Saint-André and Rogan, on the Quai de Conti, rue Dauphine, Mazarin, Nelle and Guénégo, in the Nevers cul-de-sac (VI arrondissement)
Place de la Bastille
Fragments of the walls, towers, underground chambers and moats of the famous Bastille, destroyed in 1791, remain around the modern Place de la Bastille: on the boulevards Bourdon and Henry IV, rue Saint-Antoine, the Bastille metro station and in the port of Arsenal on the Canal Saint-Martin
Former monastery of the Cordeliers, XIV century
Church of Saint-Merri, XIV-XVII centuries
Church of Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs,
XII-XVII century Church of Saint-Severin, 
XIII-XV centuries Hotel de Clisson
XIV century Hotel de Sens
XV-XVI century Church of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, XII century
The first Parisian schools, which were purely clerical in nature, arose in the 12th century near the walls of Notre-Dame de Paris. Soon, wanting to leave the tutelage of the bishop, some of the teachers and their students moved to the left bank under the auspices of the more liberal abbeys of Sainte-Genevieve and Saint-Victor, where they founded a university
Abbey of Saint-Victor in a painting from 1655
The first royal privilege, which legitimized his rights and freedoms (and also removed schools from the jurisdiction of the royal provost), the union of masters and students of the Parisian school received in the charter of 1200, the union of schoolchildren appeared in the episcopal act of 1207, and the union of teachers - in the papal act of 1208 (the University of Paris officially received its name only in 1217, faculties were first mentioned in 1219).
Baroque facade of the Sorbonne (architect Jacques Lemercier, 1642)
The theologian Robert de Sorbon, confessor of King Louis IX, founded a college in 1253 on Coupe-Gel Street, from which the entire university received its second name. Later, a printing house was organized at the Sorbonne, where the first book in Paris was published in 1469
Collège de France
The Latin Quarter developed actively throughout the 13th century, displacing the old cathedral schools located on the Cité and near the Petit Bridge. Colleges or colleges at the initial stage were small and rather unprepossessing buildings, where about 10 thousand young men lived and studied in a noisy atmosphere of fun, games, drunkenness and fights (according to other sources, in 75 colleges, which were crowded between Place Maubert and the Hill of Sainte -Genevieve, financed by wealthy aristocrats and religious orders, educated about 40 thousand people)
The Latin Quarter is one of the most famous areas of Paris in the world. It extends over the 5th and 6th arrondissements, centered around the Sorbonne and Mount Sainte-Geneviève. It crosses the "cardo de Paris", the north-south axis corresponding to the current Rue Saint-Jacques and Boulevard Saint-Michel
This area is still popular among students and professors due to the presence of many scientific institutions there
Lycée Louis the Great, located in the center of the Latin Quarter on the site of the medieval University of Paris
The area also has many colleges and lyceums, often prestigious and historical: Louis-le-Grand, Fenelon, Henry IV, Saint-Louis, Notre-Dame de Sion, Stanislaus, Ecole, Alsatian, Montaigne, Lycée Lavoisier. Consequently, many bookstores specializing in literature, science, history, medicine, politics, philosophy, law are found in the area, even if they tend to disappear
Hospitals of the Hotel-Dieu in Paris, France. The Hotel-Dieu de Paris "Parisian Hospital of God" is the oldest hospital in Paris,
Marais Quarter
The Marais is one of the oldest quarters of Paris, which is considered the most extraordinary and unique place in the city. Why, you ask me? It’s simple, the “hand of Baron Haussmann,” the author of the reconstruction of Paris at the end of the 19th century, did not reach him. Therefore, the features of a typical medieval city have been preserved here with a labyrinth of narrow streets, without sidewalks, encased in the walls of ancient mansions of the 17th-18th centuries.
Mare, translated, means a swamp that once existed in this very place, drained at the behest of the Master of the Templar Order, already in the 13th century. It was with his light hand that the history of this quarter began, which became a shelter for the monks of this mysterious Order. Subsequently, under Henry IV, the Place Royale appeared here (now the Place des Vosges - the oldest square in Paris) which became the heart of this quarter. And this is not the only attraction of the Mare.
Here is one of the most interesting museums in France - the Carnavalet, which contains unique exhibits that tell the history of life in Paris over many centuries. And I will tell you about those people (Marquise de Brenvilliers, Princess Rogan, Madame de Sevigne, Duke of Orleans) who once owned these mansions and created the history of this beautiful country. ... And believe me, there is something to gossip about.
On Rue des Franc-Bourgeois there is a wonderful mansion with a turret. This is the house of Jean Herouet (treasurer of Louis XII), built around 1510.
The Hotel de Angoulême-Lamoignon first belonged to the illegitimate daughter of Henry II, the Duchess of Angoulême, and then passed to Lamoignon, a representative of a famous French family. Nowadays there is a historical library here.
There is the Carnavalet Museum (actually it is located in two mansions - the Hotel Carnavalet and the Hotel le Pelletier de Saint Fargeau). The Hotel Carnavalet is famous for the fact that in 1677 it was rented by Marie de Rabutin (aka Marquise de Sevigne). She became famous for the letters she wrote to her relatives and friends. “Letters of Madame de Sevigne” was published 30 years after her death and created a real sensation in Paris
Place des Vosges, Arcades du Côté Est - Paris
The oldest house in Paris is the house of Nicolas Flamel, which dates back to 1407. Located at 51 rue de Montmorency
On François Miron Street (rue François-Miron) there are two houses - 11 and 13, which date back to the 15th century
On rue des Barres there is house number 12, which belonged to Maubuisson Abbey and was reconstructed in 1540
And finally, house No. 3, which was built in 1644, has been preserved on rue Volta
Houses 44-46 Rue François Miron. They served the Cistercian abbey (XIII century). Now on the ground floor there is a wonderful store on the history of Paris and an organization that deals with historical monuments of Paris
If you enter the store, on the right there are steps to the basement, where the Gothic vaults of a 13th-century Cistercian abbey have been preserved.
11-13 rue du Louvre
rue des Jardins-Saint-Paul
remains of old walls
By the way, a small piece of ancient Paris can be seen at the beginning of the exhibition in the Louvre (at the underground level) - a piece of the first Louvre is on display. But somehow it wasn’t inserted in the best way (maybe all that’s left), just a piece of a tub-tower
Sources
Defourno M. Everyday life during the times of Joan of Arc. - Moscow: Eurasia, 2003. - 320 p.
Dubnov S. M. A Brief History of the Jews. - Rostov-on-Don: Phoenix, 2003. - 576 p.
Combo I. History of Paris. - Moscow: The whole world, 2002. - 176 p.
Kosminsky E. A. History of the Middle Ages. - Moscow: State Publishing House of Political Literature, 1952. - 748 p.
Lusher A. French society during the times of Philip-Augustus. - Moscow: Eurasia, 1999. - 414 p.
Pilyavsky V.I. and Leiboshits N.Ya. Paris. - Leningrad: Publishing House of Construction Literature, 1968. - 112 p.
Ru S. Everyday life of Paris in the Middle Ages. - Moscow: Young Guard, 2008. - 252 p.
One of the oldest states in Western Europe has a rich history and culture. From the Middle Ages until the 20th century, France was the center of political, military and cultural events in Europe. She set fashion and tone, shaped public tastes and tried to assert her power.
For more than the last 20 years, France has been one of the undisputed leaders in the list of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This popularity is due to the wealth of historical and artistic heritage, natural beauty and a huge number of attractions. Among them are numerous architectural monuments - palaces, castles, majestic Gothic cathedrals, fortresses, as well as modern boutiques and shops, amusement parks, museums, galleries and exhibitions, famous resorts and picturesque natural places of recreation and recreation.
A well-developed tourism infrastructure is considered an important component of France's great attractiveness. Any department or region of this country will offer guests not only a lot of interesting places, but will also easily satisfy the tastes of the most capricious travelers with high-quality service, convenient transport links, and exquisite hotels and restaurants.
Sights of France - PHOTO
The Louvre is the most popular museum in the world. It is located in the center. The museum building is an old royal palace. The Louvre was opened on August 10, 1793. Since then, he has managed to collect a magnificent collection of exhibits reflecting the culture of ancient (Greece, Rome, Egypt) and modern (Islamic, European) civilizations.
Nearest hotels: Louvre Museum
The Papal Palace in Avignon is a unique architectural monument. Built in the 14th century, it served for a long time as a residence for popes who fled to calm France from unsafe Rome. The Papal Palace stands on a hill located on the northern outskirts of the city. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the National Museum has been operating there.
Hotels: Avignon city
Formed about eight thousand years ago, the Pyla dune is the largest sand formation in Europe. Every year it moves five meters deep into French soil, sweeping away centuries-old coniferous forests under the weight of snow-white sands. From the height of the dune, amazing views open up, attracting a lot of local and foreign tourists.
Nearest hotels: Arcachon
Galeries Lafayette is located on Boulevard Haussmann, in the center of the shopping district of Paris. The seven-story department store, built in Art Nouveau style, was opened at the end of the 19th century. Today, Galeries Lafayette consists of three buildings: the Main (it sells mainly women's and children's goods), the Men's and the Home Store. The central building "Lafayette Coupole" has nine levels (seven regular, zero and minus the first floor).
Nearest hotels: Galeries Lafayette
Founded in the first half of the 16th century, Chambord Castle is part of the system of the longest and most beautiful French river. There is a version that the magnificent architectural palace in the Renaissance style was created according to the design of Leonardo da Vinci himself. Chateau de Chambord consists of 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces.
Nearest hotels:
The Verdon Gorge is the deepest in Europe. With a length of nineteen kilometers, its depth is seven hundred meters. The Verdon Gorge is located in Provence, near the town of Castellane. The river of the same name flowing through it is fed by waters from the surrounding mountains. The edges of the gorge are formed by majestic rocks covered with green vegetation.
Nearest hotels:
The fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel is located on the northwestern coast of France. The abbey located on it appeared thanks to Archangel Michael, who appeared in 708 to Bishop Saint Aubert and ordered the construction of a church on this site. Occupying an area of 55 thousand square meters, the architectural structure has the appearance of a classic medieval French fortified monastery.
Nearest hotels: Mont Saint Michel
The palace and park ensemble of Versailles has long been the favorite residence of French kings. The majestic architecture of the palace, made in the style of classicism, is a symbol of the era of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King”. The park around the palace was created by the famous landscape designer Andre Le Nôtre.
Nearest hotels: Palace of Versailles
Built for the 1889 World Exhibition, the three-hundred-meter tower by engineer Gustave Eiffel did not immediately take root in Paris. The local intelligentsia was outraged by the ugly design for a long time. It was assumed that after the exhibition the tower would be dismantled, but it began to enjoy such love from tourists that no one raised their hand to deprive Paris of its new symbol.
Nearest hotels: Eiffel Tower
Located in Haute-Savoie, Lake Annecy is the country's second largest lake. It was formed about eighteen thousand years ago. The area of the lake is 27.59 square kilometers, the greatest depth is 82 meters. Annecy is surrounded to the east and west by the De Born and Bauges mountain ranges. On the northern shore of the lake is the city of Annecy.
Hotels: Lake Annecy
Standing in the center of Paris, on the Seine River, the Ile de la Cité is the oldest district of the French capital. It is divided into two parts by the Boulevard du Palais and is connected to the neighboring Ile Saint-Louis and the main part of the city by nine bridges. In the east is the Cité, in the west is the Palace of Justice.
Nearest hotels: Cité metro station
Chenonceau Castle was built in the 15th century on the Cher River. The palace-like structure received its second name “Ladies' Castle” thanks to its beautiful owners - Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici, Louise Dupin. Today the castle is privately owned, but is open to tourist visits. It houses the Wax Museum and contains great works of painting.
Hotels:
Since the 12th century, the forest in the vicinity of Fontainebleau belonged to the French crown. Under Francis I, a magnificent palace in the Renaissance style was erected here. Over time, a city of the same name was formed around the royal residence. There are three beautiful gardens around the Fontainebleau Palace - the English Garden, the Grand Parterre and the Garden of Diana.
Nearest hotels:
The bridge over the Gardon River (the ancient name is Gar) is the highest Roman aqueduct that has survived to this day. Its length is 275, height – 47 meters. The Pont du Gard aqueduct was built in the middle of the 1st century. AD Consisting of three tiers and a large number of arches, increasing vertically, it was part of a fifty-kilometer water pipeline connecting Uzès with Nimes.
Nearest hotels:
Disneyland Paris opened on April 12, 1992. The children's entertainment complex consists of five theme parks located around the Sleeping Beauty Castle: pirate Adventureland, Frontierland, made in the spirit of the Wild West, Julierne's Land of Discovery, fairytale Land of Fantasy and the adult part of Disneyland - Disney Village.
Nearest hotels: Disneyland Paris
Situated in a limestone hill on the left bank of the Vézère River, the Lascaux Cave is the oldest historical monument in France. The rock paintings covering its walls date back to the late Paleolithic era: it was made 18-15 thousand years BC. The small size of the cave (250 meters in length) is compensated by unique drawings and ancient objects found on its territory.
Hotels: Lascaux
One of the most famous cemeteries in the world is located in the east of Paris. Buried on an area of 48 hectares are: philosopher Auguste Comte, writers - Honore de Balzac, Marcel Proust, Oscar Wilde, poets - Guillaume Apollinaire, Paul Eluard, singer Edith Piaf, actresses - Sarah Bernhardt, Annie Girardot, ballerina - Isadora Duncan.
Nearest hotels: Pere Lachaise metro station
18. Reims Cathedral
Built in the 13th century, Reims Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic “lanceolate” style architecture. Its towers reach a height of 80 meters, its lancet windows and portals are decorated with openwork finials made of stone. On the central portal there is a traditional Gothic rose - a large round window in the shape of a flower.
Hotels: city of Paris
The Carcassonne fortress has a history of two and a half thousand years. Initially it was a primitive site, then a Gallo-Roman city, then a fortress of the ancient Germanic Visigoth tribe. The fortress standing on the right bank of the Aude River served as the basis for the formation of the French city of Carcassonne.
Hotels: Carcassonne
