France - amazing country. The centuries-old history, full of events, has left many architectural, historical, cultural sights to her memory. In addition, France is rich in picturesque natural places. Its diverse landscapes are literally breathtaking. The World Organization of UNESCO did not leave this country without its attention. After all, this country has added to the list world heritage countless objects.
Versailles is palace and park ensemble, residence of the French kings. This magnificent palace, which matches the bright baroque era of the Sun King, is considered the most beautiful palace throughout Europe. Its richly decorated halls are truly impressive. It is also pleasant to stroll through the neatly trimmed, well-groomed regular park around the palace. Because of this, the place has become one of the most visited in all of France.
In the north-west of France, between the provinces of Normandy and Brittany, the granite island of Mont Saint-Michel is located. On it rises with a huge spire the Romano-Gothic monastery of the abbey of the Benedictines. The most grandiose tides in all of Europe are observed here. Water once a lunar day can retreat several kilometers back. And then, returning, blocks the dam, which is the only road to the island.
Let's go back to the distant past, to primitive times. Then there was no such state as France, but, nevertheless, people already lived on its territory. In the province of Languedoc, archaeologists have found amazing Lascaux caves. They found in them a large number of rock drawings. They were even called the Sistine Chapel of the primitive period. Painting and engraving appeared here around 18-15 centuries BC. Just imagine!
On the island of Corsica, which is a French territory, is national park- calanque bays. These are rocky formations, predominantly composed of granite. Over time and under the influence of the wind, they acquired bizarre shapes. Getting to the place is extremely difficult. Only possible by water or through mountain range. But those who had the patience and got to the coast will definitely not regret it. Local landscapes are not in vain included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
France has preserved amazing monuments from the time of Roman domination. These are mostly ancient amphitheatres. There are such in the city of Arles, Orange, Lyon.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France:
1. Roads to Santiago de Compostela
Historic buildings and monuments along the four roads leading pilgrims to Spain.
2. Mont Saint-Michel
On the island there is a Benedictine abbey (XI-XVI centuries) in the Gothic style and a village.
3. Saint-Emilion
Wine region with a long history. Many churches and monasteries.
4. Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartan
Monastery since 811. Frescoes (XI-XII centuries) with scenes from the Pentateuch have been perfectly preserved.
5. Paintings in the caves of the Weser Valley
25 ancient caves rock art. Several hundred drawings of animals.
6. Canal du Midi
328 hydraulic structures between mediterranean sea and the Atlantic (1667-1694).
7. Historic fortified city of Carcassonne
Typical medieval city with an impressive defensive system around the castle and dwellings.
8. Chartres Cathedral
It was built from 1145. An example of French Gothic. Sculptures of the middle of the XII century, stained-glass windows of the XII-XIII centuries.
9. Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonne
Landscapes of exceptional cultural significance: historical cities, villages, castles.
10. Cathedral in Bourges
A masterpiece of Gothic art of the XII-XIII centuries. Images of the Last Judgment and scenes from the life of St. Etienne.
11. Palace and park in Versailles
Founded in 1624. Over time, the ensemble became a model of the royal residence.
12. Paris - the banks of the Seine
Meeting architectural masterpieces, among which Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Tuileries, Les Invalides.
13. Amiens Cathedral
The largest cathedral in the country. The three-aisled basilica was built in 1220 on the site of a Romanesque church.
14. Palace and park at Fontainebleau
In 1137 a modest hunting castle was built. Later it grew and became the residence of kings.
15. Provins, medieval city of fairs
In the XII-XIII centuries. fairs were held here, which attracted merchants from all over Europe.
16. Notre Dame Cathedral, Saint Remy Abbey and Tho Palace in Reims
Gothic cathedral of the 13th century. In the abbey of Saint-Remy they kept a vessel for the chrismation of the kings of France.
17. Church in Vezelay
The church in Vézelay allegedly contains the remains of Mary Magdalene. Place of pilgrimage.
18. Fontaine Abbey
It was founded in 1118 by the Cistercians, and in the XV century. received the status of a royal abbey.
19. Lyon
Founded by the Romans in the 1st century. BC e. Numerous monuments belonging to different eras.
20. Gar bridge
This is part of the aqueduct built by the Romans in 19 BC. e. Connects the banks of the Gardon River.
21. Ancient Roman monuments of Arles
The oldest monuments date back to the 1st century. BC e. amphitheater, underground passages, Baths of Constantine.
22. Historic center of Avignon
In the XIV century. the city was papal residence. Fortifications, papal palace, Notre-Dame-de-Dome Cathedral.
23. Ancient theater and triumphal arch in Orange
The large amphitheater (facade length 103 m) is excellently preserved. Arch with bas-reliefs (10-25 years).
24. Arc-et-Senan: royal salt mines
The village of Arc-e-Senan was built near the salt mines in the 18th century. Director's house and factory buildings.
25. Place Stanislas I, Quarry and Alliance in Nancy
The architectural ensemble of squares (1752-56) is an example of French baroque.
26. Strasbourg. grand isle
Grand-Ile Island is the historical center of the Alsatian capital. Cathedral, four churches, Roan Palace.
27. Cape Girolata, Cape Porto, Scandola Reserve and Piana Calanches in Corsica
The reserve on the Scandola peninsula covers 30,000 hectares. Seagulls, cormorants, sea eagles.
28. Mount Mante Perdido in the Pyrenees (France/Spain)
"Lost Mountain" - an array with a height of 3.352 m. Nearby are the two most big canyon Europe
29. Bell towers of the cities of Belgium and France
23 bell towers in northern France, a bell tower in the city of Gembloux in Belgium, 30 Belgian city towers. Vivid symbols of emerging civil liberties.
30. Le Havre - the city restored by Auguste Perret
The heritage site includes the administrative, commercial and cultural center of Le Havre. An example of post-war urban planning and architecture.
31. Port of the Moon in Bordeaux
The historic center of the port city in the southwest of France is a unique urban and architectural ensemble Enlightenment
32. Lagoons of New Caledonia
The second largest coral reef in the world is located in the New Caledonia lagoon.
33. Fortifications of Vauban
Thirteen fortresses designed by Vauban.
There are 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France. Most of them are religious buildings. Also on the list were cities with a rich history (old cities in Paris, Strasbourg, the papal town in Avignon, and the episcopal town in Albi) and natural objects(Gulf of Porto, lagoons of New Caledonia, nature of the island of La Reunion).
(In addition to material objects, there is also)
Full list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France:
Fontnay Abbey (l'abbaye de Fontenay)
- the oldest remaining intact today, the Cistercian abbey (built in 1118).
Antique Theater and Arc de Triomphe of Orange (le Théâtre antique et l'Arc de Triomphe d'Orange)
The theater in Orange was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, in the 1st century. BC, veterans of the 2nd legion of Julius Caesar. Today it is one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the world. The huge outer wall with the original elevator remained intact. Triumphal Arch was built later - in the 1st century. AD
The architectural legacy of Le Corbusier
It's 17 architectural structures created in the 20th century. Franco-Swiss master Le Corbusier on three continents (in America, Asia, Europe). Most of them are located in France: the houses of La Roche and Genre in Paris, the Villa Savoie in Poissy, the chapel of Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamps, the monastery of Sainte-Marie de la Tourette in Eve, etc.
residential building in Marseille The Basilica and the Hill of Vezelay
The basilica, built by 1150, was the largest pilgrimage center on the Via St. James of Compostela. It is an example of Romanesque architecture.
Bay and Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel (la Baie et l'abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel)
is a rocky island located in the English Channel in northern France. Famous for the abbey and its buildings towering over the island. Is one of .
Vineyards, houses and cellars of Champagne
Vineyards and places associated with winemaking in the Champagne region.
Le Havre city center built after World War II
The world heritage list includes the city center of Le Havre, restored after the war (1945 - 1964) by the architect Auguste Perret (Auguste Perret). This architectural ensemble is located on an area of 150 hectares and unites more than 12 thousand buildings - residential buildings, commercial, administrative and religious buildings, built according to the principles of the School of Structural Classicism of Modern Architecture of the mid-20th century.
Belfry towers in France and Belgium (les beffrois de France et de Belgique)
And Belgium are inscribed in the world cultural heritage. French towers are located in and. The bell towers are an exceptional example of urban architecture adapted to the political and spiritual requirements of the time. Built in the Middle Ages, they became a symbol of the independence of cities from the feudal regime.
Vineyards in Burgundy
One of the recently added objects to the UNESCO list (since 2015), glorifying the region's wine-making traditions.
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (le Val de Loire entre Sully-sur-Loire et Chalonnes)
The Loire Valley is an exceptionally beautiful landscape of historic cities and villages, great architectural monuments — , - agricultural land and the river itself.
Roads of St. James of Compostelle (les Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle en France)
France is part of the pilgrimage route from the center of Europe to the Spanish city, where the Cathedral of St. James of Compostela is located.
Ancient Roman monuments in Arles (les monuments romains et romans à Arles)
The ensemble consists of 8 objects located within a perimeter of 65 hectares, and includes a Roman amphitheater, an ancient theater, a Roman forum, baths, a fortress wall, a temple, etc.
Episcopal town in Albi (la Cité épiscopale d'Albi)
The architectural ensemble, for the most part, is medieval, made of burnt red bricks.
Porto Bay (Piana Bay, Girolata Bay, Scandola Nature Reserve) in Corsica (le Golfe de Porto: calanche de Piana, golf de Girolata, réserve de Scandola en Corse)
Bay in the Mediterranean Sea in the western part. On the coast there is a nature reserve.
Castle and Gardens of Versailles (Versailles)
Located near Paris in the town of Versailles. It was the residence of the French kings Louis XIV, XV, XVI. The kings and their courtiers lived there permanently from 1682 to 1789.
Fontainebleau Castle
- one of the royal residences near Paris, many French kings lived here from Francis I to Napoleon III. The building is made in the styles of the Renaissance and classicism.
Historic Center of Avignon (Papal Palace, Bishop's Complex, Avignon Bridge) (le Palais des papes, ensemble épiscopal, le Pont d'Avignon)
In the 14th century Popes of the Roman Catholic Church lived in Avignon.
Historic center of Lyon (Lyon)
The old one is located along the Saone River at the foot of the Fourviere hill. This is a rare example of the cities of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance that have remained almost untouched to this day.
Fortress of Carcassonne
This medieval architectural ensemble is located in the city of Carcassonne on the right bank of the Aude River. The history of the fort dates back to the Gallo-Roman period. The fortress became famous for its double wall, almost three kilometers long, with 52 towers. The count's castle and basilica are also located inside.
Lagoons of New Caledonia
The incredible beauty of the lagoons of New Caledonia is located in pacific ocean. Belong to France. Limited by the longest coral reef in the world.
Sites of ancient sites and grottoes with prehistoric drawings in the Vezère Valley (la vallée de la Vézère)
Of interest are prehistoric drawings found in 25 caves of the Weser Valley, 147 Paleolithic sites in a zone of 30 by 40 km and hundreds of thousands of Stone Age artifacts.
Sites of ancient settlements in the Alps (les sites palafittiques préhistoriques autour des Alpes)
We are talking about the remains of prehistoric, dating from the period from 5000 to 500 BC, lake dwellings around the Alps. These are 111 places around lakes, along river banks and in swamps. Only a small number have been excavated, but the finds there suggest life in Neolithic and Bronze Age Europe.
Collegiate Church in Saint-Savin sur Gartempe (l'abbatiale de Saint-Savin sur Gartempe)
Included in the World Heritage List due to well-preserved, unique wall paintings of the 12th-13th centuries. (epoch of Romanesque art).
Gard bridge (le pont du Gard)
Built in the 1st c. AD Considered the tallest aqueduct built by the Romans. Water was carried along it from Uzes to the city of Nimes. The aqueduct was used until the 6th century. The building was then used as a bridge.
Paris, banks of the Seine
UNESCO protected area. On an area of 365 hectares, there are 23 of the 37 Parisian bridges across the Seine, as well as two islands - and Saint-Louis. Many monuments of the French capital are located in this area: , , Concorde Square, …
Cave Chauvet-Pont d'Arc (la grotte ornée du Chauvet-Pont d'Arc)
This is a Paleolithic cave discovered in 1994 in the department of Ardeche. Named after its discoverer. About a thousand drawings and engravings, mostly depicting animals, were found in the cave.
Plateaus of Cos and Cévennes (les Causses et les Cévennes): cultural landscapes of Mediterranean pastoralism
The Greater Kos and Cévennes protected areas are located in the south of the Massif Central between 5 cities - Mand, Ales, Ganz, Lodev and Millau. Importance is given to the history of the development of the region, the organization here from the 11th century. large abbeys and links between agrarians and their biophysical environment.
Pyrenees - Lost Mountain (les Pyrénées - Mont Perdu)
The Pyrenees-Lost Mountain is a vast mountainous area on the border between France and Spain. Natural and cultural landscapes are protected.
Pitons, cirques et remparts de l'île de la Réunion
Natural treasure of the French overseas department in the southwest indian ocean. The protected area makes up almost 40% of the island.
Stanislas Square in Nancy (la place Stanislas, Nancy)
The square was built by the will of the Duke of Lorraine Stanisl Leszczynski in 1755 by the architect Emmanuel Héré. Considered one of the most beautiful squares in France.
Port de la Lune in Bordeaux
Port of the Moon - this is the name of the port in the city because of the characteristic curved shape of the coast on which the port is located. Trade port The city was of great importance in the development of Bordeaux in the 16th-20th centuries.
Provins, city of the medieval fair (Provins)
Proven - former capital County of Champagne. Famous for the medieval fortifications surrounding the city.
Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion (la Jurudiction de Saint-Emilion)
is a wine-producing area 35 km away in the northern part of the Dordogne Valley. It extends over 7846 hectares, the population is 6 thousand inhabitants.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saint-Rémi Abbey and Tau Palace in Reims
Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims was built in the 13th century. Suffered significant damage during the First World War. But the statuary of more than 2300 statues has still been preserved intact.
The Basilica Abbey of Saint-Remy is one of the oldest churches in France, built in the 9th century. It contains the relics of Saint Remy, the baptizer of the first French king Clovis.
The Palace of Tho was the residence of the Archbishop of Reims, and it was also home to the French kings during their coronation. The name of the palace was due to its shape - it was built with the letter T (in Greek Tau).
Cathedral in Amiens
This is the largest French cathedral (200,000 m 3 ). One of the examples of the classic Gothic style. The cathedral has lost almost all original stained-glass windows, but its western facade and portal are still decorated with sculptures of the 13th century.
Cathedral in Bourges
Built between the end of the 12th - the end of the 13th centuries. In architectural terms, it is remarkable for its harmonious proportions and the value of tympanums, sculptures and stained glass windows.
Cathedral in Chartres
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, its sculptures, stained-glass windows and cladding have been preserved for the most part in their original form. The cathedral was built in the 13th century.
Saltworks at Salins-les-Bains (la saline de Salins-les-Bains)
An ensemble of two former saltworks. Salt production in these places has been carried out for 7 thousand years.
Taputapuatea in Polynesia
Taputaputea is a commune on the island of Raiatea in French Polynesia. The UNESCO lists include places where ancient Polynesian cults were practiced.
Fortifications of Vauban (les fortifications de Vauban)
Several cities (Arras, Besancon, Villefranche de Conflans, etc.) with fortifications by the military engineer Vauban.
Strasbourg: Center (Grande-île) and German Quarter Neustadt (la Neustadt)
The old center is inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage as an example of a medieval city.
The German Quarter was built to the north and northeast of the Grande Île, historical center, during the period when the city belonged to Germany (construction went on from the 80s of the 19th century until the start of the First World War).
Mines of Nord-Pas-de-Calais (les mines du Nord-Pas-de-Calais)
This is a territory in the north of France in the departments of Nord and Pas-de-Calais, whose economic, social, ecological and cultural development is closely related to the intensive mining of coal from the end of the 17th century to the end of the 17th century. until the end of the 20th century.
South Canal (le canal du Midi)
Connects to the Mediterranean Sea. It was built in the 17th century. in the reign of Louis 14 and was called by contemporaries the "construction of the century." It is the oldest operating canal in Europe.
a selection of useful services and sites for the traveler.
The UNESCO heritage in France is represented by world-famous sights. Among the architectural monuments, of course, it is worth mentioning the palace and park complex in Versailles. It is located in the suburbs of the French capital and is a real masterpiece. Since the reign of Louis XIV, Versailles has been the residence of monarchs. It was then, in the 17th century, that the complex was revived in a new light. The best architects and gardeners of the country worked on its construction and subsequent reconstructions. No expense was spared for the interior decoration of the palace, and it turned out to be magnificent and magnificent. In addition to its aesthetic value, Versailles has become an important historical site. In particular, a peace treaty was signed here that put an end to the First World War.
Under the protection of UNESCO in France, there are also unique rock paintings in caves along the Weser River. Archaeologists agreed that the approximate age of these images reaches seventeen thousand years. They were protected from water thanks to marble, which allowed the drawings to be quite well preserved. The most famous drawings are located in the Lascaux cave. They depict scenes of hunting and life, as well as animals. They are of the greatest cultural value, since they can be used to determine that primitive artists already then began to use some painting techniques. Imagination prompted them the principles of perspective and shading.
The UNESCO list in France includes many ancient Roman sights. Among them, it is worth noting the ancient monuments in the city of Arles. It was loved by the ancient Roman emperors, which led to the active construction of various buildings and objects on its territory. The remains of the theater, underground galleries and other structures have survived to this day. The French city of Orange also contains the ruins of an ancient Roman theater. It is located on the banks of the Rhone and was built by the Gauls. In addition to the theater, the Arc de Triomphe, also built in the ancient Roman era, stands on its territory.
