More Great Places to Visit in France - Part 2 (Partie deux)

Chateaux in Bordeaux,
courtesy of Elliott Brown / Flickr

Chateaux of the Loire

is a Renaissance period château built on the banks of the Loire River that was the final of the great Renaissance châteaux . Although the estate is recognized for the balance of its masterful design, it is particularly famous for its gardens that extend outward through three terraces and merge beauty, assortment, and harmony

Be sure to see the other Chataux Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Blois, and Azay-le-Rideau.

Chateaux in Bordeaux, courtesy of
Paulo Bertinetto/ Flickr

Les Gorges du Verdon

is a deep, miniature (Grand Canyon-esque), wild and stunning crystal clear blue-green river that flows swiftly along the banks and limestone mountains. Starting from Castellane to the village of Rougons, the river drops about 800 meters into the narrow rock walls, and there's no escape until it flows out into Lac de Ste Croix in the west.

It is also a desirable location for spectacular views, rock climbing, rafters, and canoeists.

Amiens-Cathedral,
courtesy of Creative Commons

Amiens Cathedral

Amiens Cathedral situated in the center of Picardy, a region in northern France, was built in the 13th century is considered the largest original Gothic churches . It is distinguished by its comprehensive design, its three-level interior height and the especially its fine display of sculptures on the main facade and in the southern transverse section.

Since 1981, it was labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.

Ardeche River,
courtesy of Creative Commons

Gorges de l'Ardèche

An excellent 35km (21m) river to spend a day or two in a canoe or kayak, paddle & drift along, stop, enjoy the scenery, see the small towns, rest for a picnic close to the famous Pont-d'Arc.

Carcasonne southwest France,
courtesy of Bramhall / Flickr

Carcasonne

Carcasonne is a walled mystical Medieval city in the Languedoc area of southwest France. However once you enter the walled castle, you'll find the old cobblestone street and ancient buildings along with souvenir shops, cafes, and touristy items displacing the allure of the middle ages you had prior to entering.

It is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fairy tale castle appearance is quickly becoming a rival in terms of most-visited places in France, rivaling even the great Mont Saint-Michel.

Millau Viaduct,
courtesy of Creative Commons

Millau Viaduct Bridge

The Millau Viaduct located in southern France is a cable-built bridge that goes across the valley of the river Tarn. Michel Virlogeux, a French structural engineer, and Norman Foster, a British architect designed the bridge. Towering 343 meters higher than the base of the structure, it is the tallest bridge worldwide.

Additionally, it is the 12th highest bridge internationally, because it has a 270 meters difference from the valley up to the bridge's roadway for vehicles.

Saint Cecil Cathedral,
courtesy of yhancik / Flickr

Saint Cecil Cathedral, Albi

The most important religious building in Albi and is claimed to be the largest brick building in the world. Its bell tower (78m) is very prominent throughout the city and the surrounding region similar to an eagle protecting its territory. It is truly another masterpiece of the Southern Gothic design.

Construction began in the 13th century and took two hundred years to complete. The Saint-Cécile Cathedral is an example of the strength and ability of the Roman Catholic church.

Colmar, courtesy of geoterranaute / Flickr

Colmar

A beautiful underrated medieval city, also known as "little Venice" due to its charming canals, which provide small, putt-putting boats to fascinated visitors. enjoy the Alsatian wine, the spectacular views from Gazon du Faing just off Route de Cretes.

You can even get a good view of "The Statue of Freedom" (the U.S. Statue of Liberty) in the northerly entrance, or even the Tour de France which passes near Colmar.

Other places worthwhile seeing are Gordes and Medieval Provençal villages, Chartres Cathedral, Eure-et-Loir, Rhône-Alpes features Roman-era amphitheater, The Basilique de Fourvière from Saone, Kayersberg and Colmar, Alsace, Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral.

   » Back to Part 1

Well, there you have it. The aforementioned places should keep you busy during a vacation in France or a country you can call home if you enjoy it tend to enjoy it very much.




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