Historical sites give you that nostalgic feel and make you wonder about the old days. Europe’s heritage tourism presents you with an overview of historical sites. Situated in France are some of the best historic sites to visit. These cultural attractions allow tourists to experience art and architecture via European Landmarks.
France is a beautiful country with many landmarks and historical sites. It invites visitors to stylish seaside resorts, boulevards, and designer stores among others. Europe as a whole is well known for cultural tourism. France receives millions of visitors every year. Many tourists travel intending to see one of France’s historical sites after another.
Besides experiencing the wine and dine atmosphere in Paris, also known as the City of Love. The City of Love promises wonderful experiences and romantic time. There are so many places to visit in France, that could be overwhelming when juxtaposed with the many things to do. Let’s explore some famous landmarks in Europe, France to be exact.
Top Historical Sites in France
France is the home of famous art masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa. Stowed away in France is the former royal residences such as the Palace of Versailles. Landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower is so recognizable. It is one of the most known historical sites around the world. A visit to different regions of the country guarantees you a unique historic feature. At many historical sites, you will find some similarities relating to structure, history, and experience. Here are some historical places to visit when traveling to France.
Eiffel Tower
You don’t even have to wonder, what is the Eiffel Tower? As it is a cultural icon recognized around the globe. It is a very tall structure located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. Its design is wrought iron and metal to form a lattice style structure. Eiffel Tower is a popular heritage tourism site. Over 6 million visitors flock to Paris every year to see this important landmark. Standing tall in the skyline of Paris, is this 324m (1,063 ft) tall tower. The Eiffel Tower height is about the same as an 81-story building. It is the tallest structure in the tourist destination Paris. As a focal point for cultural tourism, visitors can experience Europe’s architecture by visiting historical sites. Eiffel Tower is one of the must-see attraction sites when visiting the city.
The person who built the Eiffel Tower was Gustave Eiffel. At least the ultimate credit is given to him. The Eiffel tower history dates back to 1889. It offers a stunning view of Paris on the first floor where you also get to learn about its history. The views are better on the second floor. In the evenings, the views of the tower are amazing as Golden Lighting illuminates it. In any event whether day or night it is a picturesque photo opportunity. Either from the ground floor with the tower as a backdrop. Or, you can make your way up between the various levels. From anywhere especially the top floor you can get a surreal panoramic view.
The Eiffel Tower at night is magnificent.
Eiffel tower restaurant(s) are on the first and second levels of the historical site. There are even more things to do when visiting the Eiffel tower. You can find entertainment and experiences at the buffet and macaron bar. At the top of the Eiffel tower, there is a Champaign Bar. To get to the top of the Eiffel tower you will accent from the second floor in a lift made of glass walls. Once you arrive at this high point of the tower you can feel the wind and get a spectacular view of Paris below. On your way up from the ground floor to the top, you can shop for various products and souvenirs.
Here are some interesting Eiffel Tower facts. Where was the name Eiffel Tower derived from? Who designed the Eiffel Tower? “It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel; whose company designed and built the tower.” (Source – Eiffel Tower – Wikipedia). First, the magnificent structure was allegedly temporary. But over 130 years later it is a piece of architecture that defines Paris and France at large. If a visit to Paris is on your travel itinerary, enjoy your visit. But try to also see the Eiffel Tower at night.
Plan Your Visit to Eiffel Tower
- Eiffel Tower Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
- Find Eiffel Tower on Google Maps.
- Find Eiffel Tower tickets.
- Dine at an Eiffel Tower restaurant.
- Indulge in an Eiffel Tower virtual tour.
- Find hotels near Eiffel Tower.
Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum is another of Paris’s central landmarks and historic monuments. You can find it in a castle of great antiquity, the Louvre Palace, in Paris. Long ago many Kings of France used the Louvre Palace as their home. A grand tour of the Louvre Museum will present you with relics and antiquities of all sorts. As the Louvre Museum stores and exhibits many historical-artistic pieces of cultural interest. With more than 30,000 pieces of art and masterpieces, the Louvre Museum brings to the fore ancient pieces. With such a vast collection of artworks, the museum is important to Europe’s culture. Also, it is a valuable asset to France. Among the Louvre artworks are paintings, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. But also, you can view Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.
Although there are many highlights in the museum, La Gioconda is famous and also known as Mona Lisa. It dates back to the 16th century and forms part of Leonardo da Vinci’s artistic works. Some more highlights include – the Victory of Samothrace and the 19th Century Liberty Leading the People. There are also Venus de Milo and Veronese’s Wedding Feast at Cana dating back to the 16th century. When visiting the Louvre Museum, you can get a guided tour. But you can also opt for a self-guided one and view the pieces at your own pace.
See the Pyramid at the Louvre.
In the main courtyard of the Louvre Palace is the Louvre Pyramid. It is a large glass and metal pyramid, surrounded by three smaller pyramids. Visitors enter the Louvre Museum via the large pyramid. The Louvre Pyramid in its original way and right is a standalone landmark of the city of Paris. It is normal for many tourists to assemble in the Courtyard of the Louvre Museum.
Here are a few Louvre Museum facts. The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world. In 2019 it received over 9.6 million visitors. Also, the Louvre is the largest art museum. As for when was the Louvre built? It is over 237 years and established in 1793. This makes the museum an aged structure. Nevertheless, the museum is beautiful and well maintained. It has stamped antique building designs into modern culture.
Plan Your Visit to Louvre Museum
- Louvre Museum Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
- View Louvre Museum on Google Maps.
- Louvre Museum hours of operation.
- Find Louvre Museum tickets.
- See Louvre Museum virtual tour from home.
- Places to stay near the Louvre Museum.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a landmark and one of France’s many places with a history. This historical site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than three decades. The palace is one of the most popular attraction sites in France. You can find it in Île-de-France, Paris. The centuries-old piece of architecture was a symbol of power for King Louis XIV. Today, it is a powerful tourism attraction, fascinating millions of visitors every year. The Palace of Versailles’ history dates back to the sixteenth century.
Within the walls of this structure is the War Room. Covering the walls of the war room are marble panels and decorated with trophies and weapons. Situated within this famous architecture is the King’s and Queen’s Grand Apartments. The Grand Trianon Palaces are also part of this national historic site. Italian architecture influenced the Grand Trianon Palaces design to construct a historic ensemble. The Palace of Versailles is not only a historical monument but also a museum. Thus, there is more to do than marvel at the architectural design. You can view various art collections. Such as Marie-Antoinette and the pendulum designed by a watchmaker named Lepine.
Enjoy a tour of the Palace of Versailles.
A visit to Chateau de Versailles gives more insight into the lifestyle of royals in former times. Its entrance is grand. Adorning its interiors are crystal, gold, and precious gems. An elaborate feature of this historical place is the Galerie des Glaces or Hall of Mirrors. As its name suggests its design feature mirrors. The Palace of Versailles Hall of Mirrors grandeur was a gesture of wealth. It illustrated King Louis XIV’s power and monarchy. In the inside of the wall, are 17 large mirrors comprising of 350 individual mirror pieces. On the opposite side of these mirrors are 17 window openings, being the same size as the mirrors. A view from these window openings you will see the Place Gardens, which you can explore. French gardens are not complete without a fountain. Chateau de Versailles features several water fountains.
Here are some Palace of Versailles facts. An answer to, when was the Palace of Versailles built is complex. Construction started in 1631. But, before many expansions through the years to make it the grand structure it now is, it was a hunting lodge. The actual construction of the palace started in the 17th century. Besides this Louis XIV built the Grand Trianon as a place to indulge in his affair with Madame de Montespan. Also, the Hall of Mirrors was especially grand back then because the glass was a commodity that was expensive and hard to make.
Plan Your Visit to Palace of Versailles
- Palace of Versailles Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, Paris, France
- Find the Palace of Versailles on Google Map.
- Palace of Versailles hours of operation.
- How to get the Palace of Versailles tickets?
- View the Palace of Versailles virtual tour.
- Find hotels near the Palace of Versailles.
House of George Sand
House of George Sand is a literary dynasty memorialized into a museum. It was the home of the novelist George Sand aka Aurore Dupin a female French author. George Sand is Aurore’s pen name. Her writings were in the genre of novels, memoirs, and social pieces. She is a notable author who penned her works during Europe’s romantic error. Her house is now a writer’s house museum because of George Sand’s contribution to literature. Also, because it is a place where Aurore hosted many authors and writers during her time. It bestowed a warm and inviting atmosphere that welcomed many important artists. Such as Franz Liszt, Eugène Delacroix, Pauline Viardot, Gustave Flaubert.
George Sand’s lover for nine years Frédéric Chopin, an iconic composer frequented the house also. Even Frédéric composed some of his accomplishments at the House of George Sand. While in Nohant, France, visiting the House of George Sand should be in the list of places to visit. One thing that is unique about the house is that its décor and furniture dates back to the 1800s. The décor’s survival through the centuries is a testimony to good quality products.
George Sand Novels
Included among the books and famous novels written at the home of George Sand, are Consuelo, La Mare au Diable, and Le Meunier d’Angibault. You can read George Sand’s autobiography if you want. If you are in the Nohant area you can get a guided tour of the House of George Sand. Alternatively, you can do a self-guided tour of the park and gardens. You can also watch a popular puppet exhibition when visiting this historic landmark.
Here are a few House of George Sand facts. It was the childhood home of Aurore Dupin. House of George Sand historical site homes a remarkable 6-hectare garden. It is one of the most notable Gardens of France. The setting for many of George Sand books was in the Berry countryside and villages around Nohant. Two of George Sand quotes are “there is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved” and “vanity is the quicksand of reason.”
Plan Your Visit to House of George Sand
- House of George Sand Address: Nohant, Indre department of France
- Locate House of George Sand on Google Map.
- House of George Sand tours and services.
- House of George Sand hours of operation and pricing.
- View House of George Sand virtual tour.
- Find places to stay near the House of George Sand.
