UNESCO World Heritage Sites around France

Amiens Cathedral was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1981
Amiens Cathedral in the heart of Picardie, is one of the largest classic styled Gothic churches of the 13th century. It is notable for the coherence of its plan, the beauty of its three-tier interior elevation and the particularly fine display of sculptures on the principal facade and in the south transept.

Belfries of France was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1999 - 2005
Built between the 11th and 17th centuries, the twenty-three belfries in the north of France display Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture.  A belfry originally was erected as a sign of communal independence obtained by charter, and as the very symbol of freedom. Compared to a keep [symbol of the lord] and to the bell-tower [symbol of the Church], the belfry, the third tower in the overall picture, symbolizes the power of the aldermen. Belfries over the centuries, came to represent the influence and wealth of the towns. 

Bourges Cathedral was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1992
The Cathedral of St Etienne of Bourges [Centre Region], was built between the late 12th and late 13th centuries, and is one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art, and admired for the architectural unity of its design. The sculptures, stained-glass windows and tympanum are quite outstanding, and represented the power of Christianity in medieval France

Canal du Midi was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1996
The 325 mile network of navigable waterways in the Midi-Pyrenees Region, links the Mediterranean and the Atlantic through 328  locks, aqueducts, bridges, tunnels, etc.,  is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times. Built between 1667 and 1694, it paved the way for the Industrial Revolution. Pierre-Paul Riquet [its creator] took in the design and the way it blends with its surroundings turned this amazing technical achievement into a work of art.  UNESCO endorsed the dedication of this property clearly is an exceptional example of a designed landscape.

Corsican areas dedicated as a World Heritage site in 1983 include:
Cape Girolata and Cape Porto, Scandola Nature Reserve and Piana Calanches. The nature reserve is part of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, occupying the Scandola peninsula, an impressive, porphyritic rock mass consisting of feldspar crystals. The vegetation is scrubland. Seagulls, sea eagles and cormorants can be found there. The clear blue waters, their islets and caves, and abundant marine life.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame [Reims] was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1991
It is located in the Region of Champagne.  It was the former Abbey of Saint-Remi and Palace of Tau.  Due to outstanding architectural techniques in the 13th century, the blending of sculptural decoration with architecture, has made Notre-Dame in Reims one of the masterpieces of Gothic art, and from the former abbey, still has its beautiful 9th-century nave. The remains of Archbishop St Rémi (440–533) lie there, and it was he who instituted the Holy Anointing of the kings of France. Formerly known as the Tau Palace, was almost entirely rebuilt in the 17th century.

Chartres Cathedral was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1979
Chartres Cathedral is located in the Département of Eure-et-Loire, in the Region of Centre. A masterpiece of architecture, it was started in 1145, and then reconstructed over a 26-year period after the fire of 1194.  Chartres Cathedral is the high point of French Gothic art.  The enormous nave, is pure ogival style [diagonal vaulting ribs], with sculptures from the middle of the 12th century decorating the porches.  One of the most outstanding features are the magnificent 12th and 13th century stained-glass windows, surviving the war, are all in remarkable condition, making it a masterpiece.

Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe - dedicated a World Heritage site in 1983
Located in the Département of Vienne, in the Region of Poitou-Charentes, the Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe known as the Romanesque Sistine Chapel, this Abbey-Church of Saint-Savin contains many beautiful 11th and 12th-century murals which are still in extraordinary good condition.

Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1981
One of the more noted sites, this stark Burgundy monastery was founded by St Bernard in 1119.  The church, its cloister, refectory, sleeping quarters, bakery and ironworks, is an excellent example of the ideal of self-sufficiency practiced by these early Cistercian monk communities.

Grottoes of the Vézère Valley was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1979
The painted caves in the Region of Aquitaine, contain the magnificent drawings in larger than life-size figures, in bold beautiful colors, that have been preserved for over 15,000 years.  They were discovered shortly after WWII, and since have been sealed off again to negate the deterioration of the paintings.  The grottoes are located in the Departement of Dordogne, in the Communities of Les Eyzies de Tayac, Tursac, Montignac-sur-Vézère, Saint-Leon-sur-Vézère, Marquay, Manaurie-Rouffignac and Saint-Cirq-du Bugue. 

Historic Centre of Avignon was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1995
The Walled city of Avignon [in Provence] was built In the 14th century, and is located in the South of France.  For nine centuries, it was the seat of the papacy. The austere facia of the Palais des Papes fortress, was lavishly decorated and dominates the city its ramparts and the remains of a 12th-century bridge over the Rhone. Along with the truly outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the Petit Palais and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms is an exceptional grouping of monuments that testify to the power Avignon played in 14th-century Christian Europe.
Click for more information regarding Avignon.

The Fortified City of Carcassonne was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1997
Another mammoth walled city [fortification] located in the Region of Languedoc-Roussillon [in the Departement of Aude].  Since pre-Roman period, there has always been a fortified settlement on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. It is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defenses [constructed on] the encircling walls of  the castle,  the surrounding buildings, streets and exceptional Gothic cathedral. Click for more information regarding Carcassonne.

Historic Site of Lyons was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1998
Lyons was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. as the capital of the Three Gauls, and has continued to play a major role in Europe's political, cultural and economic development, through the evolution of architectural design and planning over several centuries, is vividly illustrated by its planning and many fine historic buildings from all periods. For more information regarding Lyons, click here.

Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1999
Wine making was introduced by the Romans, in this magnificent fertile Region of Aquitaine, and has only escalated since the Middle Ages. Saint-Emilion benefited from its location [in the middle of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela] and many churches, monasteries and hospices were built from the 11th century on. It was granted the special status of a 'jurisdiction' during the period of English rule in the 12th century, and an historic vineyard landscape that has survived fully intact with activity to present.

Le Havre, the City was dedicated a World Heritage site in 2005
Located in the Region of Normandy, Le Havre was rebuilt by the planning group lead by Auguste Perret from 1945 until 1964.  Le Havre was brutally bombed during WWII, and and in Perret's plan he incorporated what heritage was left standing, and marrying it with the new. Le Havre is an outstanding post-war example of urban planning and architecture based on the unity of methodology, prefabrication, systematically utilized a modular grid, and other contemporary planning materials.  For more information on Le Havre, click here.

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1979
Mont Saint Michel is a must see by everyone, young and old that visits France. This Abbey is perched on a rocky island in the middle of sandbars, that has a powerful and dangerous surging tide.  Mont Saint Michel is located between Normandy and Brittany, is one of the most beautiful Gothic-style Benedictine abbeys.  It was dedicated to the archangel St Michael, and the quaint and lovely petit village that grew up in the shadow of its great walls. Mont Saint Michel was built between the 11th and 16th centuries, the abbey is a technical and artistic wonder, having had all the challenges during construction posed by unique natural elements. This is a must visit when in France, and a climb to the summit of the Abbey if you are in good physical shape. The view is excellent!  For more information on Mont Saint Michel, click here.

Palace of Fontainebleau & Park was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1981
The Royal Palace of Fontainebleau, was used by the kings of France since the 12th century. The medieval royal hunting lodge of Fontainebleau, standing at the heart of a vast forest in the Ile-de-France, was transformed, enlarged and embellished in the 16th century by François I. Surrounded by a vast forest park, the Italianate palace combines Renaissance and French artistic architectural styles. For more information on Fontainebleau, click here.

Palace of Versailles & Park was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1979
Located in the Departement of Yveline, in the Region of Ile-de-France, the Palace of Versailles was the principal residence of the French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Embellished by several generations of architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects, it provided Europe with a model of the ideal royal residence for over a century.  For more information on the Palace of Versailles, click here.

Paris, Banks of the Seine was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1991
Paris is located in the Region of Ile-de-France, and this particular dedicated area runs from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, from the Place de la Concorde to the Grand and Petit Palais.  The evolution of Paris and its history can be seen from the River Seine. Two Gothic architectural masterpieces, are the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Sainte Chapelle.  Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann's plan for Paris was wide squares [Plazas] such as Place Vendome and Place de Vosges and wide boulevards such as the Champs Elysees, influenced late 19th and 20th-century town planning around the world.

Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance in Nancy were dedicated a World Heritage site in1983
Located in the Departement of Meurthe-et-Moselle, in the Region of Lorraine, Nancy, was the temporary residence of a king without a kingdom, his name was Stanislas Leszczynski.  He later become the Duke of Lorraine – Nancy is ironically, the oldest and most typical example of a modern capital where an enlightened monarch proved to be sensitive to the needs of the public.  Place Stanislas was built between 1752 and 1756 by a brilliant team led by the architect Héré, which was a carefully conceived project that succeeded in creating a capital that not only enhanced the sovereign's prestige but was also functional. Place Stanislas is quite beautiful, and not to be missed.

Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1985
Vers-Pont-du-Gard, is located in the Departement of Gard, in the Region of Languedoc-Roussillon.  The Roman Pont du Gard is one of the most magnificent aqueducts in existence, and was built shortly before the Christian era to allow the aqueduct of Nîmes [ approximately 50 km long) to cross the Gard river. The Roman architects and hydraulic engineers who designed this bridge, which stands almost 50 m high and is on three levels – the longest measuring 275 meters, created a technical as well as an artistic masterpiece.

Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs was dedicated a World Heritage site in 2001
Located in Departement of Seine-et-Marne, in the Region of Ile-de-France, Provins is a fortified medieval town that is situated in the former territory of the powerful Counts of Champagne. It bears witness to early developments in the organization of international trading fairs and the wool industry. The urban structure of Provins, which was built specifically to host the fairs and related activities, has been well preserved.

Pyrénées - Mont Perdu was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1997, 1999
On the French side, the dedicated area is located in the Midi-Pyrénées Region, in the Departement of Hautes-Pyrénées [this area extends into Spain].  This outstanding mountain range spans the contemporary national borders of France and Spain, and is centered around the peak of Mount Perdu. A calcareous massif that rises to 3,352 m. The site has a total area of 30,639 acres, and includes two of Europe's largest and deepest canyons on the Spanish side and three major deep steep-walled mountain basins, on the more abrupt northern slopes with France, they are classic presentations of these geological landforms.

Roman & Romanesque Monuments of Arles was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1981
Arles is located in the Departement of Bouches-du-Rhône, in the Region of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur.  Arles illustrates the evolution from that of an ancient city to a medieval European civilization. With some most impressive Roman monuments, which includes the arena, the Roman theatre and the cryptoporticus [subterranean galleries].  These monuments date back to the 1st century B.C. During the 4th century Arles experienced a second golden age, by evidence of the baths of Constantine and the necropolis of Alyscamps.  The 11th and 12th centuries, bears Arles once again as one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. Saint-Trophime, within the city walls, with its cloister, is one of Provence's major Roman monuments.

Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1981
The Roman Theatre is located in the Département of Vacluse, in the Region of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, and is situated in the Rhone valley, the ancient theatre of Orange, with its over 100 meter long facade, is one of the best preserved of all the great Roman theatres. Built between A.D. 10 and 25, the Roman arch is one of the most beautiful and interesting surviving examples of a provincial triumphal arch from the reign of Augustus. It commemorates the establishment of the Pax Romana, and is decorated with low relief's.

Routes of Santiago de Compostela [in France] was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1998
Santiago de Compostela in France running through several Regions in France, was an ultimate goal for thousands of religious pilgrims who converged there from all over Europe throughout the Middle Ages. To reach Spain, these pilgrims had to pass through France, and a group of significant historical monuments included in this writing, marks the four routes by which they traveled.

Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans was dedicated a World Heritage site in1982
The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, near Besançon, is located in Departement of Doubs, in the Region of Franche-Comté.  It was built by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux. Started in 1775 [during the reign of Louis XVI], it was the first major achievement of industrial architecture, reflecting the ideal of progress of the Enlightenment. This huge semicircular complex was designed for a hierarchical organization of work,  to be followed by the building of an ideal city, a project that was never realized. Similar to that of Walt Disney's Lake Buena Vista futuristic city of tomorrow.

Strasbourg – Grande Ile was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1988
Strasbourg's Grande Ile [the big island] is surrounded by two arms of the River Ill, and is the historic centre of the Alsatian capital. It has an outstanding complex of monuments within a fairly small area. The cathedral, the four ancient churches and the Palais Rohan, the former residence of the prince bishops, form a district that is characteristic of a medieval town and illustrates Strasbourg's evolution from the 15th to the 18th century.  This is a must visit, the people, the charm and the center of the European Council and the European Parliament.  A taste of French and German, in all aspects of life.  Located in the Region of Alsace, and the Department of Haut-Rhin.

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes was dedicated a World Heritage site in 2000
The Loire Valley consists of two Regions, Pays de la Loire and Centre [central Loire] with pastoral and beautiful landscapes, the forests, the great architectural monument châteaux, including historic towns and villages, and cultivated lands formed by many centuries and the river Loire itself, and her tributaries. This is France's 'Valley of the Kings'.  Chateau Chambord previously held this honor and is now included within the 'Loire Valley Region as noted above.

Vézelay, Church and Hill was dedicated a World Heritage site in 1979
The Benedictine abbey of Vezelay, is located in the Departement of Yonne, in the Region of Burgundy.  It was founded in the 9th century, and the Benedictine abbey of Vézelay acquired the relics of St Mary Magdalene, and thus has been an important place of pilgrimage. St Bernard headed the Second Crusade there in 1146; Richard the Lion Hearted and Philip II Augustus met there to lead the Third Crusade in 1190. The Madeleine of Vézelay is a 12th century monastic church, with sculpted capitals and portal, and a masterpiece of Burgundy Roman architecture.