by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:10th May 2019
So many of our favourites to choose from
Wherever we travel around the world, Gary and I always look out for UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the local region.
As you know, some are more obvious than others and often draw sizeable crowds. However, there may be some of these little gems that have not already popped up on your radar.
So, if you’re travelling north, south, east or west through France, keep an eye out for one or two of these magnificent places.
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The Twelve
We'll be discovering the following;
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Arles was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1981. It has some wonderful ancient monuments amongst its streets, the one we loved was the impressive amphitheatre which was built in 90 AD.
Sitting high above the town the Roman amphitheatre would once have seated 20,000 people amongst it is 120 arches and galleries. You can even catch a play here during the summer.
The Roman amphitheatre in Arles
Arles is in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the south of France, you may also recognise it from some paintings by Vincent van Gogh.
The Pont du Gard is an unbelievably impressive feat of Roman engineering. It spans the Gard river and was built across three levels to feed into the nearby city of Nîmes, in the southern region of Occitanie.
From the river's edge, a fine view of the Pont du Gard
The bridge stands at an incredible 50 metres high and at its longest point across the river is 275 metres. Take a stroll across it, to really appreciate the incredible view from the other side of the Gard river. The Pont du Gard was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
If you love Provence
One of the towns we love to stay at in Provence is Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It’s fantastic to use as a base to explore the region. You definitely won’t mind returning each evening to discover another restaurant.
Our little secret, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
by Janis on 02 Oct 18
Mont-Saint-Michel along the Normandy coastline must be one of Frances’s most iconic sights. Standing on an island just off the shoreline, the Gothic-style Benedictine Abbey is incredibly eye-catching. It was built between the 11th and 16th centuries and around the feet of the abbey is a little village which is home to around 50 residents.
The view of Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont-Saint-Michel was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979 and over the years has become extremely popular with visitors. It’s wise to arrive as early as possible and make the most of the park and ride facilities.
Why not?
Start creating your own French adventure and discover the enchanting French countryside for yourself. Search for your flights in one easy place with ebookers.com. Over 400 airlines are scanned for your favoured routes and chosen dates.
Or alternatively, catch a Brittany Ferry and tour through France under your own steam.
Lyon, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, has numerous locations within the city that come under the UNESCO World Heritage site umbrella. They include the Roman district and Fourvière, the Renaissance district in Vieux Lyon, and the silk district of Croix-Rousse, which are all located across the two hills of the city.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon
It’s definitely worthwhile spending a few days in Lyon as this incredible city is known as “the belly of France” and has some amazing gastronomic treats. I say treats, I don’t think I’ll be trying the tripe again, but hey, never say never.
I love nothing more than planning a trip through France and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our French road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
To be more specific this UNESCO World Heritage site is made up of three components: the Champagne Hillsides, the Houses and Cellars. Gary and I enjoyed a fantastic week-long road trip around this region, touring across the vineyards and staying at Troyes, Reims and Châlons-en-Champagne.
Vineyards just outside Hautvillers
The historic vineyards included in the UNESCO list are around Hautvillers, Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Take a wander along the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay to get a taste of the incredible Champagne Houses, and why not visit one of their underground cellars?
Maison de Venoge of the Rue de Champagne, Epernay
Champagne is a relatively recent recruit to the list and was only added in 2015.
Our Lady in Amiens in the Picardy region is a stunning 13th-century Gothic cathedral and is the largest in France. Its vaulted nave is incredible and stands 138.8 feet (42.3 metres) high. The cathedral was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1981.
Inside the Cathedral in Amiens
The Weeping Angel
Keep an eye out for the sculpture of the Weeping Angel near the back of the church, it was created in 1636 by Nicolas Blasset. You can see that the little angel with its outstretched wings, is leaning on the top of a skull.
In our opinion
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I really couldn’t compile this list and not include Paris, and is there a better place than the banks of the River Seine? I don’t think so, it’s truly beautiful. This part of Paris was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991.
A boat trip on the Seine
I could stroll along the Seine all day, enjoying the most incredible views and architecture. From the Ile St Louis to the Eiffel Tower, and the Place de la Concorde to the Grand and Petit Palais. What makes it even more special are all the little stalls lined along the river banks, selling books, souvenirs and pieces of art.
Nancy in the Lorraine region of France is a lovely city, and notably the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Place Stanislas, it is beautiful. What I loved about it was the perfection and elegance of the buildings, all symmetrically surrounding the pedestrianised square.
Place Stanislas, Nancy
It was built between 1752 and 1756, and beyond the attractive facades are the City Hall, Opera House, and a fine arts museum. Also inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1983 is the Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance. Just off to the north of Place Stanislas is Nancy’s own Arc de Triomphe, Arc Héré, which was named after the architect who led the design of the squares. The archway leads onto Place de la Carrière.
Arc Héré, Nancy
Crit'Air vignette required for driving in France
If you’re heading to France from the UK with your own vehicle, you’ll need a Crit’Air ‘clean air’ car sticker.
Just like our low-emission zones in the UK, France now legally requires the display of a Crit’Air vignette. The good news is, these stickers are readily available and affordable online through the official French government website.
The Crit’Air sticker lasts the lifetime of the vehicle, so it’s a one-off purchase. The RAC website offers an in-depth guide to everything you need to know and your requirements.
The Cathedral at night
It was built during the 13th century in French Gothic style and was used for the crowning of several kings.
If you are able to visit during the summer months, the cathedral holds an evening sound and light display across the façade and depicts the rich history of Reims; it’s impressive to watch.
Avignon is a remarkable place, we headed to the south of France in 2008 and immediately Avignon was at the top of my list, to me, it just shouts Provence. It doesn’t surprise me that the whole historic centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site
Pont d’Avignon
I could never tire at admiring the incredible view of Pont d’Avignon and the historical city beyond, it’s such an iconic view. I feel like a return visit is in order.
Strasbourg is in the Grand Est region of France and about a stone’s throw from the German border. So, you can imagine that the beautiful town also has a strong German influence, particularly in its architecture and food.
Petite France
The Grande-Île (Large Island) area is full of so much character, cobbled streets, and half-timbered buildings and is incredibly picturesque. You can truly understand why UNESCO World Heritage added this city to their list in 1988.
Strasbourg - Capitale de Noël
Strasbourg is a lovely place to visit all year around, however, if you get the opportunity to visit Strasbourg at Christmas then you’re in for a treat.
The fortified city of Carcassonne is in the Occitanie region and can be seen for miles around. It is an incredible sight; there has been a fortification on this hill since the pre-Roman period. Around its 3km of surrounding medieval walls are 52 towers, you must take a wander inside it’s like entering into another world, wandering through the cobbled streets.
The fortified city of Carcassonne
The Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997 and must see if you are in the southern region of France.
Have you seen?
Our post on 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit in Germany, you may want to add some of these to your road trip.
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