These Historic French Landmarks Have Stood the Test of Time — and Some Date Back Over a Thousand Years
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With over 100 million tourists visiting the country yearly, France is the most visited country globally, and with good reason. France has everything from historic cities and lush countryside to pristine beaches and charming small towns. However, the country is arguably best known for its famous landmarks, of which there are many.
In fact, with so many impressive landmarks to visit, deciding where to go and what to see in France can be a challenge. Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of 12 famous landmarks in France you need to see at least once in your lifetime. These entries offer beauty, intrigue, and historical significance.
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The Eiffel Tower, Paris
Let’s kick things off with France’s most famous and most-visited landmark. Despite being one of the most well-recognized landmarks worldwide, the Eiffel Tower was only supposed to be temporary. Designed and built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the tower was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years.
However, almost 140 years later, the tower still stands proudly in Central Paris. It’s 1,083 feet (330 meters) tall, making it the tallest building in the city. It features a wrought-iron design and has three viewing platforms, including a top-level observation deck that offers panoramic views of Paris. The tower also comes to life at night with vibrant illuminations and light shows.
Read also: Top Things To Do in Paris
The Louvre Museum, Paris
We could easily list 12 famous landmarks in Paris, but we’ll keep it down to two or three to show you what the rest of France has to offer. Another iconic landmark in Paris is the Louvre Museum, which houses Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Théodore Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa.
However, while the masterpieces tucked away inside the museum are its biggest draw, the museum itself is a fascinating landmark. As you approach the Louvre, you’ll be awestruck by its beautiful glass pyramid. Standing at 71 feet (22 meters) tall, the pyramid serves as the main entrance to the museum, so you can’t miss it.
Read also: Cheapest Places to Visit in France
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
We promise this is the last Paris landmark on our list. Located on the Île de la Cité in Paris’ 4th arrondissement, Notre Dame is a medieval Catholic cathedral built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it’s regarded as one of the finest examples of French Gothic artistry and engineering.
The cathedral boasts a beautiful facade with two twin towers, beautifully carved stone gargoyles, multi-colored stained glass windows, and a 315-foot (96-meter) oak spire crowned by a golden rooster. Unfortunately, Notre Dame was significantly damaged in 2019, but restoration has restored most of the cathedral to its former glory.
Read also: Spectacular Castles in France
Amiens Cathedral, Amiens
Moving away from Paris, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens, or simply Amiens Cathedral, is the largest cathedral in France. It’s so big that you could fit two of Notre Dame inside it. Mainly built between 1220 and 1288, the cathedral is over 800 years old and on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Like Notre Dame Cathedral, Amiens Cathedral is adorned with beautiful sculptures, stunning stained-glass windows, and two intricately designed towers. However, this fabulous French landmark also hides a secret. During renovations, it was discovered that the front of the cathedral was once painted in bright colors. To reveal what the facade once looked like, lights were installed to bring it to life at night. This sight isn’t something you want to miss.
Read also: Instagrammable Spots in France
Pont du Gard, Vers-Pont-du-Gard
The next landmark on our list is Pont du Gard, a spectacular Roman aqueduct in southern France near Vers-Pont-du-Gard. This ancient aqueduct bridge was constructed in the first century AD to transport water over 30 miles (50 kilometers) to Nîmes. Amazingly, most of the bridge, which stands 160 feet (49 meters) tall, was built without mortar.
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Not only is Pont du Gard a remarkable piece of engineering, but it’s also gorgeous. It features a magnificent design with elliptical arches, stands tall above the emerald River Gardon, and is surrounded by lush forest. In other words, it’s a postcard-perfect destination you must visit with your camera.
Read also: Surreal Places in Southern France
Omaha Beach, Normandy
Omaha Beach in Normandy, Northern France, is a beautiful natural location with a long stretch of golden-sand beach, verdant cliffs, and turquoise waters. However, behind the beauty is a tragic past that makes the beach one of the most historic World War II landmarks. On 6 June 1944, Omaha Beach was one of three beach landing areas along the 50-mile (80-kilometer) stretch of the Normandy coast for Allied troops on D-Day.
Almost 2,500 soldiers were killed on the beach, making it a sight of immense loss. Today, the beach is dotted with the remains of German bunkers and a stainless-steel sculpture, Les Braves, dedicated to the Allied troops. Above the beach, you’ll also find the Normandy American Cemetery and the Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach.
Read also: Amazing Beach Destinations in France
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Palace of Versailles, Versailles
Visit the Palace of Versailles to step into your favorite fairy tale. Constructed in the 17th century, it’s a former royal palace commissioned by King Louis XIV. It’s located in Versailles, approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) west of Paris. When you enter the palace, you’ll step into a world where royal history and unparalleled wealth meet exceptional architecture and artistry.
Formerly the epicenter of French power, the Palace of Versailles features breathtaking gardens, spectacular halls, impressive displays of fine art, and luxurious staterooms. Noteworthy things to see in the palace include the Hall of Mirrors, which contains 357 mirrors, the beautiful Royal Chapel, the Gardens of Versailles, and the charming Queen’s Hamlet.
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Mont Blanc, Chamonix
The most iconic natural landmark in France is Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in France and Western Europe. With a summit of 15,771 feet (4,807 meters), it’s easily one of the most beautiful places in France, if not Europe. Located in the Mont Blanc Massif, the mountain straddles the French-Italian border and stretches into Switzerland.
You can visit relatively easily from all three countries, but from France, your best bet is to visit from Chamonix, a popular resort town famed for its ski slopes. From Chamonix, you can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the Aiguille du Midi mountain summit, which is the highest possible Mont Blanc viewpoint at 12,605 feet (3,842 meters). Admittedly, visiting this landmark isn’t for the faint-hearted.
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Abbey of Mont Saint Michel, Normandy
Another French landmark out of a storybook is the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel, located on a tidal island of the same name in Normandy. This magical sight has to be seen to be believed. The gravity-defying 9th-century abbey is mind-blowingly beautiful and sits precariously above a charming village.
Everything from its stunning interior, impressive Disney-style spire, and gorgeous surroundings is a feast for the eyes. It’s hard to believe Mont Saint Michel wasn’t the inspiration for the iconic Disney Castle. Explore the abbey and stroll around the village for the best viewpoints. Don’t forget to take photographs from across the water, too.
Read also: Amazing Places To Visit in France Beyond Paris
Amphitheater of Nîmes, Nîmes
If we asked you to think of a Roman amphitheater, you’d probably think of the Colosseum of Rome. While there’s nothing wrong with that, you should also know about the Amphitheater of Nîmes. Also referred to as the Arena of Nîmes, this impressive structure is the world’s best-preserved Roman Amphitheater.
Built around 100 CE, shortly after the Colosseum in Rome, it measures a massive 436 feet (133 meters) long and 331 feet (101 meters) wide, with the arena measuring 223 by 125 feet (68 by 38 meters). At its peak, the theater had 34 terraces and a capacity of 24,000 seated spectators. If you time your visit right, you can watch one of the shows that still take place in the arena.
Read also: Spectacular Medieval Towns in France
Provence Lavender Fields, Provence
The penultimate landmark on our list is another beautiful natural landmark that landscape photographers and Instagrammers will quickly fall in love with. In France, there are few more famous natural landmarks than the sight of Provence’s lavender fields. From June to August, especially around the Luberon and Verdon plateaus, the landscape comes alive with color.
The Luberon lavender fields are the first flowers to bloom, awash with lavender. They are easy to access, even easier to spot, and great fun to photograph. Often, from late June, the Valensole Plateau lavender fields follow. Other popular places to view Provence’s lavender fields include Terre Ugo, Sénanque Abbey, and Sault. Provence even has several official Routes de la Lavande you can drive along.
Read also: Surreal Places in Southern France
Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceau
The final French landmark is a beautiful castle that spans the River Cher in the village of Chenonceau in the Loire Valley. One of the most famous castles in the region, the Chenonceau estate, was first mentioned in the 11th century, but the castle was founded in the 16th century.
The castle is commonly known as the Ladies’ Castle because several women played a massive part in the upkeep and management of it. The fascinating mixture of late Gothic and early Renaissance architectural styles, intricately designed arches, lush gardens, mesmerizing towers, and beautiful bridges create the perfect scene. Don’t forget your camera when you visit because you’ll also be able to capture stunning photos of the castle’s reflection in the river.
Read also: Beautiful Cities and Towns in Southern France
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