Located in the Bay of Marseille, 1,5km off shore lies the Island of If. The uninhabited island with its high ramparts has the 3 storey 16th century fortress, Château d'If at its centre. Tourists can visit the château, its courtyard and view its original prison, made famous by Alexandre Dumas' novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo'.
In the heart of Périgueux, named after Saint-Front, the first bishop of Périgueux, Cathédrale Saint-Front is the only Romano-Byzantine architecture of its kind in the world. Since 1998, the cathedral has been classified at World Heritage and a historical monument since 1840.
The UNESCO listed Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard is sure to impress. Built in the 1st century AD and towering nearly 50m above the riverbed, this should be a firmly on your daytrip list when visiting the Languedoc-Roussillon, Occitanie. Built as part of a series of aqueducts supplying the then Roman city of Nîmes, the Pont du Gard is now a well deserved UNESCO world heritage listed site.
A unique 11th century medieval fortress with 1km of underground tunnels. Visit Château de Brézé in the Loire Valley and take a guided tour in the underground passageways, just 10 minutes from Saumur. With history dating back to the 11th century and having been completely transformed in the 16th and again in the 19th century, Château de Brézé now produces wine from the local vineyards.
Also known as the Pont d’Avignon, this famous medieval bridge was built over the Rhône river between Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and the town of Avignon in the 11th Century. Only four arches, the gatehouse and the Chapel of Saint Nicholas sitting on its second pier survived. They can be seen at the Avignon end.
Visit the 11th century Château de Saumur which overlooks the lovely town of Saumur in the Loire Valley. Discover how the château has been a fortress, a prison and a residence for important local figures and complete you visit by exploring the museum that houses wonderful works of art.
Take the 15 minutes or so boat trip from Mandelieu-La Napoule in Cannes, across to the two Lérins Islands. The larger of the two, Sainte-Marguerite island offers its visitors 22 kilometres of pathways to explore. On Sainte-Marguerite island is the Royal Fort, a prison that once imprisoned 'the man in the iron mask', made famous by novel written by the author Alexandre Dumas.
Visit the Cistercian Abbaye, Sénanque Abbey, situated near the famous village of Gordes in Vaucluse, Provence, today managed by monks. Sénanque Abbey was founded in 1148 and features Romanesque architecture. Tourists can visit the Abbey church, walk under its cloister and explore the chapter house, once used to hold large meetings.
Positioned 150 metres above the Dordogne River, Château de Beynac is a 12th century fortress situated near Beynac-et-Cazenac in the Périgord, one of the most beautiful villages in France. The castle state rooms once hosted King Richard I 'the Lion-Heart' of England, Simon de Montfort, leader of one of the crusades, the Lords of Beynac and the four baronneries of Périgord.
Situated 200 metres above the Aveyron River on top of a hill in Najac, Château de Najac also know as the 'Royal fortress of Najac' was built in 1253 by the inhabitants of the village. The castle's longest length is 40 metres, with 4 towers and one being square in shape.
Explore the Loire Valley this summer and visit Château de Chenonceau which spans the River Cher. Château de Chenonceau was built between 1514 and 1522 on the foundations of a mill. Today it's structure spans across the River Cher in the Loire Valley.
The medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is perched 100m high above the Lot river in South-Western France. The village has paved pathways, Gothic façades and fortified gates and stone houses. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie was home to the famous poet, André Breton.
Château de Chenonceau was built between 1519 and 1547. Upon completion the then wealthy owner, Pierre Nepveu played host to Emperor Charles V. The château offers visitors unique French Renaissance architecture. During the Second World War, works of art on display at the Louvre in Paris were moved and stored at Château de Chambord.
Albi a hidden gem in Midi-Pyrenees, nestled in the Midi-Pyrenees region. The city of Albi may not be first on your list of cities to visit in France, but it has a lot to offer the visitor, including the impressive UNESCO-listed brick cathedral.
The history of Château Cheverny begins with its first owner, Henry Le Mareschau in 1315. The de Vibraye family today the current owners of the château, attractions many thousands of visitors each year who admire its magnificent interiors with its collections of furniture and tapestries and many famous painting on display.
A typical historic village that traverses time. With its medieval streets, its red marble quarries, its AOC wine and outdoor activities. In a calm and tranquil location, a few minutes from the City of Carcassonne. Enjoy the heart of the village or the hikes in the surrounding countryside.
Driving around the French countryside, you'll often see these charming quirks of architecture; pigeonnier towers. Different shapes, different sizes, different designs - each one unique. What are they ? Where did they originate from ? And two beautifully restored pigeonnier towers that you can stay in.
Our guide to Charente's capital. Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the river Charente and urban sprawl, here are the highlights of Angoulême. The Charente’s capital is Angoulême which is perched on a rocky spur overlooking its wide domain of the River Charente and urban sprawl.
Take a trip to the lovely Charente countryside. Inside information on what to see in rural Charente in South-West France. From the river to pretty villages and historical Roman sites. People who adore the Charente, love its honey coloured stone, its terracotta roof tiles, its warm micro-climate but also it's laid back sleepy vibe, reminiscent of the languid river that gives its name.
Take an afternoon stroll across Narbonne's saltwater lagoons. A change from the beach, this offers a completely different landscape and is great for wildlife lovers and those wanting to get away from the crowds of the beaches. Just 7km outside the city of Narbonne in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, the village of Bages offers an interesting alternative to a visit to the local beach.
Get up-close to 3,800 animals, set over 300 hectares at Sigean Zoo (Réserve Africaine de Sigean) in Languedoc-Roussillon, Occitaine. Located in the south of France, between Narbonne and Perpignan, on the Mediterranean coast and along salt-lakes lining the Languedoc coast, the Zoo hosts was created by Paul de La Panouse and Daniel de Monfreid and opened to the public on the 8th April 1974.
Come and be part of the 89th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans which takes place between the 21st and 22nd August 2021, at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France. The 24 Hours of Le Mans race is one of the oldest in the world, with the first annual race beginning in 1923. Its famously titled as the 'Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency'.
The Gorges du Verdon is a famous canyon with translucent waters in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France. The Verdon river has dug itself into the limestone mass and in places to a depth of more than 700 meters. Rent a canoe, drift on the Verdon and discover its past.
Visit the Ardèche Gorges this summer and descend into the caves of Saint-Marcel located near Bidon. Walk the 600m circuit, at a temperature of 14°C, admiring the illuminated galleries, its fauna, its flora and its water basins. The location of the caves of Saint-Marcel was discovered in 1836 by a hunter whose ferret fell into one of the cavities of the cave.
Visit Monaco this summer between 20th May - 23rd May 2021 and experience the adrenaline, the sights and the sounds of the 79th Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco. The Monaco Grand Prix is an exceptional location of glamour and prestige with its circuit of 3.337 km and a total distance raced of 260.286 km over 78 laps.
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