Historic sites in France

Historical sites in France : Editor's Picks

• 1. Palace of Versailles
  Few historic sites in France showcase the opulence and grandeur of King Louis XIV as the Palace of Versailles, once the residence of this famous monarch and former seat of the French Government.
  Photo by zoonabar (cc)

• 2. Mont Saint-Michel
  An imposing rocky outcrop in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is the site of a stunning Romanesque Abbey, medieval church and historic battlements. It is one of the more picturesque historic sites in France.
  Photo by misotonnkotu (cc)

• 3. Nimes Arena
  Nimes Arena is amongst the best preserved Roman historic sites in France, if not the world and is arguably better preserved than even the Colosseum in Rome.
  Photo by Wolfgang Staudt (cc)

• 4. Somme battlefields
  The Somme battlefields are one of the most tragic historic sites in France. They are made up of a series of sites where the Battle of the Somme was fought during World War I.
  

• 5. Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris
  Notre Dame Cathedral is a gothic cathedral originally built in the 12th century in Paris and one of the most iconic historic sites in France.
  Photo by Henry_Marion (cc)

• 6. The Eiffel Tower
  The Eiffel Tower in Paris is on pretty much any list of top attractions in France. This vast iron monument was completed in 1889 and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
  Photo by Omarukai (cc)

• 7. Abbaye Saint-Victor
  Marseille is home to many medieval historic sites in France including Abbaye Saint-Victor, an 11th century abbey with a fascinating crypt.
  Photo by acor-cannes (cc)

• 8. Carcassonne
  Carcassonne is a fortified town in France with a history dating back to before the Roman era. It is one of the UNESCO listed historic sites of France.
  Photo by lorentey (cc)

• 9. La Maison Carrée
  The Maison Carrée in Nîmes is a staggeringly well preserved Roman temple, and one of the best-preserved examples of Roman historic sites in France or anywhere in the world.
  Photo by bani 31 (cc)

• 10. The Catacombs of Paris
  Among the creepier historic sites in France are the Paris Catacombs, a set of underground quarries housing around six million human skeletons dating back to the 18th century.
  

• 11. Chateau d’If
  Chateau d’If was a sixteenth century island fortress turned notorious prison. Like many historic sites in France and around the world, it is the setting for a novel, in this instance The Count of Monte Cristo.
  

• 12. Grotte de Font de Gaume
  One of several prehistoric sites in France granted World Heritage status, Grotte de Font de Gaume is a prehistoric cave in Les Eyzies containing a series of paintings from this period.
  Photo by Tracey and Doug (cc)

• 13. Schoenenbourg Maginot Line fort
  The Schoenenbourg Maginot Line fort was one of a network of forts built on the French-German border after World War I. It is among the most fascinating military historic attractions in France.
  Photo by janebelindasmith (cc)

• 14. Arc de Triomphe
  This iconic 19th century Parisian landmark commemorates those who fought for the nation and is one of the top landmarks in France.
  

Historical sites in France: Site Index

• Abbaye aux Hommes
  The Abbaye aux Hommes is an 11th century Romanesque abbey church in Caen, Normandy, known for being William the Conqueror’s gravesite.
  Photo by @lain G (cc)

• Agincourt Battlefield
  Agincourt Battlefield is one of the most famous historic sites in France relating to the Hundred Years’ War, when it was the site of an important English victory over the French.
  Photo by openroads.com (cc)

• Aisne-Marne American Cemetery
  This is a US World War I cemetery and the site of the Battle of Belleau Wood. It is one of many historic places in France commemorating this period in history.
  Photo by jinterwas (cc)

• Alesia
  Amongst the most important Roman historic sites in France is Alesia, the place where Julius Caesar defeated the Gauls in 52 BC.
  Photo by carolemadge1 (cc)

• Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls
  Whilst not the best preserved of historical sites in France, the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls was a 1st century Roman amphitheatre in Lyon.
  Photo by austinevan (cc)

• Arch of Germanicus
  The Arch of Germanicus was built in 19AD to honour Emperor Tiberius, his son Drusus and his adopted son Germanicus. It is one of the many historic sites in France dating to the Roman period.
  

• Arenes de Lutece
  One of the lesser known but relatively important historic sites in France is Arenes de Lutece, an ancient Roman amphitheatre in Paris. Sadly, it is not as well preserved as other such sites.
  Photo by burge5k (cc)

• Arles Amphitheatre
  Arles Amphitheatre is a UNESCO listed Roman built sports arena and among the best preserved historic sites in France from this period. In fact, it is still in use today.
  Photo by M_WalzEriksson (cc)

• Arles Archaeological Museum
  The Arles Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of prehistoric and Ancient Roman artefacts, particularly from historical sites in France located in this region.
  Photo by ellevalentine (cc)

• Arles Roman Theatre
  Arles Roman Theatre is one of many historic sites in France constructed during the reign of the Emperor Augustus.
  Photo by Carlton Browne (cc)

• Autun Cathedral
  Autun Cathedral is a medieval church renowned for its decorations by famous French sculptor, Gislebertus.
  Photo by chelmsfordblue (cc)

• Avenue des Champs Elysees
  The Avenue des Champs Elysees is a famous Parisian route dating back to the 17th century and one of the most popular tourist sites in France.
  Photo by buggolo (cc)

• Basilica of St Denis
  The Basilica of St Denis was the site where French monarchs were buried until the French Revolution and a stunning example of the ecclesiastical historic sites in France.
  Photo by kyllercg (cc)

• Basilica of St Sernin
  The Basilica of St Sernin in Toulouse is a medieval church on a famous pilgrimage route and among the illustrious list of UNESCO-listed historic sites in France.
  Photo by chantrybee (cc)

• Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouviere
  Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouviere is an iconic 19th century basilica in Lyon.
  Photo by Rob Alter (cc)

• Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
  The Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum traces the events of this famous World War II battle and is a good place to discover the background of many of the historic sites in France relating to this historic episode.
  Photo by iamkaspar (cc)

• Big Red One Assault Museum
  The Big Red One Assault Museum looks at the history of the US First Infantry Division in this conflict and is one of many World War II historic sites in France located in Normandy.
  

• Chateau de Laas
  Château de Laàs is a 17th century stately home with a Napoleonic collection.
  

• Chateau de Malmaison
  Chateau de Malmaison was once the home of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is among the tourist sites in France located near Paris.
  Photo by Joaquín Martínez Rosado (cc)

• Chateau-Thierry American Monument
  The Chateau-Thierry American Monument is an American memorial and one of the best known commemorative World War I historic sites in France.
  Photo by NorthJoe (cc)

• Cimetière Chinois de Nolette
  Cimetière Chinois de Nolette is among the lesser known World War I commemorative historic sites in France and stands in honour the Chinese workers who contributed to the war effort.
  

• Constantine Baths - Arles
  The Constantine Baths in Arles are a good example of the Roman historic attractions in France. Built in the 4th century, they remain well preserved.
  Photo by PhillipC (cc)

• Crypte Archeologique - Paris
  The Crypte Archeologique is a subterranean museum housing the remains of Gallo-Roman Paris. It is a fascinating place yet among the more hidden historic sites in France.
  

• Douaumont Ossuary
  One of the more imposing monuments in France is the Douaumont Ossuary, which commemorates fallen soldiers from the Battle of Verdun. It holds the bones of 130,000 French and German soldiers.
  Photo by ** Maurice ** (cc)

• Dunkirk Cemetery and Memorial
  The Dunkirk Cemetery and Memorial commemorate the commonwealth troops that fought there in both World Wars.
  

• Dunkirk War Museum
  The Dunkirk War Museum tells the story of the famous World War II allied evacuation of Dunkirk and offers a good introduction to the historic sites in France relating to this famous event.
  

• Etaples Military Cemetery
  The Etaples Military Cemetery is a commonwealth cemetery built on the former site of a WW1 military hospital.
  Photo by Charles D P Miller (cc)

• Fort Douaumont
  Fort Douaumont was one of the strongest, most state of the art forts in France at the time of the First World War. Like many historic places in France, it was destroyed during World War I, in the Battle of Verdun.
  Photo by Wolfgang Staudt (cc)

• Fort Saint Jean
  This 17th century fort in Marseille was later used as a prison during the French Revolution. It is among the defensive historic sites in France found in this area.
  Photo by couscouschocolat (cc)

• Fort Saint Nicholas
  Fort Saint Nicholas was built in the 17th century to quell an uprising in Marseille.
  Photo by couscouschocolat (cc)

• Fort Vaux
  Fort Vaux was a 19th century fortress and one of the historical sites in France occupied by the Germans in the Battle of Verdun.
  Photo by Ryan Scott (cc)

• Glanum
  Glanum is an extensive archaeological site of a former Roman settlement near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It is one of the ancient historic sites of France.
  Photo by Fabrice Terrasson (cc)

• Gold Beach Museum
  The Gold Beach Museum tells the story of one of the D-Day Landings.
  Photo by santanartist (cc)

• Grand Roman Theatre of Lyon
  One of several Roman historic sites in France located here, The Grand Roman Theatre of Lyon dates back to the late 1st century BC.
  Photo by Jeff Marquis (cc)

• Grotte des Combarelles
  Grotte des Combarelles is a cave in southwest France with prehistoric paintings.
  Photo by melissa.delzio (cc)

• Historial de la Grande Guerre
  For things to see in France relating to the social effects of World War I, Historial de la Grande Guerre is a museum near the site of the Battle of the Somme which looks at the conflict from a different perspective.
  Photo by yannick_vernet (cc)

• Horreum
  The Horreum in Narbonne are a series of 1st century underground tunnels. It is one of the lesser known historic sites in France.
  

• Jardin des Vestiges
  Among the ancient historic places in France is the Jardin des Vestiges. This archaeological site in Marseilles houses the ruins of the Greek and Roman port.
  Photo by maarjaara (cc)

• Jumieges Abbey
  A picturesque Norman abbey which was partly destroyed during the French Revolution, Jumièges ranks among the most beautiful ruins in France.
  Photo by stephanemartin (cc)

• La Conciergerie
  La Conciergerie in Paris is a former palace turned prison which now serves as a museum and government building. Like some other historic sites in France, it has a somewhat sinister past relating to the French Revolution.
  Photo by spamdangler (cc)

• Lapidaire Museum
  This is a museum of ancient Roman artefacts in Narbonne.
  Photo by ell brown (cc)

• Le Memorial at Caen
  Le Memorial at Caen is a history museum dedicated to World War II and other conflicts. It offers tours to nearby military historic sites in France.
  Photo by Geert Orye (cc)

• Le P’tit Train de la Haute Somme
  This is a reconstruction of the supply line used by allied forces during World War I and is just one of many tourist sites in France relating to this conflict.
  Photo by openroads.com (cc)

• Les Alyscamps - Arles
  Les Alyscamps was a Roman necropolis which now houses a collection of crowded medieval sarcophagi.
  Photo by M_WalzEriksson (cc)

• Les Invalides
  Les Invalides was originally built by Louis XIV as a hospital for ailing soldiers and is famed among historic sites in France as the place where Napoleon was laid to rest.
  Photo by vigour (cc)

• Lochnagar Crater
  This vast crater was left by an explosion which signalled the start of the Battle of the Somme. It is one of a circuit of things to do in France relating to this famous battle.
  Photo by sisaphus (cc)

• Longues-sur-Mer Gun Battery
  The Longues-sur-Mer Gun Battery was a World War II German defensive battery. It is one of many military historic sites in France, particularly in Normandy.
  Photo by Gilles Messian (cc)

• Louvemont
  Many historic places in France were left utterly abandoned after World War I and Louvemont is a good example of this. Once a French village, it has been unoccupied since the Battle of Verdun.
  

• Lyon Cathedral
  Lyon Cathedral was constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries and is renowned among ecclesiastical historic sites in France for its astronomical clock.
  Photo by genevieveromier (cc)

• Lyon Gallo-Roman Museum
  This museum displays exhibits relating to the city’s time under the Roman Empire. It is among the popular historic attractions in France located in Lyon.
  Photo by jimg944 (cc)

• Lyon Roman Baths
  Definitely among the hidden historic sites of France, the Lyon Roman Baths were built in the 2nd or 3rd century.
  

• Marseille History Museum
  The Marseille History Museum chronicles the city’s history since Ancient Greek times. It offers a good overview of the story of many of the historic sites in France in Marseille.
  

• Marseille Roman Docks Museum
  This museum has a collection of artefacts from Marseille’s thriving ancient port.
  

• Memorial des Camps de la Mort
  This site commemorates the suffering of those persecuted by the Nazis in Marseille during World War II.
  

• Monument aux Girondins
  Monument aux Girondins is a fountain in Bordeaux commemorating the Girondists of the French Revolution. It is one of the historical sites in France which is viewable at all times.
  Photo by bobfamiliar (cc)

• Musée d’Aquitaine
  Located in Bordeaux, this is a museum of the archaeology and history of the region.
  

• Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord
  Located in a region with many of the prehistoric tourist sites in France, this museum contains pieces dating back as far as 70,000 years ago.
  

• Musee Airborne
  Musee Airborne is a museum dedicated to the Normandy Landings of 1944. It is among many World War II historic sites in France found in Normandy.
  Photo by Gilles Messian (cc)

• Musee d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaisme
  This museum explores the history of France’s Jewish community.
  

• Musee de Cluny
  Musee de Cluny is the national medieval museum in Paris and also houses one of the ancient Roman historic sites in France, a set of ancient baths.
  

• Musee de la Reddition
  Musee de la Reddition is the site where Germany surrendered in World War II, making it one of the most important - yet relatively unknown - historic sites in France relating to this famous conflict.
  

• Musee du Louvre
  One of the best places to visit in France for stunning exhbitis of art and history is Musee du Louvre. This 12th century fort turned palace and today stands as one of the world’s foremost art museums.
  

• Musee National de Prehistoire
  Musee National de Prehistoire is one of the most comprehensive historical attractions in France relating to the nation’s prehistoric past.
  Photo by (cc)

• Museum of Orange
  located amidst a range of impressive historic sites in France, the Museum of Orange displays mostly Roman, but also prehistoric, artefacts found in the region.
  

• Narbonne Archaeological Museum
  This museum displays a range of ancient Roman artefacts.
  Photo by Vicburton (cc)

• Newfoundland Memorial
  The Newfoundland Memorial is the best surviving trench system from World War I and commemorates the efforts of the 1st Battalion of the Canadian Newfoundland Regiment. It is among many historic places in France dedicated to commemorating casualties from the World Wars.
  

• Normandy American Cemetery
  Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II graveyard with a visitor centre. It is one of the well known Second World War historic sites of France located in this region.
  

• Notre-Dame de la Garde - Marseille
  Notre-Dame de la Garde is a 19th century basilica in Marseille.
  

• Odeon of Lyon
  The Odeon of Lyon is a well-restored Ancient Roman theatre and one of the UNESCO World Heritage historic sites in France.
  

• Oise-Aisne American Cemetery
  Oise-Aisne American Cemetery is a World War I cemetery and memorial containing the grave of 6,012 American soldiers who lost their lives in this conflict.
  

• Omaha Beach Museum
  The Omaha Beach Museum chronicles the largest of the D-Day Landings. It is among the most well known World War II historic sites in France located in Normandy.
  

• Palais de Justice
  As the main courthouse in Paris, the Palais de Justice is not technically one of the tourist things to do In France, but is historically important as the former court of the Revolutionary Tribunal.
  

• Palais de Papes
  Part palace part fort, Palais de Papes in Avignon was the 14th century seat of the papal court and is one of the more imposing ecclesiastical historic sites in France.
  

• Palais du Tau
  Palais du Tau in Reims was where French monarchs would prepare for and celebrate their coronations. It is one of several historic attractions in France in this area awarded UNESCO status.
  

• Pegasus Bridge
  Pegasus Bridge in Normandy was captured by British forces at the start of D-Day, the Allied invasion of France.
  

• Pere Lachaise Cemetery
  Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris is the resting place of many famous figures of French and other nationalities. It is quite popular among places to visit in France.
  Photo by extranoise (cc)

• Place de la Concorde
  Place de la Concorde was where King Louis XVI and many others were executed in the French Revolution. It is one of a trail of famous historic sites in France set around Paris.
  Photo by nhosko (cc)

• Pointe Du Hoc Memorial
  The Pointe Du Hoc Memorial is located on one of the sites of the Normandy Landings. It is among the World War II commemorative historic sites of France.
  

• Pont du Gard
  Among the most arresting of the Roman historic sites in France is Pont du Gard, a famous ancient bridge and aqueduct once used to supply Nimes with water.
  Photo by Wolfgang Staudt (cc)

• Pont Neuf
  Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris and one of the most famous tourist sites in France.
  Photo by stephanemartin (cc)

• Porte de Mars
  Porte de Mars is an ornate 3rd century Roman arch in Reims.
  

• Pozieres
  One of the major World War I historic sites in France is Pozieres, which was the site of an important battle between Allied and German forces in 1916, forming the first part of the Battle of the Somme.
  

• Reims Cathedral
  Of the historical sites in France, Reims Cathedral has one of the strongest links with the French royal family, having been the setting of its royal coronations. It is a World Heritage site.
  

• Remains of the Bastille
  Among the least well known historic sites in France is the location of the remains of the Bastille prison, which can be viewed at Square Henri Galli in Paris.
  

• Rocamadour Shrine
  The Rocamadour Shrine is an 11th to 13th century holy complex in the south and one of the Christian historic sites in France which attracts pilgrims from around the world.
  

• Roman Amphitheatre - Saintes
  The Roman Amphitheatre in Saintes was built in the 1st century in the Roman settlement of Mediolanum Santonum.
  

• Roman Pyramid of Vienne
  Whilst Vienne’s Roman Circus is not one of the historic sites in France to have survived intact, its Roman Pyramid, once its centrepiece, can still be seen today.
  

• Roman Theatre of Orange
  One of the best-preserved Roman historic sites in France is the 1st century Roman Theatre of Orange. UNESCO listed.
  

• Rouen Cathedral
  Rouen Cathedral is the site where Richard the Lion Heart’s heart is buried.
  

• Rouffignac Caves
  The Rouffignac Caves house a myriad of Palaeolithic paintings. They are one of the historic sites in France listed under the World Heritage category of the cave paintings of the Vézère Valley.
  

• Saint-Remi Abbey
  Saint-Remi Abbey in Reims houses the tomb of Saint Remi. This is one of many medieval World Heritage historical sites in France.
  

• Saint-Sulpice Church
  Saint-Sulpice Church is a large 18th century church in Paris.
  

• Sainte Chapelle
  Sainte Chapelle is a stunning 13th century gothic church, home to the oldest wall painting in Paris and one of the top tourist sites in France.
  Photo by inoc (cc)

• Sainte-Foy Abbey
  Those looking for places to go in France to track the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela can visit Sainte-Foy Abbey in Conques, which was one of the stopping off points.
  

• Salses Fortress
  Salses Fortress is an impressive medieval fortress in Plateau de Rousillon and one of the Spanish-built historical sites in France.
  

• St Amand de Coly
  St Amand de Coly is a 13th century fortified church in France’s Dordogne region.
  

• St Nicolas Mine
  The St Nicholas Mine was once the most productive silver and lead mine in the commune of Steinbach. It is arguably one of the most important mining historic sites in France.
  

• St-Trophime Church
  St-Trophime Church in Arles renowned for its Romanesque architecture. UNESCO listed.
  

• Sword Beach
  Sword Beach was one of the five historic sites in France where the Normandy D-day Landings took place in World War II.
  

• Temple of Augustus and Livia
  The Temple of Augustus and Livia is a very well preserved Roman temple in Vienne. It is one of the historic sites in France which is viewable for free.
  Photo by maarjaara (cc)

• Temple of Diana - Nimes
  The Temple of Diana is a Roman site in Nimes whose ultimate purpose remains a mystery.
  

• The Bastille
  The Bastille was a prison stormed in 1789, sparking the French Revolution. Nothing remains at its original location, but it is still among the significant historic sites of France and is marked by a monument.
  

• The Bayeux Tapestry Museum
  One of the top tourist sites in France for fans of the Norman period is the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, home of the famous embroidered account of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
  

• The Chapel of the Souvenir Francais
  This is a memorial to French soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme.
  

• The Cryptoporticus
  Reims is home to a few Roman historic sites in France, including The Cryptoporticus, which is a very well preserved 3rd century AD passageway.
  

• The Franco Australian Museum
  The Franco Australian Museum in the Picardie region explores the contributions and experiences of Australian troops in World War I.
  

• The Gier Aqueduct
  The Gier Aqueduct near Lyon served its Roman counterpart, Lugdunum. Reconstructed along the roadside, this is a great example of historic sites in France which can be viewed at all times.
  

• The Joan of Arc Memorial Cross
  Among the commemorative monuments in France is The Joan of Arc Memorial Cross, which is dedicated to the Catholic saint and military heroine at the site where she was burnt at the stake.
  

• The Juno Beach Centre
  The Juno Beach Centre explores the history of the Canadian forces in World War II.
  

• The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs
  The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs are a trio of reconstructed 1st century burial chambers. Whilst probably some of the least well-known historic sites in France, they are also free to view.
  

• The Magne Tower
  One of many historic sites in France built under the Emperor Augustus, the Magne Tower in Nimes is a well preserved remnant of the Roman fortifications.
  

• The Merville Gun Battery
  The Merville Gun Battery is a former German fortification neutralised by the Allies on D-Day. It is one of several such World War II historic sites in France.
  

• The Pantheon - Paris
  The Pantheon in Paris is a neo-classical church completed in 1789. Whilst rarely at the top of tourist sites in France, this church is beautifully decorated and its crypt interns many famous French figures.
  

• The Pegasus Bridge Museum
  The Pegasus Bridge Museum in Normandy is dedicated to the British 6th Airborne Division, the first Allied troops to land on D-Day. It is among many World War II historic sites in northern France.
  

• The Somme 1916 Museum
  The Somme 1916 Museum explores the realities of this infamous First World War battle.
  

• Thiepval Memorial
  The Thiepval Memorial is a Commonwealth memorial dedicated to over 72,000 servicemen who died in the Somme region during WWI.
  Photo by MikeFitz (cc)

• Toulon National Maritime Museum
  The Toulon National Maritime Museum houses exhibits relating to the city’s naval history.
  

• Triumphal Arch of Orange
  The Triumphal Arch of Orange is a first century Roman arch built during the reign of Augustus. It is one of the many ancient historic sites in France found in this area.
  

• Tropaeum Alpium
  The Tropaeum Alpium, also known as Trophee des Alpes or the Trophy of Augustus, is a Roman monument dedicated to the Emperor Augustus.
  

• Ulster Memorial Tower
  The Ulster Memorial Tower in France is a memorial to the men of Ulster who fought and gave their lives in World War I. Made to look like St Helen’s Tower in County Down, this ranks among the more distinctive of commemorative historic sites in France.
  

• Utah Beach Memorial
  This memorial is located at the place where the US 4th Infantry Division landed on D-Day and is one of five such historic sites in France where the Allies landed on that day.
  

• Verdun Memorial
  The Verdun Memorial is a comprehensive museum of the Battle of Verdun and a memorial to fallen soldiers.
  Photo by Wolfgang S (cc)

• Vezelay Basilica
  Vezelay Basilica is a 12th century Romanesque church. It is famed among the ecclesiastical historic sites in France as being said to have housed Mary Magdalene’s relics.
  Photo by aurélien. (cc)

• Vienne Cathedral
  Vienne Cathedral was constructed over a long period, starting in the 11th century and up to the 16th.
  Photo by tm-tm (cc)

• Vienne Roman Theatre
  Vienne Roman Theatre is a first century theatre said to have once been amongst the largest in Gaul. It is one of the historic sites in France which is still used today, now for festivals and shows.
  Photo by TyB (cc)

• Vis-En-Artois Cemetery
  Vis-En-Artois Cemetery is a World War I burial site in France’s Pas de Calais region.
  Photo by jinterwas (cc)