France: the best places that only locals know and that every tourist must visit
Paris, France is considered the world capital of love, but did you know that, in addition to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Musée d’Orsay and the Palace of Versailles, there are hidden gems that only a few visitors know about? ? ? Below are some of the hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Neuf-Brisach – Citadel of the Sun King – UNESCO World Heritage
Just 16 km southeast of Colmar, visitors can visit one of the lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Neuf-Brisach. The city was fortified under the command of King Louis XIV to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Red sandstones were used to build the perfect walls of the octagon. The design is perfectly visible on the ground and is considered Vauban’s masterpiece.
Chateau de Chambord – Jewel of the French Renaissance
Built in 1519, the Chateau serves as a hunting lodge and refuge for King Frances I. The Chateau has 440 rooms and a large stable that can house twelve hundred horses, as well as the largest closed park in Europe with 5,440 hectares of land. hunting. A day at the Chateau would not be complete without horse and carriage rides, walking trails and bike paths.
Mont Saint-Michel – UNESCO World Heritage
Another UNESCO World Heritage site now gaining popularity is Le Mont St. Michel; it houses an abbey, a monastery, a great hall and small shops below. The abbey was used as a prison due to its strategic location where low tide shows the way to the island and at high tide hides it in turn. Visiting the abbey will allow visitors to see the statue of the Archangel Michael slaying a dragon. In addition to the cloister and refectory, visitors can also explore the museum and shops on the island’s main street.
Carcassonne, Longeduc – Medieval fortress
Visiting France is never complete without visiting Carcassonne in Longeduc. The fortified fortress is one of the best examples of a fortified medieval town. Within Carcassonne, travelers will find the cathedral dedicated to St. Celse and St. Nazaire. Visitors can enter the Chateau Comtal or the keep for a fee. You could see the rooms as well as part of the battlement area. From the left bank, you can also visit the Ville Basse, built during the 13th century, which today houses hotels, shops, and markets.
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