France
Historic Sites & Landmarks in France
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Conques Abbey
Conques, France
c. 1030-1120
Nestled in the hills of southwest France, the picturesque village of Conques is home to a magnificent Romanesque abbey church, rich with sculpture. There is also a medieval treasury.
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Chartres Cathedral
Chartres, France
1140-1260
One of the greatest achievements in the history of architecture, Chartres Cathedral (1140-1260) is almost perfectly preserved in its original medieval design, from innovative Gothic architecture to extensive portal sculptures and stained glass.
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Birthplace of Nostradamus
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
1503 (birth)
Tucked in a narrow alleyway, this golden-hued medieval house was the birthplace and childhood home of the famous astrologer Nostradamus. It is not open to the public but has a historical marker and informational sign in French and English.
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Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux Cathedral
Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, France
c. 1120-1220
Constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries over a 6th-century bishop's tomb, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux Cathedral is a small Provençal Romanesque church containing interesting medieval murals, mosaics, and sculptures.
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Notre-Dame Cathedral
Paris, France
1296
One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, Notre-Dame Cathedral is an Early Gothic beauty famed for its historical importance, fascinating sculpture, and medieval stained glass.
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Abbaye aux Dames
Caen, France
1063
The “Ladies' Abbey” in Caen was founded by Queen Mathilda, wife of William the Conqueror, in 1063. Its church, La Trinité, is a fine example of early Norman architecture.
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Germigny-des-Prés Church
Germigny-des-Pres, France
806
This Carolingian oratory near Orléans was built in 806 by Bishop Theodulf, Charlemagne's adviser. Containing rare Byzantine mosaics, it is one of the oldest and most unique churches in France.
- Mozac Abbey Mozac, France
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Autun Cathedral
Autun, France
1120-46
Dating from the early 12th century with later Gothic additions, the Cathédrale St-Lazare is a pilgrimage church famed for its splendid Romanesque sculptures by Gislebertus.
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Montmajour Abbey
Arles, France
Visible from nearby Arles on its hilltop, the Abbaye de Montmajour was mostly constructed in the 12th century and is now a World Heritage Site.