One of the most popular tourist destinations in North-eastern France is Riquewihr. The land area of the entire locale is about six thousand square miles. It is so well preserved that it is known to look the same way it did back in the 16th century. It stands only a few minutes away from other Alsatian communes or villages. This small village has become quite popular for its production of great wines. This is the Riquewihran forte – especially when it comes to Riesling. Back in the 1600’s, this place was referred to as the Winzerdorf or better known as the “wine village”. German and Alsatian wines were traded in this place back then.

The way this village has been preserved is quite impeccable. Among the museums that you will find here is a castle. It has once housed the Dukes of Württemberg who originally owned the lands. This particular castle now houses artifacts and a number of significant pieces which represents the culture and historical memorabilia for the village. The castle overlooks a number of medieval fortifications all around the commune which was built during the same era.

As the years have passed and World War II spread havoc to the world, Riquewihr was fortunate to be among the very few towns in the region to be spared from much destruction. Though it received its share of damages, it was able to retain its formidable structures. And to be able to commemorate those days, you will be able to find a museum about Alsace during the period in history. You might also fancy visiting La Salle de torture or the torture chamber.

These days, as you walk towards the Main Street, you will feel as if you were taken back to the early 1600’s. Each structure looks practically the same way it did in the past. Houses and arches as well as the Dolder Tower have always been spectacular sites for tourists to visit.

One of the most priceless tourist destinations in France is The Holy Chapel – or otherwise known as La Sainte-Chapelle. It is located right in the heart of Paris. It’s a great place to visit for Catholics and those who appreciate fine architecture. This is a Gothic chapel and is probably one of the finest, if not the highest points of Gothic architecture created during the rayonnante period.

According to history, this is practically one of Louis IX’s greatest achievements. He was able to collect over thirty relics of Christ back in the early 1200s. The chapel has received its share of damage from all the wars and revolutions throughout the years. What you will see standing this day will be much restoration. Experts have strived to restore it to its original glory. Any person who decides to visit this place will be taken in awe. Every single inch of this chapel is a marvelous sight. About two-thirds of the windows are still authentic while the rest have been recreated.

The sights which draw great attention are not limited to the holy place and the relics it holds. Both the lower and the upper chapels are magnificently built. The ceiling is splendid. Built with artistic arches and beams and have been crafted and finished with much elegance. The windows are all made of stained glass. The detail is impeccable. There is the rose window and the sculptures are truly an amazing piece of art you can not miss to notice. And if you happen to be in Chicago, Illinois, you will be able to find a replica of the La Sainte-Chapelle; the St. James Chapelle of Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary.

The Gorges du Verdon or the Verdon Gorge is one of the most attractive places to visit in south-eastern France. This is a river canyon which can be considered as one of nature’s finest works of art and is formed by the Verdon River. The entire canyon spans at approximately twenty-five kilometers long and goes down to about seven hundred meters in depth. When a person stands on one edge and looks at the entire place, they will be able to see how marvelous nature is. But it does not stop there. The Verdon Gorge has much more to offer its visitors. In between the span of the entire gorge lies five dams which hold back the water from five reservoirs.

There are two key-entry points to this place for those who wish to visit. There is the northern rim and the southern rim. This canyon can be considered to be much of a paradise, especially to rock climbers. There are over fifteen hundred different climbing routes with varied heights set on limestone rocks.

Hikers can also find safe havens of scenic paths through the different areas of the canyon. Some of the paths are short and can be toured in a short period of time; other paths can require average hikers to travel for about twelve to thirteen hours to make a round trip.

This is a very famous tourist destination in France, and those who wish to drive around to appreciate the view can use the roads surrounding the rim of the gorge. Apart from rock climbing and hiking, other sports such as canoeing, rafting and paragliding are also being offered to visitors.

Want to be awed by fabulous art in a museum that stands on what used to be a train station? The Museum d’Orsay or Musée d’ Orsay, situated in the old Gare d’Orsay, is one of the must-see spots if you’re in France. Besides showcasing to appreciative crowds the astounding Impressionist paintings by the masters, furniture, photographs, and 19th century sculptures & curios, Musée d’ Orsay is an architectural marvel.

The stone façade of the former Paris Gare d’Orsay was created by architect Victor Laloux. The train station was completed in 1900 in time for a world fair held in Paris. Decades years later, the train station became dilapidated and was used as a backdrop for celebrated movies such as Franz Kafka’s The Trial. During the late 1970s, the railway station was converted into a museum.

Even with the conversion of Gare d’Orsay into the Musee d’ Orsay, it retained Laloux’s architectural vision but reinterpreted the structure’s new function. The splendid art nouveau glass awning was turned into the museum entrance. In the 1980s, additional floor area was added to be able to house vast art collections. Today, the Orsay museum, which houses thousands of art works, is among the most popular locations that people from all over the world come to see. It’s an amazing architectural showcase. It even has a glass walkway (part of the original train station), and also has a restaurant-café, auditorium, bookstore, and gift shop. The interior design of the museum, which Italian designer Gae Aulenti spearheaded, sparked some controversy. Detractors have decried some of the museum’s features as “mussolinian” in terms of style. Whether you’re an art aficionado who looks forward to viewing French masterpieces created between 1848 and 1915, or someone who loves seeing architectural wonders and enjoying a piece of history, the Musee d Orsay is well worth including in your itinerary.

One of the greatest battles ever to take place in the history of the world took place at Normandy Beach, France. Today it is possible to visit the location where so many people died fighting for their freedom. This location will bring to life the harrowing battle of that fateful day in June 1944 when allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, attempting to liberate France from the grip of the Nazis. D-Day refers to the first day of a military operation, hence it was deemed fitting to call the beaches by that name, bringing to mind the valiant heroes who fought to obtain freedom for their country.

There are several ways to visit the Normandy beaches. Several of the ways are to take a river cruise down the Seine from Paris or an ocean cruise porting in Le Havre or Honfleur.

For travelers wishing to experience the historic past of France, notably a first-hand view of where the Great Invasion of 1944 took place, will find other fascinating things to experience as well. It’s also a great opportunity to savor Normandy cuisine at one of the many French restaurants in the area. Also get a close look at the charming villages along the way. A scenic drive along the Normandy Coast, a museum visit, and getting a first-hand glimpse of the famed beaches in their tranquil state can all offer a beguiling experience. The journey lets the average traveler reminisce and think how it must have been for the combatants and dwellers of the area back in 1944.

The D-Day beaches themselves are a sight to behold. They are still referred to by their wartime code names — Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah. The Utah and Omaha beaches are where American forces made their landing, while Sword and Gold are where British forces landed. Other must-see spots in the area are the Mulberry Harbor and Pointe du Hoc, a cliff top location that overlooks the sea. There are not too many places where you can stumble upon unexpected scenes that hit a spot in the heart. The D-Day Beaches and other memorable sights in Normandy can accomplish just that.

Looking for a taste of adventure and a historic trek back in time to the glory days of the Roman Empire? Head for Nimes in southwest France, which is renowned for its Roma architecture. One structure that looks marvelous even without activity is the Nimes Amphitheatre in France. This structure was built in the first or second century A.D. When visiting the place, travelers can ponder events of the past and almost hear the sounds of gladiator combat or echoes of fighting bulls and ecstatic spectators in the audience.

Originally the amphitheater at Nîmes was used for purposes not at all related to entertainment. It had once been a fortress. It also became a walled village for thousands of destitute people, complete with houses and a chapel constructed at the center. During the 19th century, the Roman amphitheatre at Nimes was restored. The historic landmark today is used primarily for exciting bullfights. It has numerous internal stairways for up to 20,000 spectators can leave the stadium in about five minutes. The structure follows an enclosed elliptical design. The spectator area surrounding the arena has 60 radiating segments, each corresponding to two superimposed arches visible from the outside. Terraced rows are separated by a circulation corridor. The Nimes Amphitheare is a sight to behold inside and outside. When illuminated at night, the building façade looks mesmerizing. The amphitheatre is actually one of the best preserved architectural masterpieces in the whole of France.

Today, the Nimes Amphitheatre still reverberates with pulsating action. Among the events held in the awesome landmark made of marble and limestone are concerts & aquatic spectacles & special performances, circuses, bull fights, and international festivals. During winter, the place is covered with a fabric dome roof and heated.

Visit Nimes for a rare glimpse of an architectural feat like the amphitheatre and many other nearby attractions that add color & life to a city that’s continually undergoing modernization while retaining historical sites.

The 800-year-old cathedral is located on an isle, the Ile de la Cite. Notre Dame Cathedral was built by Maurice de Sully, bishop of Paris. Construction commenced in 1163, during the reign of King Louis VII, and was completed around 1345, a time when Paris had come into its own as a hub for commerce & center of politics. Constructed in an era when illiteracy was the norm rather than the exception, the cathedral features Biblical stories in its portals, paintings, and stained glass design. The cathedral is characterized by ornately crafted spires and other notable features of early Gothic architecture.

Among the momentous moments that have taken place at the cathedral was the crowning of Henry VI as king of France in 1431, and also of Napoleon (as emperor) in 1804, not to mention weddings of historical figures. Crusaders knelt to pray at the cathedral before setting off on their journey and engaging in holy wars. Revolutionaries ransacked and defaced the magnificent place of worship. Notre Dame Cathedral has been pillaged, restored, and has undergone numerous facelifts.

Today, it is both the art and architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral that mesmerize visitors. The west front has 28 statues that represent Judaea’s and Israel’s monarchs. One will find the famed bell called Emmanuel at the south tower. The legendary guardians – gargoyles that were a fitting addition to the Gothic cathedral as part of restorative work during the 19th century – are on the Grand Gallery. Rose windows of stained glass, a hallmark of Gothic architecture, may not be as extraordinary as other cathedrals in France, but they nonetheless make a spectacular sight. Many historical artifacts, like a 17th century organ, may be seen inside the Notre Dame Cathedral.

A trip to Old Strasbourg, a part of the Alsace region in northeastern France, can be both fun and fascinating. It’s one of those cozy destinations whose old world appeal can cast a magical spell on visitors. It’s an ancient city dominated by the single soaring spire of a medieval cathedral. The Notre Dame de Strasbourg, the city’s most prominent landmark, was constructed centuries ago. It was the highest structure in the western world right up to the 19th Century. It remains today a showcase of 13th-century Gothic architecture.

Strasbourg was discovered by the Romans in 12th Century BC, but later on, the Barbarian tribes gained a stronghold on it and changed its name from Argentoratum to Strateburgum. During the Middle Ages, structures like covered bridges were built as a line of defense for the town and as a way to facilitate trade.

Old Strasbourg also has attractions for the young & young-at-heart whenever the Christmas holidays approach. There’s the traditional Christkindelmärik, or outdoor Christmas markets at the bottom of the cathedral where vendors sell a variety of items ranging from hot spiced red wine to pretzels, crepes, and cakes, crafts and decors. Strasbourg actually melds the cultural influences of Germany and France.

Beyond the beautifully decorated houses, Strasbourg is a place for government, a university area, and a wonderful place to relax. You can stroll through the winding streets and pass through cobblestone roads, or enjoy a gourmet meal or traditional dishes, or visit a monastery, or some of the art galleries & museums. Also worth checking out is the palais des Rohan, a grand palace housing the apartments of the Cardinals and museums. Indeed, historic sites with marvelous architecture, great food & ambience, and festive Christmas markets are just a few of the reasons why old Strasbourg is one of the must-see destinations.

Architectural landmarks that may be found in important locations all over the world play a strong role in a city’s social and economic fabric.

Some spark controversies, especially when they harm the existing architectural qualities of the space or symbolize certain ideologies. Others lend an air of mystery and charm, and cast an enchanting spell on travelers. The Opera Garnier, immortalized by the popular musical play The Phantom of the Opera, has that entrancing effect on people. It has inspired countless artists to showcase their artistic prowess onstage to the best of their abilities.

While Opera Garnier is a marvelous example of Napoleon III style, it also melds other design elements, including baroque, Greek and classical. The place can accommodate 2,200 people.

Opera Garnier’s foundation stone was laid in 1861. Architect Charles Garnier and his team faced an overwhelming set of challenges that included swampy ground to pivotal historical events like the Franco-Prussion War and the fall of the Second French Empire. As with other buildings that were used for other purposes depending on the needs of the times, the old opera house was used as storage for food during the Paris Commune. Notwithstanding these various factors, plans to complete the reconstructed opera house were not abandoned.

Opera Garnier was finished in 1874. Its inauguration a year later was highlighted by a lavish gala performance. The Opera Garnier is a destination that is an event in itself. It offers a visual and sensory experience. From the painted ceiling done by Marc Chagall to the multicolored marbles, an elegant chandelier weighing over six tons, to areas designed in velvet & gold, to the polychrome façade and interweaving stairwells and alcoves, Opera Garnier can be quite an experience for most people. A visit to France is not complete without seeing the architectural masterpiece and popular landmark.

If the thought of visiting one of the best preserved Roman monuments in France thrills you to no end, then you won’t go wrong traveling to Orange, France. This is where the Orange Roman Theatre, which is testament to the pomp and splendor of the Roman Empire (having been built in the first century AD under Emperor Augustus,) may be found. Visiting the popular tourist spot is like taking a trip back through time.

Unlike Greek amphitheaters nestled on natural slopes, Roman theaters were reinforced by a framework of piers and vaults. They were therefore constructed right in the heart of the city.

The Orange Roman Theatre in Rhone Valley reaped the distinction of being among the World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO. Reading about Roman monuments is riveting enough, but seeing massive theaters up close is awe-inspiring. An imposing structure that served as venue for entertainment for the masses and as an arena for political rhetoric or even propaganda, the ancient theaters at the town center of Orange was built to serve its Roman patrons, who sought to gain control of conquered territories.

Orange Roman Theater’s stage wall measures over 100 meters long and about 37 meters high. Niches, colonnades and statues comprise the stage wall’s facade, which aided in delivering great acoustics. Orange Roman Theater’s stage wall measures over 100 meters long and about 37 meters high. Niches, colonnades and statues comprise the stage wall’s façade, which aided in delivering great acoustics. The structure underwent restoration in the 19th century.

The ancient theater which drew a huge audience during Roman times continues to buzz today with musical events. When planning to watch special events at the theatre, you may opt to get settled at a charming hotel brimming with character nearby, before hieing off to the famous landmark and reminiscing about the golden years of the Roman Empire.