France: the best places that only the locals know and that every tourist should 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 Orsay Museum 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 the hands of the enemy. Red sandstones were used to build the walls of the perfect 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 castle serves as a hunting lodge and refuge for King Francis I. The castle has 440 rooms and a large stable with capacity for 1,200 horses, as well as the largest enclosed park in Europe with 5,440 hectares of land hunting. A day at the Chateau will not be complete without horse and carriage rides, walking trails and bike paths.
Mont Saint Michel – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Another UNESCO World Heritage site that is 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 during high tide it hides it in turn. Visiting the abbey will allow visitors to see the statue of 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 city. Inside 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. One could see the rooms as well as part of the area of the battlements. From the left bank, you could also visit the Ville Basse which was built during the 13th century and which today houses hotels, as well as shops and markets.