Take a History Focused French Vacation
People go to France for any number of reasons, the food, the culture, the romance. But, going to France for the purpose of learning, well, that might be a new idea. France is rife with historic imagery, architecture, and stories. When you take a history focused French vacation you will be able to embrace all that makes France incredible.
Consider the famous people who live there. You can venture to the Pouy-sur-Vannes to see Juan Pablo Molyneux’s newest architectural endeavor, his chateau located on the outskirts of Paris. Or visit his studio in the Marais District. These are visions of beauty you will get nowhere else in the world. But, Juan Pablo Molyneux is not all that France has to offer.
5 Historic French Stops
While you are in France you must make sure to see these five places. They are the epitome of French life and history and will certainly compliment your adventures to see Molyneux’s work.
- Eiffel Tower- No trip to France is complete if you fail to see the Eiffel Tower. Located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. The tower was later opened by King Edward VII.
- Orsay Museum- Housed in a former, late 1800s to early 1900s, railway station on the left side of the Seine, the Musee d’ Orsay is well worth your patronage. The art enclosed within its walls is from 1914 back to 1848. And, the largest number of post-impressionist and impressionist art work is protected within its structure. Artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir are on display there. Click here to see some of these artists’ works.
- The Louvre- Both a historic monument and the world’s largest museum, the Louvre is spectacular. With roughly 35,000 pieces of art, this museum is the second most visited one on Earth. Its artwork ranges from the present all the way back to prehistory (before things were dated). Located on the right side of the Seine, this is a must see location while in France. Read more about it here.
- Notre Dame Cathedral- A Medieval Catholic church, Notre Dame Cathedral is thought to be one of the most resplendent representations of Gothic French architecture. Its incredible stained glass and statues contrast the earlier designs found in Romanesque architecture. It is located on Ile de la Cite’s eastern end. Maurice de Sully, a Parisian bishop, commissioned its building in 1160 atop two previous structures. The history behind this landmark is fascinating. You can learn more by clicking this.
- Sacre Coeur Basilica– Also known as the Sacred Heart of Paris, the Sacre Coeur Basilica is a Catholic church devoted to the sacred heart of Jesus. Located at the top of the butte Montmartre, the church is the highest place in the city. It represents both cultural and political value to the people of France. The domed architecture and immensity of the structure will surely draw you in, but the beautiful historicity there will captivate you all the more. Read this to better understand its value.
Picking only five places to include on this list was a challenge. Surely there are a number of other magnificent pieces of French history that you should endeavor to visit while on your vacation in France. But, you’ll have to ask around or do your own research to learn more.