There are some French castles which breathe history, the past seeps into their weathered stones and whispers to you of wars and triumphs. Their high, centuries old towers stand tall, the walls keep constant watch and the green grass underfoot has never forgotten the spilled blood from invasions and treachery. But a castle fortress, a […]
Château de Clisson Continue reading
Mounted on a steep and rocky promontory overlooking the Alleuze River, is the 12th century Château d’Alleuze. Once a busy castle stronghold overrun by soldiers, it now lies in ruins. Its thick stone walls have seen and heard battles and destruction but now, it is a lovely, quiet place to visit and reflect on the
The Château d’Alleuze Continue reading
Before Gustave Eiffel built towers, he built bridges. There are hundreds of steel bridges in France, Portugal, Brazil and even China, designed and constructed by his engineering company in the second half of the 19th century. Towering 120 metres high over the Truyère river, the Viaduc de Garabit is perhaps the most marvellous of them
Viaduc de Garabit Continue reading
From medieval stone crypts to soaring Gothic arches, from carved rose windows to sky-high spires. the cathedrals of France are simply magnificent. There is no other place in the world where the steeples of bell towers dot every corner of the landscape, or as the French saying goes, de clocher en clocher . Every small village has its church, and every region has at least one glorious cathedral rising to the heavens. There are almost 200 exquisite cathedrals to explore. Here is my list of the 10 most beautiful cathedrals in France.
The 10 most beautiful cathedrals in france Continue reading
There are so many beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley, it’s difficult to choose which to visit. The Royal Château of Blois is not the prettiest, but it has been the home of no less than seven French kings and ten queens, and its imposing architecture represents four distinct architectural periods. “The châteaux of few country towns can boast so many and so important events, so long a list of illustrious inmates, or so large a collection of historical recollections, as that of Blois”.
Top 5 Historical Sites in france – Château of Blois Continue reading
Rising majestically from the banks of the river Gardon, the Pont du Gard is the highest Roman aqueduct in the world. It was the most significant section of a 50 kilometre long aqueduct which channeled water from the Eure springs near Uzès to Nîmes, or Nemausus as it was known to the Romans. Built halfway through the
Top 5 historic sites in France – Pont du Gard Continue reading