Property Hunting near World Heritage UNESCO Sites
Originally posted on & updated on 2nd November, 2024
France is home to no less than forty-five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the countries with the most sites in the world! From ancient monuments to amazing landscapes, France’s World Heritage Sites offer a glimpse into the country’s diverse heritage and contributions to humanity. This article explores some of the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites anyone visiting or living in France should visit.
The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley, located in central France, is a truly breathtaking region famous for its picturesque villages, vineyards, and classic chateaux. Throughout history, the Loire Valley has been a favourite hunting ground for French nobles and Kings, who built many magnificent chateaux along the river. In 2000, the Loire Valley was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List to recognise its exceptional beauty and importance.
Pont du Gard in Occitanie
The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct in the Occitanie region of southern France. It was built in the 1st century AD and is considered one of the most remarkable engineering feats of the ancient world. The aqueduct was part of a system used to transport water from a spring near Uzès to the city of Nîmes, fifty kilometres away. The Pont du Gard was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, and we currently list a historical chateau and large Domaine in close proximity to the aqueduct and the nearby river; you can watch the video on our YouTube channel.
Prehistoric Sites of the Vézère Valley
The Vézère Valley in Nouvelle-Aquitaine has an astonishing collection of prehistoric sites. These sites, which date back over 400,000 years, are fascinating from an ethnological and anthropological point of view because of their cave paintings, especially those of the Lascaux Cave. These magnificent works of art provide a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of our ancient ancestors and continue to captivate visitors from around the world.
Worth a visit is the small town of Rouffignac, boasting a spectacular display of ancient mammoth depictions with intricate engraved figures and stunning renderings. The Vézère Valley has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
The Cave of Lascaux in Dordogne
The Cave of Lascaux, nestled in the picturesque Dordogne is a true marvel of prehistoric art. First discovered in 1940, these incredible cave paintings, which date back over 17,000 years, are nothing short of extraordinary. These ancient masterpieces depict a range of hunting scenes with around a hundred majestic animals, including horses, bison, and deer, in such intricate detail and rich colours that it’s hard to believe they were created so long ago. Indeed, the Cave of Lascaux is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable examples of prehistoric art in the world. It’s no wonder this incredible site was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 and continues to attract visitors from all around the planet.
Carcassonne Castle City
Carcassonne, a medieval walled city perched on a hilltop in the Aude department, is a wonderful display of fortified architecture from the Middle Ages. This citadel, constructed in the 13th century, is an absolute marvel with its three kilometres of walls, 52 towering towers, and an impressive castle officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Carcassonne Castle is widely considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. With its rich history and everlasting charm, Carcassonne is a must-visit destination for any traveller passionate about history and architecture.
The Historic Centre of Avignon
The Historic Centre of Avignon is just a beautiful and charming medieval city located in the picturesque southern region of Occitanie. With its rich history and culture, Avignon served as the residence of the popes during the 14th century and continues to boast numerous significant historical landmarks that are truly awe-inspiring. The Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon are famous landmarks full of history and architectural elegance. In 1995, the city received the UNESCO World Heritage status, a testament to its beauty and historical significance. Many fans of French culture will recognise the well-known children’s song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”. The song has been featured in various shows and movies, including The Simpsons and Star Trek. For those who are interested in singing and learning French at the same time, here is the story of the song with the lyrics.
Wine Producing Saint-Emilion
Nestled in the heart of the scenic Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France and situated near the charming city of Bordeaux, the Saint-Emilion region boasts an idyllic landscape of rolling vineyards, stately estates, and quaint villages. This picturesque wine-growing area is full of history, with landmarks dating back centuries, and is renowned for producing classic, high-quality wines. So much so that in 1999, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage site list - a testament to its exceptional beauty and cultural significance.
Iconic Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy
Mont-Saint-Michel is an iconic gravity-defying abbey on a small tidal island off the coast of Normandy. This ancient structure, constructed in the 8th century, is situated on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by magnificent medieval walls and imposing fortifications. Thanks to its unique history, architecture, and cultural significance, the site has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Every year, millions of visitors marvel at this incredible masterpiece of creativity and ingenuity.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a magnificent architectural masterpiece with an impressive array of palaces, gardens, and fountains. This mind-boggling complex served as the official residence of French monarchs during the 17th and 18th centuries and boasts a truly jaw-dropping grandeur. With more than 700 rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Chapel, the palace is an unparalleled display of opulence and luxury. Versailles was given a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing in 1979 and continues to be one of France’s most highly coveted tourist destinations today.
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture, constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries. This stunning cathedral boasts intricate stained-glass windows, soaring vaulted ceilings, and an impressive collection of sculptures and artworks. Chartres Cathedral has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and is considered one of France’s most significant religious sites.
Medieval Provins
The charming medieval town of Provins is located about 80 kilometres southeast of Paris in the department of Seine-et-Marne. This town has several well-preserved historic structures, such as the Caesar’s Tower, the Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church, and the ramparts that enclose it. The Ville-Haute (Upper Town), the older part of the city, sits on a hill and is partly surrounded by medieval walls dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The Upper Town is dominated by a 12th-century keep known as the Tour de César, built on a Roman fort site.
France is home to a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s incredible past and cultural heritage. From the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel to the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, these sites are a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture.
If you are passionate about France and its history and looking to buy a property in a strategic area and base to reach France’s varied and various corners, try our draw-map to identify areas and potential properties. If you’re unfamiliar with the country, discover the thirteen regions and register for our monthly newsletter (free) and/or property alerts based on your search criteria.
© Copyright my-french-house.com™ Ltd, all rights reserved. This article and the image may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed, partly or entirely, without prior written permission.
Search, Save and Review
