To many, France is the land of chic cafes, world-class art, and an undeniable presence of love in the air. But what lots of people don’t realize is that it is full of World Heritage Sites as well. In fact, there are some 39 World Heritage Sites, and nearly the same number of properties that have been submitted to the tentative list. Of these, there are 35 cultural attractions, 3 natural attractions, and 1 mixed. You can’t go wrong with visiting any of these incredible destinations, but here are 7 of my top picks for France’s most impressive World Heritage Sites:

Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley – The valley is home to 25 caves and nearly 150 total sites that have been recorded for their archeological importance. The noteworthy Lascaux Cave has a brightly colored hunting mural that depicts over 100 animals in great detail.

Palace and Park of Versailles – Lavish gardens and water fountains are just two of the features at this grandiose property that was home to France’s royal families for many years. The Palace is open to visitors daily and hosts rotating exhibitions, like the current one titled, “The 18h Century, the Origins of Design.”

Lagoons of New Caledonia – The world’s third largest population of manatees resides in the waters off New Caledonia, along with turtles, whales, and other threatened marine species. The coral reefs and ecosystems here are considered some of the most extensive on the planet.

Amiens Cathedral – Dating back some 700+ years, the Amiens Cathedral has a distinguishable Gothic design that makes an immediate impact on visitors. The original building was destroyed by a fire in 1218, and a rivalry among neighboring cities led to the creation of this stunning cathedral in Picardy.

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes – The river Loire is in itself a beautiful attraction, and it adds noticeable charm to the historical towns it runs along, like Chinon, Saumur, and Blois. The Château de Chambord may be the area’s most famous attraction.

Historic Site of Lyon – Since being founded in 1 B.C., Lyon has continued to be relevant in European affairs, which means the city is rich with architectural designs that reflect the changing trends of the last 2,000 years. It is a visual feast for anyone who enjoys architecture.

Gulf of Port: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve – This nature reserve is located on the island of Corsica, within the Regional Natural Park of Corsica. The scrubland vegetation and dramatic white- and red-colored rock cliffs are set against clear ocean waters that is home to abundant wildlife.

If you’re planning a trip to France, don’t forget to study the language before you go. It will help you immensely as you travel around the country, exploring its many centuries-old attractions like those listed here. Contact us to learn more about small group lessons, online courses, and even self study options. We look forward to hearing from you!