France Sights

France - the concentration of a great number of cultural values, virtually every city, and sometimes small villages, constitute a veritable museum of history and culture. In addition to the countless cultural relics and ancient civilizations, the country has excellent natural conditions - snow-white slopes of the Alpine mountains, beautiful beaches of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, medieval castles, vast vineyards and charming old distillery, as well as many places connected with life and activity of various historical figures.

Cultural Center of the country, of course, is noisy and chaotic Paris - the capital of France from the tenth century. Mr. e. literally crowded with millions of tourists from all over the world. Sightseeing in Paris, there are literally everywhere. Islands Cité and Saint-Louis form a historical center. At the Cité is Notre Dame (Notre-Dame de Paris ") -" the heart of Paris. " This Catholic church, founded in 1160 and unfinished only in 1245, is skirted basilica (length - 130 meters, width - 108 m, internal height - 35 m), is a masterpiece of Gothic art. Cathedral literally affects its magnificent towers, bell tower, gallery, stained glass and decorated with statues of the portals. Before the cathedral is a small circle with a mark of "0 km." - The origin of distances across France. Nearby is the oldest prison and Paris - Conciergerie.

The main tourist part of town is on the right bank of the Seine. Here lies the former royal residence, and now one of the largest and richest museums in the world - the Louvre. Today we have gathered about 300 thousand works of all styles and periods of world art from antiquity and ending with the middle of the XIX century, united in a 7 "departments" - painting, drawing, sculpture, applied arts, as well as Eastern, Greek and Roman antiquity, the ancient Egyptian collection. Not far from the Louvre and other monuments are located along the right bank - Market, Temple, Arch of Triumph Square de Gaulle (elevation - 49,54 m, width - 45 meters, height of arch - 29.19 pm) with the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame , "the most beautiful street of the world - the Champs-Elysees, where there are luxury stores, car dealerships, famous restaurants and cafes, as well as the residence of the President of France - Elysee Palace and government agencies. In the same area is a large arch of La Défense - the biggest business center in Europe, "Grand Arch" with transparent walls, the Place de la Concorde (one of the biggest areas of Paris - 84 ths. M.) with an ancient Luxor column, the largest opera house in the world - Opera Garnier, the futuristic National Museum of Contemporary Art ( "Pompidou Center") in the Beaubourg quarter (one of the oldest parts of Paris), in the exposition which paintings and sculptures of the twentieth century. Not far away are History Museum of Paris "Carnival" with a collection of interiors of royal apartments, the city layout and furniture and everyday life, bright Fountain Tingelli "and a small private museum of dolls. And on the way from the Louvre to the Champs-Elysees, in the garden of the Tuileries, there are small buildings of the Museum of Impressionism and the National Museum Orangerie de Tuileries. In the area of Mare ( "swamp") interested in Place des Vosges (Royal Square) with red-white pavilions of the King and Queen and a museum of Victor Hugo.

On the left, over the high bank of the Seine, is a famous Eiffel Tower (1889, with antenna height 320 m), Palais de Chaillot, Invalides with Napoleon's tomb and the Cathedral, the Pantheon - the Temple of Glory for the burial of the great men of the country, with tombs Rousseau Zola, Curie, Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Mirabeau and others, as well as the Sorbonne (University of Paris, 1215) - one of the largest educational and scientific centers in the world on whose territory the Church of the Sorbonne, with the tomb of Cardinal Richelieu. Be sure to visit the Field of Mars and Lyuksembursky garden. National Museum of the Middle Ages ( "The Baths of Cluny, 1843) located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, on the spot, where the Roman baths, the remains of which still remain and are now part of the museum exhibition, famous collection of tapestries, paintings, works of applied art and wooden religious sculpture of the Middle Ages.

The highest point in Paris - Montmartre ( "Hill of Martyrs", 129 meters), which runs the funicular. Montmartre is a symbol of French culture, a haven for artists and musicians. Symbol of Montmartre - Sacre-Coeur Basilica (1876-1919 gg.), With a beautiful panorama of Paris. Next to the basilica - the area of the hill where the street artists are working, but here there are many souvenir shops and small restaurants. Nearby - museum of Montmartre, the area Abessive the town council and an unusual church of St. John the Divine from the red-brick square Marcel Aime the monument depicting the half-emerged from the walls of Rights (the illustration to the story of M. Aime), as well as the Place du Tertre with the legendary cabaret Artful rabbit. If you go down to the Place Pigalle on the street. Germain Pilon, then open the famous cabaret Moulin Rouge ", and on the street Lepic is the only true windmill town - Moulin de la Galette. There will also be erected a "Wall of Love" an area of 40 square meters. meters, covered by the phrase "I love you" in 311 languages, including Braille for the blind, as well as in sign language for the dumb.

Paris - currently the focus of museums and exhibitions. In the Louvre are more than 300 permanent exhibits, among which the most interesting monumental art museum of France with an extensive collection of copies of French models of historical monuments and buildings, Musée Nissim de Camondo - works of decorative art of XVIII century., City gallery on the Rue Dauphine, Mazarin , Bozar and the Avenue Matignon and Montaigne - Contemporary sculpture and painting, National Museum of Oriental Art (GLEAM) - Oriental art from Afghanistan to Japan, the National Museum of folk art and tradition - a vast collection of traditional crafts and historic objects, Army Museum in the nursing home - a large collection of weapons, armor, ammunition and banners of the Middle Ages, and Rodin Museum entirely devoted to the famous sculptor, also here a good collection of Impressionists. Interestingly Grand Palais ( "Grand Palace") - a magnificent architectural structure and location of permanent displays and exhibitions, the Museum of Painting d'Orsay in the old station - one of the best museums in France, with an extensive and varied collection, the original Wine Museum is dedicated to the history of French wine starting from the XIV century. and has a small tasting room, a unique museum of coins in the old Mint (XVIII cent.), a unique Postal Museum in Montparnasse and many others.

Equally good and the suburbs of Paris. Versailles - the most famous example of the palace and park architecture in Europe. This is a great seat of French kings - Palace of Versailles, a facade which has a length of 680 meters, a large park (100 hectares), the Fountain of Latona and many other beautiful fountains that served as prototypes of Peterhof, a garden near the lake, many lawns, "stalls" and plant architecture "bosquets" the most unimaginable forms, artificial grottoes, many sculptures, the royal house and many restaurants in the most picturesque places of the park. Summer of Versailles grandiose light music show "Sound and light". Malmaison is a beautiful palace complex with a huge park and fountains. The small town of Rambouillet, southwest of Paris, the summer residence of French presidents, famous for its castle Rambouillet (XIV century.), A huge English park and beautiful lake. Palace of Fontainebleau served as a hunting residence of French kings, beginning with the XII century, now houses the Museum of furniture, carpets and paintings, carefully groomed huge gardens and parks, as well as the famous "France Miniature" - a small (1:30) A copy of France. To the south-west of Paris is famous Chartres, famous for its cathedral of Notre-Dame (Chartres Cathedral ", XII cent.), The walls and towers which adorns many" gargoyles "- fantastic animals and demons, as if coming down from the engravings by Durer.

But the largest number of visitors attracted Evrodisneylend (32 km. From Paris in the town of Marne-la-Vallée) - the largest in Europe (1943 hectare) amusement park. This is not an easy park and the whole country, conventionally divided into five "countries - countries adventures Edvencherlend," the fantasy "Fentezilend", the country of the future "Diskaverilend" country "Wild West" - "Frontirlend and main street - Maine Street. Here, daily work, hundreds of attractions, parades and shows, running a real train, floating pirate frigates and ship time, Mark Twain, kuryatsya geysers and "explode" volcanoes, opened the cave of treasures, a team of true tunnels and suspension bridges as well as "live" a multitude of wild animal and fairy tale characters, from Snow White and Quasimodo to the heroes Indiana Jones and "Star Wars" Lucas. In order not entangled in this extravaganza of rides at the entrance necessarily need to take the map!

Sea coast of France stretches to 3120 kilometers. Gloomy rocks of Brittany, the long ridge of the dunes of the Atlantic, beautiful beaches and coves of the Mediterranean, the beautiful coast of Corsica and the south-eastern Cote d'Azur (Riviera), attracting millions of tourists.

Relatively small area, just a hundred kilometers of the coast from Yeresa to Mentone, sheltered from north winds and the Alps mountain range Mercantour - Cote d'Azur, has long been turned into a "Europe-wide recreation center." All the coast is strewn with luxurious hotels, restaurants, private beaches, boutiques and expensive villas. There are many historical monuments - the old Cathedral Grasse, Valbonne Abbey, a fortified monastery Lerenov, Fort Monalbana, Simiezsky monastery, church Lyuserama, the Church of Bar-sur-Loup, as well as beautiful natural attractions - Gorge de Restefon-Bonnett is the highest Alpine gorge ( 2802 m high), a picturesque gorge de Tende, pure mountain streams and numerous waterfalls.

Nice - "capital" of the Cote d'Azur, Nestled on the shore of the bay Baie-des-Angez ( "Bay of Angels"), surrounded by the foothills of the Alpes-Maritimes. The heart of the city - Central Quay Promenade des Anglais - a luxurious seaside boulevard 5 km in length., An ideal place for hiking and recreation. The city has many palaces, churches and museums - the famous Opera of Nice, Valroz Palace, Cathedral of St. Reparata (XVII cent.) And St. Maarten, kugurdonov House, Chapel of Mercy, Hill Chateau with a lock, a beautiful park and waterfall, the Museum of Contemporary Art ( MAMAC), Matisse Museum with one of the best exposures of this artist, Observatory, St. Joan of Arc, Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Marc Chagall's paintings at seventeen stories from the Old Testament, illustrations, gouache, drawing and lithographs of the great master. Palais des Congres "Acropolis" - the center of business tourism in the region, regularly conducting various exhibitions and performances. In conjunction with the National Theater of Nice and the Museum of Modern Art, the Palace complex of buildings forms a colorful Promenade D'Art. City full of beautiful parks and gardens with statues and fountains. In the East lies the hill Simiez, which settled on the slopes of the Roman arena and nine palaces, Belle Epoque, Hotel Regina - the residence of Queen Victoria, Simiezsky monastery with magnificent altar and luxury villas, and in the Park "Floral Phoenix is a tropical garden" Green Diamond ", which presents many exotic fish, birds and butterflies. To the west lies the set of places of memory, reminiscent of Russia - turned into a park Lyceum Imperial Palace, serving the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas Avenue Tsarevich (1912), which is called "Moscow in the heart of Nice." Here is buried the Grand Duke Nicholas and his wife, as well as many Russian emigres. Not far from Nice is Saint-Marie-de-la-Mer, where thousands of Gypsies gather annually to pay homage to their patroness - St. Sarah.

Cannes (Cannes), located only 27 km. from Nice on the coast Napulskoy bay. It is a city of festivals and all kinds of architectural monuments, magnificent sandy beaches and churches, chapels and ancient houses. The main street of the city - Quay La Croisette - venue for all celebrations and a favorite tourist destination. Among other interesting sights of the picturesque peak of Palm Beach, Palais des Festivals and the Avenue of Stars, Red Ladder, Liberty Avenue and Castle-Museum of the XII century on a hill Syuke where stretch ski lift, founded the Grand Duke Mikhailovich Mikhailov Golf Club, Oberzhe Provence "- the oldest restaurant in Cannes, Hotel Royal Casino and the famous Carlton. Excursions by boat to the island Lerens, famous for its eucalyptus forest and the local liqueur, a secret closely guarded by the resident monks as well as the fact that there is a famous castle, which was entered into the mysterious prisoner of the "Iron Mask". Nearby is Monte Carlo, and between Cannes and Nice is one of the biggest and best in Europe, thalassotherapy and fitness centers - Biovimer.

Menton - the most western resort of Riviera, located on the border with Italy. Mentone is called "capital of lemons," she is known for its cathedral of Saint-Michel, the grand villa Fontanaroza, casino and international music festivals, as well as scenic waterfront Promenade du Solyuil in the old part of town.

Antibes (ancient Antipolis) - the "young" city of the Riviera and the center of yachting. There are many clubs, restaurants, bars and discos. The most striking landmarks of the city include the Grimaldi Castle (XII century.) Picasso Museum, fortifications Vauban, villa Thenardite, the Cathedral, a magnificent Provencal market, floral park a 5-hectare area and arboretum (2 thousand species of trees), Napoleon, museums, Sea Museum and the Museum of Payne. In the city of wonderful sandy beaches, has its own water park and Dolphinarium.

At the world famous resorts and other wonderful Cote d'Azur - Grasse with the International Museum of Perfume and the famous perfume factories "Fragonard" and "Melinar," the center of secular life - Saint-Tropez, fashionable (and terribly expensive), Villefranche-Sur-Mer, one of the the most elegant resorts of the Mediterranean - Juan-les-Pins, a quiet "family" Golf-Juan, City Cafe Saint-Raphael, "city of the future" Villeneuve-Lobe and others in the coastal department of Nim-Garonne also sosredotochno many monuments of the Roman era - circus , viaducts, villas, etc.

Atlantic Côte d'Argens (Silver Beach) - is an endless 230-mile wide beach with soft sand. To stop the movement of dunes in the region, in the XIX century. here were planted pine forest and pinievye, transformed today into a continuous forest - the largest in France. Dune de Pyla is the highest in Europe, and the whole chain of dunes stretching along Bassen d'Arkashon for many miles. From the dunes offers a fantastic view of Cap Ferrat and Arcachon with their beautiful yacht parking lots and villas. Part of a huge (about 250 square meters. Kms.) Gulf Bassen reserved for the oyster farm, the largest in Europe. Gems of the Silver Bank is a historic town with its MIMIZAN MIMIZAN-beach and the charming port quays. In towns and Ossegor Capbreton, razdelennyyh only yacht parking, interesting houses in the Basque style among the old pines.

One of the most beautiful cities of the coast of the Bay of Biscay is Biarritz, a former well-known European resort in the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1854, for the wife of Napoleon III here in the spurs of the Pyrenees, was built Villa Eugenia, on the spot where now stands Hotel du Palace - a traditional meeting place of "high society" of the country. The city has a picturesque lighthouse, Sea Museum, the Museum of miniature cars, a lot of boutiques, restaurants, tea shops, and bars interspersed with quaint villas and small palaces, in which kings and princes stayed during the holidays. Biarritz is famous talassoterapevtichesky Institute Luizon Bob ", offers a wide range of procedures, as well as many balnealogical hospitals. Cliffs, framed by sandy beaches that adorn the nearby coast to Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the Spanish border.

Burgundy - a historical province of France, crossing roads and civilizations of northern and southern Europe, located around the Morvan massif in the basin of the river Seine, famous for its lakes and vineyards. This is a unique and blessed land, a glorious golden villages, ancient castles and churches, culinary traditions and rivers. Near Saens many lakes, the area Charolais - is the green pastures and meadows. In the heart of Burgundy, the region neuritis, located Morvan National Park, which organizes horse riding and trekking. Historic monuments (which in Burgundy so much that about her saying that she "does not fit within its borders") scattered throughout its territory - the Church of St. Mary in grapes (Oxon), Church of the de Brou, the ancient buildings of Bresse, Wesel and Saint-Pierre Fontenay Abbey (founded in 1119, was taken under the auspices of UNESCO in 1981) and others Cluny monastery, founded in 910 near Macon, has always been a center of intellectual and cultural life. He and today is visited annually by more than 60 thousand pilgrims from around the world. Castle Cochet (XI cent.) Situated in the department of Saone-et-Loire, is a well-preserved fortress with a grand dungeon, prison tower, deep dungeons, and this drawbridge. Chateau Saint-Pointe-style Gothic troubadour, with a strong dungeon, gallery and crenellated walls, it is known that its owner was a famous French poet and politician of XIX century. Alphonse de Lamartine, whose tomb is also located here. One of the main castles Macon County - Boerse-le-Chatel, famous for its chapel, preserved from the X century, as well as three rings of walls, built in the XIII century.

Business Card Burgundy - her fault. Continuous strip from north to south stretch the famous vineyards, wine making is an ancient center of Beaune, still retained the influence of Flemish culture, especially in architecture. In the Middle Ages to defend the deep moat and fortified castle, whose ramparts and watch towers and now adorn the cityscape, and its ditches and canals turned into parks and gardens. Be sure to visit the museum of wine or Burgundy wine cellar "kava", as well as surrounding villages, each with its own architecture and its local variety of wine.

Chablis is also known since the Roman dominion. He praised the monks of the abbey Sito, the result is unparalleled wine "Chablis" from the vine "Pinot Noir" are delivered to the royal table. Among the attractions of the city - Collegiate Church of St. Martin (XII century.) Luxury triptych almshouses (XII cent.) With the chapel of St. John the Baptist (XIV century). And shopping arcade Le Petit Pontin, which held traditional banquets, performances and culinary techniques "during the holiday wine (celebrated annually in recent Sunday in November).

The main town of this historic area - Dijon. Evidence of its glorious past are Moiseya wells, tombs, dukes, Rollin AUTUN Museum, the Museum of Dijon (second in the richness of exposure among provincial museums in the country), the Gothic church of Notre Dame (XIII cent.), On the facade of which are clock Jacquemart "(1383 g .), the center of reformism - the Cathedral of St. Benigni, the old castle of the Dukes of Burgundy, now a Museum of Fine Arts, the ruins of the monastery Shanmol (XIV century.) Mustard Museum, Archaeological Museum, etc. In the center of the city remained a lot of private houses built in the XVI -XVII centuries. Dijon is not the center of winemaking, but around him are such famous vineyards as Côte de Bryuilli, Pouilly-sur-Loire, Latour, Côte de Nyuts, Côte de Beaune, Jon, Chatillon, Chalon and Beaujolais.

Provence - is more than 900 km. beaches and coves of the Cote d'Azur to the Camargue, thousands of kilometers of mountain slopes of the Alps, just an hour away from the beach, buried in the hills of vineyards, castles and olive groves. Here you can find many interesting things - you can visit the most extensive area of wine in Provence - Cote de Provence, Bandol and Côtes du Rhône, the Roman monuments Glanuma, olive groves (you can even see the production of oil by hand), the canyon of the river Verdon, pottery Workshops Mousterian or Apt, Oban, where they make unique porcelain miniatures of the palace-fortress of Dad, little villages Lubéron, the Roman amphitheater in Arles and Nimes, the grotto near Aix, in which hid Maria Magdalena, a vast basilica of Saint-Maxime, villa or Vezona XVII century mansions in Mirabeau.

In the delta of the Rhone region in the west lies the famous Camargue Biosphere Reserve is inhabited by pink flamingos and more than 300 species of migratory birds live here the only southern European population of beavers, as well as water turtles and the famous white horses. Along the coast from the mouth of the Rhone to Saint-Marie-de-la-Mer stretched wide sandy beaches, and the Riviera - is also Provence.

Marseille - the second largest city in France and a huge port with an ancient history (founded by the Greeks as Masalis in 600 BC. E.), Called the "East Gate". City interesting to visit, to admire the small streets of the Old City ( "pannier"), the old port to Fort St. Jean and St. Nicholas (1660), the symbol of the city - the Roman-Byzantine basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde ( 1853) with a gilded statue of the Blessed Virgin height of 10 meters and a bronze bell weighing over 8 tons, a 17-storey building "Shining City", designed by Le Corbusier.

An integral part of Marcel - markets and fairs. Marseille beaches, of course, is not as good as on the Riviera, but comfortable and clean. Prado Beach, located next to the subway, surrounded by beautiful green lawn, reminiscent of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, pebble de Love is popular with young people, Corbiere, Fortin and de la Battri fine sand. Far from Marseilles are the islands of Friuli, which is an old sanitary complex, as well as the famous island d'If, with its castle-prison, known for the legend of the Count of Monte Cristo. Since the islands have a beautiful view over the city and the bay.

Bordeaux - the eighth largest city in France, located on the south-west of the country near the mouth of the Garonne. It is the center of famous Bordeaux wines and the "gate" in Côte d'Argens. The city can compete with any world capital of its historical monuments and temples - the ruins of the palace Gallieni (III cent.), Grand Theater (1773-1780 gg., Built in the image of the Paris Grand Opera), Cathedral of Saint-Andre (XII-XIV centuries .), a triumphal arch Cayo (built in 1493 to commemorate the victory of Charles VIII under Forné) Archiepiscopal residence Rohan (1771-1781 gg.), the area of Finance (1729-1751 gg.) built on the site of the Roman Church of Port St. Pierre, Palace Square, the Church of Saint Elali, the Church of St. Croix, the Church of Saint-Michel from the highest tower in the south of France (114 m), the largest square in Europe - or esplanade Kenkons Shartron quarter of cobbled streets and many others, do not less interesting monuments.

The most original museum of the city - "Vinorama", in which the wax figures tell the story of winemaking and wine trade in the region. Nearby are magnificent, and "chateau" ( "Castle") - the vineyards of Bordeaux, which are considered among the best vineyards of the world - Chateau Margaux, Medoc, Pessac Leonyan, Grave, From-Briyon, Soterne, Beyshevel, Saint-Julien, Poyyak, Saint - Estèphe, Lafite and Mouton-Rothschild. Each of them not only keeps the ancient traditions of Bordeaux wine, but also embellished with beautiful palaces and mansions XVII-XVIII centuries, the most famous of these is the Palace of Mal, the estate of Montesquieu - La Brad, Chateau Ikem, the medieval fortress on the peninsula Lamarck Medoc Palace Beyshevel (XVIII-XIX cc.) and Kos.

Brittany is surrounded on three sides by the sea and straddles the numerous bays, capes and islands (3700 km. Coastline, together with the islands). From the height of the cliff rock Treverzel or abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel opened vast panorama very rugged terrain, reminiscent of Scotland or Ireland. Human impact has transformed the terrain here is so that Breton landscapes, representing a succession of small fields and meadows with forest and bush bands were even your own name - "Bocage".

The capital of Brittany - a small town of Rennes. By the sights of the town are old wooden houses (XVI-XVIII cc.) Square of St. Anne, Basilica of the Savior, Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the magnificent Palace of Justice, the Museum of Brittany, the Palace Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. In Nantes, be sure to visit the Ducal Castle (XV cent.), Which now houses the Museum of Art, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Maritime Museum, the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul, the church of Sainte-Croix, the Museum of Church Art and City Hall in the XVII. The city is located QUIBERON major center of thalassotherapy "QUIBERON Thalassa.

Normandy is famous for its harsh beauty of the coasts, shadowy forests and prestigious resorts - Deauville, Dieppe, Le-Tuk, Kabura, etc. Here, hundreds of fields, golf, casinos, nightclubs, racetracks and other sporting facilities, and moored off the coast of the whole fleet yachts - is one of the most popular yachting in Europe. Business Card tourist Normandy - granite island with its ancient abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel halfway between Normandy and Brittany. This miracle of architecture at the top of the cliff, which is connected with the shore only a two-kilometer dike, built from the XI to the XVI century. Necessarily pass through the Royal Gate on the streets of Grand Rue, visit the restaurant in a tiny house XV-XVI centuries or crypt Notre Dame under the earth, to climb to the top of the western terrace or visit the casemates of the old state prison.

The largest city in Normandy - the old Rouen. Sights - Notre-Dame Cathedral (founded in XIII century., The basic building XIII-XIV centuries.) Which was executed, Jeanne d'Arc, in honor of which is now called the tower and installed the monument, the University, the Palace of Justice, the church of Saint-Maclay (XV cent.) and Saint-Ouen. From city tours depart on the famous Omaha Beach and other places of the Allied landings during World War II. In the town Villedyu de Paul is one of the oldest in the world shops for casting bells, is also the current museum. In the valley of the River Orne many hot springs, on the basis of which a large number of small resorts.

One of the major tourist centers in the country - Reims, is located on the north-eastern France. This is one of the first centers of Christianity in the country (at the beginning of V in. Here is built the first cathedral) and place of birth of the Kingdom of France. It was here in 496 AD. e. the first Frankish king Clovis to Christianity, and since then there have been anointing the throne for twenty-five kings of France. Here is the "main cathedral of France - The Cathedral of Our Lady of Rheims (1210-1275 gg. Repeatedly rebuilt in the XIV-XV cc.) Longer than 138 m. The richness of the painting of the cathedral, its graceful architecture and beautiful stained glass windows and arches merge into a surprisingly harmonious single ensemble. Near the cathedral is the famous Palace To - the former palace of the archbishops, transformed today into a museum with a treasure of tapestries, liturgical and crown attributes. In 1991, the Cathedral and the Palace To have been taken under protection of UNESCO. Also interesting archaeological excavations of the Roman settlement and the forum, held under the very walls of the cathedral and the ancient Roman arch of Mars (II cent.) And the Abbey of Saint-Remy.

Strasbourg, the capital of a united Europe ", situated in 486 km. from Paris on the border with Germany. The city has been soaking in its appearance influence of French and German cultures, acquired his pronounced individuality. The historical center of Strasbourg is situated on the island (taken under the auspices of UNESCO in 1988) formed by the river Ill and channels. "Big Island" is famous for its numerous historical monuments: the monumental Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame - the highest church in Europe (elevation 142 m) towers in the area of "little French" spider's web of narrow streets, 6 churches and the Palais Rohan (1732 -- 1742.) - the medieval residence of the princes, and the Academy of riding and horse stud d'Arzhanson. Of interest are the former Imperial Palace of the Rhine, the University Library (3 million works!), University Palace with many columns and the National Theater at the former palace of the Seimas of Alsace and Lorraine. Close to the Orangerie park stands the new symbol of the city - a complex of buildings of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights and the Palace of Europe, covering an area of 220 thousand square meters. m. The city has many museums - EVR-Notre-Dame (Alsatian Sculpture and Painting of the Middle Ages), Historical, Archaeological, Museum of Alsace, Zoological and others, as well as theaters, concert halls and art galleries.

Loire Valley for the abundance of royal castles and palaces, often called the "Valley of Castles". Here loom dark and the citadel of Langeais Shannon, and Renaissance palaces Aze-le-Rideau and Chenonceau. Here are dozens of towers crownings Renaissance Chambord, Villandry classic, which is one of the best English country gardens, as well as majestic Blois and Cheverny.

Valley of the river Weser has 147 sites and 25 prehistoric caves dating from the Paleolithic era. Here is a famous cave of Lascaux, which were found about 100 drawings of animals are unmatched by the artists Palaeolithic. Valley is taken under the auspices of UNESCO in 1979

The historic town of Carcassonne, the fortress - one of the oldest cities in the world. It existed on this spot for centuries, in the preceding Roman era, his name has already been mentioned in the scripts as an impregnable fortress. By the end of III. Mr. e. its strength is nasschityvala 36 towers - unprecedented at the time the level of fortification! This is a unique example of a medieval fortified city-fortress, protected by massive walls, within which hid this medieval town with houses, streets and the beautiful Basilica of Saint Nazaire.

Corsica can be rightly counted among the "seven wonders of the world." This turbulent rivers with multicolored pebbles, beautiful beaches, quiet coves and granite rocks, Gulf of Porto, underwater caves, the "lunar landscape" Desert Agriaty, walnut groves Kastanichcha Ridge, Green Mountain Valley Guizzani oak, bay Bonifacio white with steep coastal cliffs, clear mountain lakes Agriat, Melo, Gloria, Nina and Capitelli, mountain Monte Shinto (2710 meters) and 20 mountain peaks exceeding 2 thousand meters, soft muscat wine and the Church of pink and green marble.

The capital of the island - the city of Ajaccio, according to legend, was founded by Ajax, although it is an exaggeration. This is a typical Mediterranean town with narrow streets and the ever-bustling port. By the sights of the city are usually related to City Hall with the Museum of Napoleon Bonaparte's house on the square Leticia, cozy beaches in the numerous coves and picturesque bay. Be sure to visit the town of Calvi - one of the strongholds of the Genoese, here there is an old castle (XIII century.) And the Church of St. John the Baptist (1528). When visiting the island and take a look at the most beautiful port of Corsica - Centuria, with its fortified towers of the old fort, castle ruins, picturesque churches and monasteries as well as in the seaside town of Bastia with palaces and churches, founded by the Genoese in 1380, Capes Zhirolata, Porto, natural Reserve Skandola and Piana Kalanches taken under the auspices of UNESCO in 1983.